Real Men Cook With Wood: I'm Lovin It!

(I call it the MikeRib Sandwich)

So, I created this gem about 4 years ago after discovering I could make a rack of ribs that I could extract the bones from after cooking without the whole rack falling apart. This treat will feed several people, is great on "Game Day" or "Just Because." It will take some time to prepare though so start early. The center point in this is putting a whole rack of ribs in a sandwich using an entire French Loaf. The toppings I show are just a few of many you can have fun with. As long as the ribs and bread are right, the rest should just fall into place.

For the ribs, carefully prepare a rack of St Louis style ribs. If at all possible get ribs marked as "Extra Meaty." Peel off the membrane in the bony inside, very important! Season them how you like. I like to use either mustard or a Carolina style (mustard) BBQ sauce to lightly coat the ribs to create a "glue" for the rub, then add in your usualy seasonings such as salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, etc. Wrap and chill them for a few hours to let the seasonings get it.

Grill or smoke the rack over low temps, like 250-275 over INDIRECT heat, such as from an offset smoker. Watch the meat begin to recede from the ends of the bones and get tender, but NOT so tender the rack falls apart when you lift or move it. This is the tricky part. The shorter rib bones on the ends might start coming out on their own when moved, but the meat should still be firm for the most part.

Carefully take them off the grill and lay them out on a cutting board, meaty side down. Using a small but sharp knife (like a paring knife) slice down the middle of the bones and gently pull them out of the meat, trying not to tear or break apart the rack. This is where having extra meaty ribs pays off.

Once all the bones and cartilage are are removed, trim up the sides and ends so they won't extend too far over the width of the French bread, and removing any remaining bits of bone or cartilage.

Toast the French bread in your oven (Or on your grill!) with a light coating of butter. Then add whatever dressings you want to use on the bread, such as Mayonaise, Miracle Whip, Mustard, BBQ Sauce, etc. Also brush on a light coat of BBQ sauce directly on the ribs as well.