Are you craving some delicious beef spare ribs but not sure how long to cook them in the oven?
Look no further!
In this article, we’ll explore the best techniques and cooking times for achieving perfectly tender and flavorful beef spare ribs. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner in the kitchen, we’ve got you covered with easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips.
So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How Long To Cook Beef Spare Ribs In The Oven?
When it comes to cooking beef spare ribs in the oven, there are a few factors to consider. The weight and meat content of your ribs will affect the cooking time, so it’s important to adjust accordingly.
As a general rule of thumb, beef spare ribs should be cooked for around 3.5 hours in the oven at 275 degrees Fahrenheit. This will result in tender meat that is not quite falling off the bone, making them perfect for finger food.
If you prefer your ribs to be falling off the bone, simply cook them for an additional 30-60 minutes. This will ensure that the meat is incredibly tender and easy to eat.
Another important factor to consider is the type of sauce you want to use. While barbecue sauce is a classic choice, you can also experiment with different flavors like teriyaki or kung pao sauce. Simply brush the sauce onto your ribs during the last few minutes of cooking for a delicious twist on a classic dish.
Preparing Your Beef Spare Ribs
Before cooking your beef spare ribs in the oven, it’s important to properly prepare them. Start by inspecting the ribs and trimming away any loose hanging pieces of meat or fat. You can also remove any small pieces of bone on the ends of the ribs. However, it’s important to leave the fat on the ribs as it will keep the meat moist while cooking and add sweetness to the flavor.
Next, generously season both sides of the ribs with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings like Season-All or Magic Dust. Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty foil and lightly spray with cooking spray. Place the seasoned ribs on the baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 20 minutes, flipping as needed until both sides are browned.
After browning, brush your favorite BBQ sauce onto both sides of the ribs and return them to the oven for an additional 20 minutes until the sauce starts to caramelize but not burn. Flip them halfway through and add additional sauce to the tops of the ribs once caramelized.
To finish cooking, cover the top of the ribs with a low-tented aluminum foil, tightly sealing all sides to prevent steam from escaping. Turn down the oven temperature to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for approximately 2 hours. Check the meat periodically by poking a fork at one of the ribs – it should easily come off the bone when fully cooked.
Once finished, serve your deliciously prepared beef spare ribs with your favorite sides and enjoy! Remember to experiment with different flavors and sauces to find your perfect recipe.
Seasoning Your Beef Spare Ribs
Before cooking your beef spare ribs in the oven, it’s important to season them properly to enhance their flavor. One great option is to use a beef rib rub that combines sweet and spicy elements. To make the rub, mix together coarse salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a bowl. Adjust the heat level by using mild or medium chili powder, or add an extra tablespoon of cayenne for a spicier kick.
Thoroughly apply the rub to your beef by sprinkling it on all sides and patting it down with your hands. For best results, let the ribs marinate in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and tenderize it further.
If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can also add a glaze to your beef spare ribs during the last few minutes of cooking. A classic glaze recipe includes maple syrup, apple juice, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, chili powder, cayenne, salt and pepper. Simply simmer the ingredients in a medium saucepan until syrupy and brush onto your ribs during the final stages of cooking.
It’s important to note that if your rub or glaze contains sugar, you should only cook your beef spare ribs in the oven at a temperature below 265 F to avoid burning and ruining the taste. Back ribs with bones are recommended for smoking or slow-grilling as they cook similarly to pork ribs and are less expensive than short ribs.
By seasoning your beef spare ribs properly with a flavorful rub or glaze, you’ll take this classic dish to new heights and impress your guests with tender and delicious meat that is bursting with flavor.
Choosing The Right Cooking Method
When it comes to cooking beef spare ribs in the oven, there are a few different methods you can choose from. One popular method is to cook them at a low temperature for a longer period of time. This slow cooking method allows the meat to become incredibly tender and flavorful.
To use this method, preheat your oven to 285 degrees Fahrenheit and cook your beef spare ribs for 3.5 hours. Make sure to baste them with your favorite BBQ sauce or other flavorings every 20-30 minutes to keep the meat moist and prevent it from drying out.
