Here’s what you gotta know to prepare delicious ribs safely.
Cooking ribs at homewhether in asmoker, on a grill, or in the ovenis relatively easy.
Before the cooking begins, however, you must know how to best prepare the ribs.
Credit:Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Props Stylist: Christina Brockman
The question is: to rinse or not to rinse.
Rinsing ribs is not only unnecessary, its potentially a health risk.
Do Ribs Need To Be Rinsed?
Carr says ribs do not need to be rinsed.
The meat specialist adds: Rinsing raw meat only creates the opportunity for contaminating the rest of your kitchen.
Other foods in your home can also be susceptible to this bacteria.
Does Rinsing Increase The Risk Of Contamination?
Carr is clear that rinsing ribs increases the risk of contamination, reiteratingUSDA guidelinesabout rinsing meat.
Since juices can flow and migrate, its important to be extremely thorough.
Be sure to wash the areaand your handsthoroughly after the membrane has been removed and discarded.
The USDA recommends cooking pork ribs to an internal temperature of145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ribs may becooked in the oven, low and slow.
Or they can be braised or cooked until the meat is falling off the bone in your slow cooker.
Season ribs and grill for eight or so hours.
And dont forget the sauce!
Ribs go great with a classic sweet barbecue sauce, anAlabama white, or a tangyNorth Carolina vinegar sauce.
