How to Inject Ribs

BBQ ribs are a go-to meat for any pitmaster. When you learn how to inject ribs, it changes everything! Your St. Louis ribs, babyback ribs, and spare ribs will be bursting with moisture and flavor!

BBQ Ribs That Squeeze Out the Moisture

Let’s be honest: sometimes ribs come out a little dry. I’ve done it, you’ve done it, and if you haven’t, you will. It’s inevitable.

Now imagine biting into a juicy, flavorful pork rib! A St. Louis rib so full of moisture you can literally squeeze the juices out! That’s what I’m talking about!

Why Inject Pork Ribs?

Why inject ribs? It’s simple: to add moisture and flavor. Injecting ribs changes the flavor profile internally and complements your BBQ rub.

What Do You Inject Ribs With?

You can inject ribs with anything from apple juice to BBQ phosphates. We recommend using Butcher BBQ Phosphate and Butcher BBQ Pork Injection. These are what the pros use for injecting ribs in competition!

The phosphates lock in moisture at the cellular level, and the pork injection adds an amazing flavor that has won championships!

What Are BBQ Phosphates?

BBQ phosphates are a type of salt that “grab” water and hold onto it when you inject your ribs. Learn more in our blog post on “What is BBQ Phosphate Injection?”

What You Need to Inject Ribs

When you plan to inject ribs, you only need a few tools:

• BBQ Injector
• Whisk or Immersion Blender
• Disposable Cutting Board
• Bowl
• Water
  

The Rib Injection Process

Now to the fun part! Measure out the recommended quantity of BBQ Phosphate and Pork Injection. Slowly add the dry ingredients to water and mix thoroughly to remove clumps.

Many pitmasters inject ribs from the top, but we suggest injecting from the side. In our experience, this results in better bark formation.

Inject one side of the ribs, spin it around, and inject the other side. Piece of cake!

How Much to Inject?

Pork ribs aren’t the thickest meat, so you don’t need much—about 2-3 cc of injection per side. Our BBQ Injector lets you dial in specific amounts! Using the smaller needle, set the chrome circular dial to 2 or 3 cc. Each pull injects that exact amount.

Pull the trigger as you remove the needle, and you’re done! Each rib should hold about 50 cc of fluid total. You’ll know it’s full when fluid starts shooting out the top or sides.

In Conclusion

Now you know how to inject ribs! You have the tools and the knowledge, all that’s left is to take action!

We’d love to hear about your process! Please leave us a comment below!