St. Louis-style ribs are iconic in barbecue culture, particularly in the American Midwest. We call them St. Louis ribs because—as far as we know—they originate in the city of St. Louis, Missouri. However, their distinctive cut and flavor have brought them well beyond St. Louis, all the way to our BBQ restaurant in Salem, NH!
St. Louis-style ribs are a favorite at our BBQ restaurant in Salem, NH. Join us as we explore what makes these ribs unique.
Origins of the Cut
St. Louis-style ribs are a variation of spare ribs. To make the cut, butchers remove the rib tips and cartilage from the lower end of the spare ribs. The process results in a rectangular slap of ribs that are easier to handle, cook, and present.
This cut became popular in St. Louis during the mid-20th century. Local butchers and chefs who wanted to streamline the barbecue cooking process. Removing the rib tips makes the ribs more uniform and allows them to cook more evenly, which is especially helpful for large barbecue operations.
Development in St. Louis
We don’t know the precise origins of the St. Louis-style rib cut. However, the general consensus is that they first developed in St. Louis in the 1950s or 1960s. Butchers and chefs wanted a cleaner, more manageable cut for barbecuing. Local barbecue restaurants quickly started to favor the cut, and St. Louis-style ribs gained a reputation for their tender meat, uniform shape, and great flavor.
Many sources suggest that the popularity of St. Louis-style ribs is closely linked to the rise of the city’s barbecue culture, which is deeply rooted in the region’s history. St. Louis, being centrally located and with a large working-class population, became an essential hub for the development of American barbecue, especially in the post-World War II era.
St. Louis Barbecue and Sauce
In addition to the cut itself, St. Louis-style ribs also use a particular style of barbecue sauce. It’s typically a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy tomato-based sauce with a thicker consistency than other regional barbecue sauces. Applying the sauce to the ribs during the grilling or smoking process creates a flavorful glaze that complements the smoky meat.
Beyond St. Louis to Our BBQ Restaurant in Salem, NH
While the St. Louis-style rib cut is most closely associated with St. Louis, its popularity has spread far beyond the city. Today, St. Louis-style ribs are served at barbecue joints across the United States, including at Border Brewery & BBQ! Next time you visit us, you have to give these ribs a try!
