When are spare ribs done?

skihorn

Although I have a fair amount of experience with baby backs, today is my stab at spares. I am using Car Wash Mike's recipe (which I know specifies babybacks). Cooking at 210 for three hours and then bumping to 250. About how long should it take? For babybacks last time I went about 5.5 hours. Are spares going to take longer since they are bigger? What is the best way to tell if they are done? I've got a Thermopen, but I know it is hard to get an accurate read on ribs.

Thanks in advance!

Freddie
League City, TX

Car Wash Mike

The bend test. Pick up and if they bend about 90 degress (not all the way) they are done.

Mike

skihorn

From the expert himself - Thanks Mike!

I know your recipe says you do almost exclusively babybacks but do you have a feel for how much longer (if any) spares will take as opposed to babybacks?

Freddie
League City, TX

Car Wash Mike

Easy on the expert.
Hour to hour and 1/2

Mike

Capt Frank

Mike is absolutely right "the bend test", spares will take an hour or two longer than BBs, because they are a little tougher cut, when they pull away from the bone is also a check for doneness.

Capt Frank
Homosassa, FL

skihorn

Thanks! May be a late dinner tonight. I just misted them and they look great.

Freddie

Squeeze

I consider them done when I blow the end bone out and it stays on the grill clean.....

Capt Frank

That's the best test I've ever heard! :laugh: :laugh:

Capt Frank
Homosassa, FL

[Deleted User]

"blow the end bone out".

Can I get a translation from "'Q-speak" to English on that one?