Are you craving some delicious, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs but don’t have access to a grill? Fear not, because you can still make mouth-watering ribs in the comfort of your own kitchen!
But what temperature should you bake them at? And how long should they cook for?
In this article, we’ll explore the best oven temperature and cooking times for different types of pork ribs. Plus, we’ll share some tips and tricks to ensure your ribs turn out perfectly every time.
Get ready to impress your friends and family with your newfound rib-baking skills!
What Temperature To Bake Pork Ribs In Oven?
The ideal temperature for baking pork ribs in the oven depends on the type of ribs you have. For baby back ribs, we recommend baking them at 275°F for 2-3 hours. However, if you have spare ribs, they will need to be cooked at a higher temperature of 350°F for 2 1/2 hours.
It’s important to note that the size of your rack of ribs will also affect the cooking time. A smaller rack will likely take around 2 hours, while a larger rack may take up to 3 hours. To ensure your ribs are cooked to perfection, it’s always best to check for doneness rather than relying solely on cooking time.
Different Types Of Pork Ribs
There are four main types of pork ribs: baby back ribs, spareribs, St. Louis-style ribs, and country-style ribs.
Baby back ribs are located at the top of the rib cage, near the backbone and underneath the loin muscle. They are curved and shorter than spare ribs, with meat that is tender and leaner than other types of pork ribs. Baby back ribs are perfect for grilling or smoking and can be cooked at a lower temperature for a longer period of time.
Spareribs are located further away from the spine and closer to the belly. They have larger, flatter, and straighter rib bones than baby back ribs, with more meat between each rib. Spareribs also have more fat marbling than baby back ribs, which makes them perfect for slow cooking methods such as braising or smoking.
St. Louis-style ribs are a variation of spare ribs that have been trimmed down to remove cartilage and gristle, making them neater in appearance. They are longer than baby back ribs but shorter than full spare ribs, with meat that is similar to spare ribs. St. Louis-style ribs are preferred on the competition circuit due to their neat presentation.
Country-style ribs are cut from the loin and contain no rib bones. They are boneless and therefore yield the most meat per pound, making them a great choice for those who prefer meatier pork ribs. Country-style ribs can be cooked using a variety of methods, including grilling, baking, or braising.
When choosing which type of pork rib to cook, consider your personal preference and the cooking method you plan to use. Each type of pork rib has its own unique characteristics and flavor profile that make it perfect for different dishes and occasions.
The Best Oven Temperature For Pork Ribs
When it comes to pork ribs, the best oven temperature varies depending on the type of ribs you have. For baby back ribs, a lower temperature of no higher than 300-325°F is recommended. This will ensure that the ribs don’t get overcooked and tough. Uncovered baby back ribs should be baked for about 1 hour, while wrapped baby back ribs can be baked at a higher temperature of 375°F for upwards of 1.5 hours.
On the other hand, larger, fattier ribs like spare ribs need to be cooked longer than baby backs. If your spare ribs are uncovered, shoot for around 2 hours at 350°F. If wrapped in foil, they can go for up to 3 hours at 300°F, or you can crank the oven up to 400°F for a briefer baking time of 1.5 to 2 hours.
Great big beef dino ribs need even longer in the oven and it’s best to keep them covered so they don’t dry out. Baking them at 325°F for 4 hours is recommended. Meanwhile, super thin-cut flanken style beef short ribs only need about 5 minutes per side under the broiler, no wrapping or slow-baking required.
It’s important to note that checking for doneness is crucial when cooking pork ribs in the oven. Use an instant-read thermometer to make sure your ribs have cooked long enough and are at the right temperature to devour. Country-style ribs are safe to eat at 145-160°F, while back ribs and spare ribs both need to reach 185-200°F because of their thick, dense bones. This is also when they’re the most delicious – the collagen will have broken down and become much softer, making them easy to eat and perfectly juicy.
