lutzzz
Senior Cook
A great source of BBQ information can be found here: http://www.eaglequest.com/~bbq/
Their updated FAQ #2 can be found here: http://www.eaglequest.com/~bbq/faq2/
The section pertaining to ribs: http://www.eaglequest.com/~bbq/faq2/10-1.html#10.1.1
Specifically:
Since collagen (connective tissues) doesn't begin breaking down until between 160 and 170 degrees... these site recommendations don't even call for cooking to a temperature to begin this process. Of course you'll need a knife to separate the ribs.... and a good pair of teeth and strong jaws to chew the meat with too .
Perhaps the ahhh hummmm searching for the best word to use here... ah, the "confusion" (that's it.. confusion) here comes from different definitions of "tender"?
To some that must mean they can cut them with a sharp knife? And to others (including me) it means I can loosen and perhaps pull the bone out with my fingers, and break the ribs apart by bending them...
It's all "relative" I guess.
Their updated FAQ #2 can be found here: http://www.eaglequest.com/~bbq/faq2/
The section pertaining to ribs: http://www.eaglequest.com/~bbq/faq2/10-1.html#10.1.1
Specifically:
I'd be a bit "skeptical" of the information provided in the two sites HanArt references. Among other things, they recommend cooking to "a temperature of 155 degrees"..."Most racks of ribs of 3 pounds and under will be done in approximately 3.5 to 4 hours at 200 to 225F. If the ribs are extra plump and thick it can help to bump the temperature to 250F. Baby backs will take 30 to 45 minutes less. In any case, the ribs are done when the meat is tender and will easily pull away from the bone. When they reach that point, take them out immediately."
Since collagen (connective tissues) doesn't begin breaking down until between 160 and 170 degrees... these site recommendations don't even call for cooking to a temperature to begin this process. Of course you'll need a knife to separate the ribs.... and a good pair of teeth and strong jaws to chew the meat with too .
Perhaps the ahhh hummmm searching for the best word to use here... ah, the "confusion" (that's it.. confusion) here comes from different definitions of "tender"?
To some that must mean they can cut them with a sharp knife? And to others (including me) it means I can loosen and perhaps pull the bone out with my fingers, and break the ribs apart by bending them...
It's all "relative" I guess.
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