Wrapped vs Unwrapped Oven-Baked Ribs for Tender Results

Question

It appears this rib rack recipe bakes for 2.5 hours unwrapped (with basting). There is another rib rack recipe, a Korean style rib, where the rib rack is wrapped throughout the 2.5 hours. Do both methods produce equaly tender, fall-off-the-bone results? Do you have a preference one way the other? Thank you.

Elizabeth Mindreau · Accepted Answer

Hello James,
With both recipes you will end up with tender, delicious ribs, the difference will be in the cooking method and the flavor profiles. With lacquered pork ribs with hoisin, honey and five-spice you will need to baste every 30 minutes for over 2 hours. The Gochijang-glazed ribs will be hands-off while the ribs cook but you will make a sauce out of the cooking juices, glaze the ribs with that and then broil the ribs briefly. Not a lot of work, but it all comes at the end right before serving.
I'd recommend starting with the recipe with the method that works best for you. See how you like it and then try the other recipe the next time you make ribs. You can decide which method and which flavor profile you like best. Let us know how it turns out!

Wrapped vs Unwrapped Oven-Baked Ribs for Tender Results

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