How Long To Bake Pork Ribs In The Oven
The baking time for pork ribs in the oven depends on the type of rib you’re cooking. For baby back ribs, it’s recommended to bake them at 275°F for 2-3 hours. Spare ribs, on the other hand, require a higher temperature of 350°F for 2 1/2 hours.
It’s important to keep in mind that the size of your rack of ribs will also affect the baking time. A smaller rack will likely take around 2 hours, while a larger rack may take up to 3 hours. To ensure that your ribs are cooked to perfection, it’s always best to check for doneness rather than relying solely on cooking time.
One way to check for doneness is to use a digital food thermometer. Ribs are technically safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F, but they will be most tender and juicy between 190 and 200°F. Another way to check for doneness is by tugging on the bone. When the meat has pulled back significantly from the bone and the bone easily pulls free from the meat when tugged, you know it’s done.
It’s also important to cover the ribs when baking in the oven to prevent them from drying out. Making a packet out of tin foil and cooking the ribs in the packet will produce perfect ribs every time. Additionally, it’s recommended to cook the ribs bone side down and meaty side up to prevent direct contact with the pan, which could dry out the meat as it cooks.
Tips And Tricks For Perfectly Cooked Ribs
Cooking ribs can be a challenge, but with the right techniques, you can achieve perfectly cooked and delicious ribs every time. Here are some tips and tricks to help you cook the best ribs possible:
1. Remove the membrane – Before cooking your ribs, it’s important to remove the membrane on the inner side of the ribs. This will prevent the membrane from toughening and make your ribs more tender.
2. Choose high-quality meat – Don’t skimp on the quality of your meat. Look for fresh cuts of pork with good fat marbling and an even thickness across the ribs. Baby back and spareribs are the most popular cuts, but St. Louis spareribs are also a great option.
3. Marinate your meat – Marinating your ribs overnight will enhance their flavor and make them more delicious. Combine broth, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, olive oil, and garlic to create a marinade. Pour two-thirds of the marinade over the meat in a shallow baking dish and refrigerate overnight.
4. Apply multiple layers of flavor – To make great-tasting ribs, apply multiple layers of flavor. Use a rub or marinade as a base layer, swab on a mop sauce to keep the meat moist during cooking, and apply barbecue sauce at the end as a glaze or lacquer.
5. Apply BBQ sauce at the right time – When applying BBQ sauce to your ribs, make sure to do it at the right time. Apply it during the last 45 minutes of cooking time to prevent burning.
6. Keep cooking temperature low – Try to keep your cooking temperature at 250°F to prevent overcooking and burning.
By following these tips and tricks, you can achieve perfectly cooked and delicious pork ribs every time you cook them in the oven.
Delicious Sauces And Seasonings For Pork Ribs
No matter how you choose to cook your pork ribs, adding a delicious sauce or seasoning can take them to the next level. Here are some options to consider:
1. Mustard Jalapeno Dipping Sauce: This quick and easy dipping sauce is perfect for those who love a little sweet and heat. Mix mustard, jalapeno, vinegar, salt, and honey together for a tangy and flavorful sauce.
2. Chimichurri Sauce: If you’re looking for a more complex flavor, chimichurri sauce is a great option. Made from parsley, garlic, red pepper flakes, and olive oil, this Argentinian sauce adds a bright and herbaceous flavor to your ribs.
3. Tequila Lime Glaze: For those who want a little kick of alcohol in their ribs, try this tequila lime glaze. Mix ketchup, brown sugar, garlic cloves, molasses, honey, tequila, lime, and Pit Boss Sweet Heat Rub together for a sweet and spicy glaze that caramelizes beautifully on top of the meat.
4. BBQ Sauce Alternatives: Not a fan of traditional BBQ sauce? Try some of these alternatives: keto sugar-free BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar-based Carolina-style BBQ sauce, or tangy mustard-based BBQ sauce.
No matter which sauce or seasoning you choose, make sure to add it during the last hour of cooking to prevent burning or charring. And as always, taste test as you go to find the perfect balance of flavors for your taste buds.
