You should wrap spare ribs when the internal meat temperature reaches 150-160 degrees Fahrenheit. This is typically about halfway through the cooking process.
Wrapping ribs is a common technique in BBQ to help retain moisture, speed up cooking, and improve tenderness. This technique is known as the Texas Crutch. Here’s a breakdown of why and how to do it:
Why Wrap Ribs?
- Retain Moisture: Wrapping prevents the ribs from drying out during the smoking process.
- Speed Up Cooking: The wrapped environment traps heat, helping the ribs cook faster.
- Enhance Tenderness: The steaming effect tenderizes the meat, resulting in fall-off-the-bone ribs if desired.
How to Wrap Ribs:
- Preparation: Get your spare ribs to an internal temperature of 150-160°F, usually about halfway through your cook.
- Materials: According to the reference, you need two layers of heavy-duty foil.
- Wrapping Process:
- Lay down the two layers of foil on a flat surface.
- Place the ribs meat-side up on the foil.
- Tightly wrap the ribs in the foil, creating a sealed packet.
