Marinade Pork Ribs? Yay or Nay

[Matthew]

I want to know if it is worth it to do a short marinade on ribs, 2.5 hrs or just simply pat dry and apply rub...

 

[Tony R]

I would rub them only.
But I never done a marinade before. Do both and let us know which one is better?

 

[John Solak]

I say go for it, they could be a bust, so so, or the best ribs you have ever made. You won't know until you try!!

 

[Matthew]

I think I will just put a rub on them and go with what I know. Unless someone can tell me from a first hand exp.

 

[Dwain Pannell]

I see lot's of recipes to marinade ribs. I've not tried it. I only rub, sauce and rarely mop. But I probably should like John said -- they might be the best ever.

 

[Matthew]

Is there a difference between mop and sauce. This is my first comp. I really don't want to vary anything. I just asked. But not getting a push to marinade. I was thinking of putting in a dark soda. Either coke or pepper.

 

[Dwain Pannell]

Is there a difference between mop and sauce...

To me: Mops are a very thin basting solution applied during the cook. I remember the old timers calling it a "wash". Mops are used in an attempt to keep meats moist during a cook. As I said, I rarely apply a mop and if/when I do, I wait until the rub is set by evidence of a scratch test. I scratch the meat with a fingernail and if it's soft and I can scratch if off I don't mop yet. If it's hard and doesn't scratch off I will mop but I personally think they're messy and don't really do much but wash off the rub. I know some folks swear by them.

To me: Sauces are a condiment added towards the end of the cook and/or served tableside after the cook for dipping.

 

[Alan F]

Yes. Try it.

 

[Ray.S]

All I can say is that we started using the marinade that Myron Mixon has in his book and the ribs are awesome. We love them and the wife says don't mess with perfection so haven't changed since.