Another option is to cook your beef spare ribs at a higher temperature for a shorter period of time. This method will result in meat that is slightly less tender, but still delicious and flavorful.
To use this method, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook your beef spare ribs for approximately 1.5-2 hours. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ribs before serving, as this will ensure that they are cooked through and safe to eat.
No matter which cooking method you choose, it’s important to remove the silver skin/membrane from the back of the ribs before cooking. This will help to ensure that the meat cooks evenly and is easy to eat. Additionally, consider using a rub or marinade to add extra flavor to your beef spare ribs before cooking.
Oven Temperature And Cooking Time
One of the most important aspects of cooking beef spare ribs in the oven is getting the temperature and cooking time right. The recommended temperature for cooking beef spare ribs in the oven is 275 degrees Fahrenheit. This low and slow cooking method ensures that the meat is cooked evenly and becomes tender without drying out.
As mentioned earlier, the weight and meat content of your ribs will affect the cooking time. As a general rule, beef spare ribs should be cooked for around 3.5 hours at 275 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the meat has reached 145 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the safe minimum internal temperature for beef.
If you prefer your beef spare ribs to be falling off the bone, you can cook them for an additional 30-60 minutes. This will make the meat incredibly tender and easy to eat, but be careful not to overcook them as they can become mushy.
It’s also important to keep an eye on your ribs while they’re cooking in case your oven temperature fluctuates. If you notice that your oven is running hotter or cooler than 275 degrees Fahrenheit, adjust the cooking time accordingly. As a general rule, when adjusting cooking time from 275°F to 300°F or 325°F, you can expect a decrease of approximately 10-15% or 20-25% in cooking time respectively.
Checking For Doneness
Checking for doneness is an important step in cooking beef spare ribs in the oven. The best way to determine if your ribs are done is to use a quality, instant-read thermometer. However, taking an accurate internal temperature in beef spare ribs can be difficult due to the interspersed bones and thin layers of meat.
To check for tenderness, grasp two of the bones and pull them in opposite directions. If the meat tears easily, then it is considered “tender” and ready to eat. Another way to check for doneness is to use a fork to pry the meat away from the bone. If it comes off easily, then your ribs are done.
It’s important to note that cooking times can vary based on the thickness of the meat, oven temperature, and cut of beef. Removing the ribs from the refrigerator before cooking and bringing them to room temperature will help ensure even cooking throughout.
In general, beef spare ribs should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature between 198 and 202 degrees Fahrenheit. Most ribs hit their sweet spot for doneness around 198 degrees F, but some take until 203 degrees F to be perfectly tender. However, using an instant-read thermometer and checking for tenderness are both great ways to ensure that your beef spare ribs are cooked to perfection.
Resting And Serving Your Beef Spare Ribs
Once your beef spare ribs are cooked to perfection, it’s important to let them rest before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product.
To rest your beef spare ribs properly, you will need sufficient aluminum foil to completely wrap the ribs and an empty cooler box or ice cooler large enough to accommodate the ribs. When the ribs are cooked, remove them from the oven and immediately wrap them completely in aluminum foil. Place the aluminum foil-wrapped ribs in the cooler and close the lid. Allow the ribs to rest for at least 30 minutes in this environment. The combination of the foil and the insulation provided by the cooler let the ribs rest without losing too much heat in the process.
After the resting period has elapsed, take the ribs out of the cooler, unwrap them, and slice. The next step is the best part; sit down and enjoy your succulent, juicy beef spare ribs cooked to perfection!
When serving your beef spare ribs, it’s important to keep them warm until they’re ready to be eaten. You can use a warming tray or simply place them on a warm plate covered with foil until you’re ready to serve. Make sure not to wrap the foil too tightly, as this can cause the ribs to steam inside and ruin their texture.
In terms of portion size, plan on serving around 3-4 beef spare ribs per person for a main course. You can also serve them as an appetizer or snack by cutting them into smaller pieces.
