Are you craving tender and juicy ribs cooked to perfection in the oven? Look no further! In this guide, we’ll delve into the art of cooking ribs in the oven and provide you with all the juicy details. Whether you prefer back ribs, spare ribs, or country-style ribs, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s fire up that oven and get cooking!
Pork ribs are not only delicious but also easy to cook in the oven – a winning combination! Plus, we all have our favorite rib recipes that hit the spot every time. Say goodbye to undercooked or overcooked ribs. With our expert guidance, you’ll achieve rib perfection every time.
Types of Ribs
Before we dive into the cooking times, let’s explore the different types of pork ribs. Understanding these distinctions will help you achieve the best results:
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Back Ribs: These smaller, fatter ribs come from the upper loin. They weigh 1-2 pounds per rack and cook relatively quickly. You might come across names like short ribs, loin ribs, or baby back ribs.
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Spare Ribs: These longer, leaner ribs come from the belly behind the shoulder. Weighing 2-4 pounds per rack, they require a bit more time to cook. When trimmed of cartilage, breastbone, and skirt, they are known as St. Louis-style ribs or side ribs.
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Country Style Ribs: These rib steaks come from the shoulder end of the loin and cook faster than the rest. They may be boneless or with some shoulder blade. You might find them labeled as shoulder steaks or blade chops.
How Long Do You Cook Ribs in the Oven?
The cooking times for ribs in the oven depend on both the oven temperature and the type of ribs you have. Here’s a handy chart to give you approximate baking times:
| Oven Temp | Back Ribs | Spare Ribs | Country Style Ribs* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 225°F | 5 hours | 6 hours | 3-4 hours |
| 250°F | 4 hours | 5 hours | 2-3 hours |
| 300°F | 2 1/2 hours | 3 1/2 hours | 40-60 minutes |
| 350°F | 2 hours | 2 1/2 hours | 20-30 minutes |
| 400°F | 1 hour | 1 1/2 hours | 15-20 minutes |
| 450°F | 45 minutes | 1 hour | 12-15 minutes |
*For bone-in ribs cut 1-inch thick.
To speed up cooking and ensure even heat distribution, you can remove the ribs from the refrigerator an hour ahead of time. Additionally, using your oven’s convection or forced air feature can accelerate cooking by up to 30%. However, it’s always best to check the doneness of your ribs rather than relying solely on cooking time.
When Are Ribs Done?
Determining when ribs are perfectly cooked can be a challenge. The traditional rule is when the bones stick out a ½-inch from the meat. However, this isn’t foolproof, as overcooked ribs can also exhibit this feature. For the best results, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest section without touching the bone:
- Back ribs and spare ribs should be cooked to 185-200°F, which indicates that the collagen has fully broken down into gelatin.
- Country-style ribs are ready at a lower temperature of 145-160°F, depending on your preference for pork doneness.
The USDA states that ribs are safe to eat at 145°F. However, most people continue cooking them longer to achieve that juicy perfection as the collagen and connective tissue start breaking down at 165°F.
How to Bake Ribs
Now that you know the cooking times and when to consider your ribs done, let’s walk through the baking process:
- Remove the membrane: Before preparing the ribs, it’s essential to remove the silverskin membrane from the underside. This tough layer blocks the seasonings from penetrating the meat. Start by sliding a sharp knife underneath the membrane to separate it, then grip it with a piece of paper towel and rip it off.
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Preparing the ribs: Rub the ribs thoroughly with your chosen seasonings. Then, place them meat side down (fat side up) in a single layer in a rectangular baking pan or sheet pan lined with parchment paper. For optimal results, using a broiler pan or a roasting pan with a rack will allow the fat to drip away.
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Baking the ribs: Place the ribs in a preheated oven, following the recommended cooking times based on the type of ribs you’re preparing. If you prefer saucy ribs, remove them from the oven 30-60 minutes before they’re done and brush them with your favorite sauce. Return them to the oven until they reach your desired level of perfection.
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Resting: Once your ribs are done, cover them with foil and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This step allows the juices to retreat back into the meat, ensuring a tender and succulent eating experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long to cook short ribs in the oven at 350?
A: Back ribs take approximately 2 hours at 350°F.
Q: How long to cook country-style ribs in the oven at 350?
A: The cooking time depends on the thickness of the ribs. For 1-inch thick ribs, they’ll need about an hour and a half.
Q: Can you overcook ribs?
A: Yes, overcooked ribs can become dry, tough, and chewy. Choosing lower cooking temperatures will cook the ribs more slowly and offer a better margin for error.
Q: Should I wrap ribs in foil?
A: Wrapping ribs in foil produces moister meat and slightly faster cooking. However, they won’t develop a crispy crust on the outside. Recipes like 3-2-1 Ribs involve baking the ribs uncovered initially and then wrapping them for the later stages of cooking.
More How Long to Bake Guides
If you’re curious about other cooking times and temperatures for a variety of dishes, check out our other helpful guides. Whether you’re cooking pork chops, chicken, turkey, or salmon, we have you covered.
View all cooking basics at Ekilove.
Remember, to achieve rib nirvana, arm yourself with an instant-read thermometer or a wireless dual-probe thermometer, a sheet pan, and a trusty brush. Now go forth and create finger-licking ribs that will make your taste buds sing!
