Comparing St Louis-style ribs vs. baby back, the most apparent visual difference is the shape.
What are St. Louis Ribs?
St Louis ribs come from the belly side of the pig. Once the belly has been removed, the butcher has easy access to the ribs from the pig’s underside. These ribs have many connective tissues and tough cartilage attached to them that is usually removed by cutting down the surrounding tissue. These are partly a flat rib type, and they have a lot of fat on them. That extra fat makes them sweet and flavorful but not a very healthy option.
What Are Baby Back Ribs?
Do baby back ribs come from baby pigs? However, that’s not the case. These ribs come from full-grown pigs, and baby back ribs get their name because they are smaller than the other ribs. They are baby-sized in comparison. Baby back ribs come from the upper part of the rib cage, where the spine and ribs meet. Baby back ribs are often barbecued, and there are a variety of barbecue sauces that match well with hickory, smoked, spicy, and more. For the best flavor, to bring out that authentic baby back rib flavor, the ribs are prepared with kosher salt.
What Makes Them Different?
Comparing St Louis-style ribs vs. baby back, the most apparent visual difference is the shape. St Louis ribs are flatter and straighter, whereas the baby back ribs are curved and shorter. Because the St Louis ribs are flatter and easier to brown and get just right on the grill, they can cook more evenly, which is excellent. They also have a more succulent and fattier characteristic. The fat is bursting with flavor, but there is meat there as well.
Baby back ribs vs. St Louis ribs give you a contest of fat versus meat. The baby back ribs are meaty, making them easier to marinate in any sauce. You have to be more selective with the St Louis ribs. The meaty rib is heartier and will fill you up faster, plus it is leaner and healthier for you. If you are looking to watch your figure and stick with a diet while still enjoying some delicious ribs, then the baby back ribs are the right choice.
