Pork Side Ribs Delivery or Pickup

Fall-off-the-bone ribs are savory and delicious, but not everyone knows that ribs aren't all the same. There's a big difference between beef ribs and pork ribs, and even within these two different types of meat, you'll find a variety of ribs to choose from. Where pork is concerned, you have four main types of ribs:

Each of these pork rib varieties comes from the belly or loin section of a pig. The pork side ribs are cut from the lower section of the pig's belly near the breastbone. They're probably the most popular type of pork ribs because of their rich, flavorful meat. The side ribs are separated from the back ribs, so you can see some of the exposed bone marrow on one side, while the other side is where the bone tapers off and has meat mixed with a little bit of cartilage and gristle.

Although side ribs don't necessarily have the most meat, many people think they have a superior taste over other rib options. You'll find between 11 and 13 bones per rack of pork side ribs, and each section has meat on top of and in-between the bone. Most grocery retailers sell pork ribs, so finding them shouldn't be a problem. You can also get pork ribs from your local butcher. When choosing pork side ribs, look for meat that's pink and has some fat marbling. Avoid ribs that have an odor or look grayish.

Pork side ribs are better known as spareribs, so if you can't locate them, try asking for them by the name spareribs instead. Usually, side ribs are less expensive than back ribs, so they're a great option for parties and celebrations with family and friends. When shopping for ribs, consider how many people you'll be feeding to ensure you get enough meat for everyone. Since a rack of ribs seems large in the package, the amount of meat on each bone can be misleading. You want to make sure you have at least three to five ribs per person.

If you're planning to enjoy your ribs at your next family barbecue, save yourself some time by using the Instacart app to order your pork side ribs. Simply pick out the ribs you want, add them to your cart, and sit back and wait for an Instacart shopper to deliver them to you!

Aside from the exceptional flavor of pork side ribs, many people like that these ribs are fairly flat. This makes them easy to cook on the grill or in the oven. However, side ribs tend to be a little tougher than other types of ribs, so they'll need to cook longer to make them tender. Cooking them longer also allows the fat to melt into the meat, creating a succulent and juicy texture. These ribs are great for smoking, as they absorb the flavor perfectly.

To make the most delicious pork side ribs, cook them slowly at around 250 to 300 degrees. You want to keep them out of direct heat and cook them for at least three hours or up to five hours. Flavor the ribs with a rub before cooking, or add your favorite barbecue sauce near the end of the cooking process. Near the end of the cooking process is also when you can lock in the meat's flavor by caramelizing it over more direct heat. 

No matter how you like to eat your pork side ribs, ordering them through the Instacart app is easy, plus you can get same-day delivery!