There are different ways to cook ribs. Ribs can be cooked in an air fryer, oven, cast iron, stove, or pellet grill. Whichever way you choose, you can get that satisfying, tasty meat you desire if you follow the right steps. Some people, however, prefer cooking their ribs to medium-rare. Doing this is not recommended because undone or semi-cooked foods tend to have some bacteria on them, which can cause harm to your health. Ribs should be cooked till the internal temperature reads at least 145°F (63°C). This temperature ensures all harmful bacteria are destroyed, making the ribs safe for consumption.
However, there are alternative cuts of meat suitable for eating at lower temperatures, though if you prefer your meat to be cooked to medium rare. If you want your ribs medium-rare, follow specific guidelines to ensure they are perfectly cooked.
Oven-baked beef ribs take 2-3 hours at 275°F (135°C), while grilled beef ribs take 3-4 minutes per side at around 400°F (205°C) to cook.
Oven-baked lamb ribs take 1-2 hours at 275°F (135°C), while grilled lamb ribs take 3-4 minutes per side at around 400°F (205°C) to cook.
It’s important to remember that the cooking time and temperature may vary based on the meat size; therefore, it’s advisable to use a meat thermometer to ensure the meat’s internal temperature reaches the right temperature for safe consumption. The initial temperature of the meat and the kind of grill or oven being used are other factors that could affect the cooking time.
How to Make Medium-Rare Ribs(Ingredients and Instructions)
Preparing medium-rare ribs can be challenging as it requires careful attention to the cooking time and temperature to ensure that the ribs are cooked to a safe internal temperature while remaining tender and juicy. Here is a detailed process for preparing medium ribs
Ingredients
Here are some ingredients you might need for cooking medium-rare beef or lamb ribs:
- Beef or lamb ribs (choose the type of ribs you prefer)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil or butter
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Barbecue sauce
- Brown sugar or honey
Equipment:
- Oven or grill
- Baking sheet or roasting pan
- Tongs (for flipping the ribs on the grill)
- Brush (for brushing on sauce or oil while grilling or roasting)
- Meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil
Cooking Procedures:
1. For oven-baked beef ribs
Set the oven’s temperature to 275°F (135°C). Put the ribs in a roasting pan after seasoning them with garlic, onions, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, brown sugar, or honey.
When the ribs are 130-135°F (54-57°C) internally, cover the pan with foil and bake for 2-3 hours. Once the ribs are done, remove the foil and broil them for a few minutes to get a crispy, browned top.
2. For grilled beef ribs
Set the grill’s temperature to medium-high (around 400 °F or 205 °C). Add your favorite seasonings, which you should have mixed in a bowl, to the ribs before grilling them.
Grill the ribs for 3-4 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F (54-57°C). After cooking, take the ribs off the grill and give them time to rest before serving.
3. For oven-baked lamb ribs
set the oven’s temperature to 275°F (135°C). Put the ribs in a roasting pan after seasoning them with marinade or dry rub (mixture of the seasonings).
Bake the ribs for 1-2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F (54-57°C). Once the ribs are done, please take off the foil and broil them for a few minutes to get a crispy, browned top.
4. For grilled beef ribs
set the grill’s temperature to medium-high (around 400 °F or 205 °C). Mix the seasonings in a bowl to make a dry rub and rub it on the ribs before grilling them. Grill the ribs for 3-4 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F (54-57°C). After cooking, take the ribs off the grill and give them time to rest before serving.
It’s important to remember that these are only general recommendations, and the cooking time may change based on the type of grill or oven being used, the thickness of the meat, and other variables. A meat thermometer should be used to check if the internal temperature of the meat is at the proper level for safe consumption.
What is the perfect temperature for medium-rare ribs?
The recommended internal temperature for cooking beef or lamb ribs to a medium-rare preference is 130-135°F (54-57°C). Use a meat thermometer to check that the ribs have reached this temperature before serving. If the ribs are cooked past this point, the meat may have a more well-done texture and lose some of its moisture.
Remember that cooking pork ribs to medium rare is not advised since, to ensure food safety, they must reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C). When cooking meat, always follow the rules for food safety to ensure it is safe to eat.
What is the doneness level for medium-rare ribs?
Medium-rare ribs have a pink, juicy inside with a slightly tough texture, indicating they are done. This can be achieved by cooking beef or lamb ribs to an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). The meat should have a pink center and a thin layer of light brown on the edges when you cut into it.
Though slightly tough, the meat should still be moist and soft. Cooking pork ribs to medium rare is not advised, as they must reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) to ensure food safety. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your ribs are cooked to the right temperature for the level of doneness you choose.
Can all ribs be prepared to medium rare?
The risk of foodborne illness makes it unsafe to cook pork ribs to medium rare. Food safety regulations require that pork ribs be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C). The usual ribs to be grilled to medium rare are beef or lamb.
How do I tell whether my ribs are medium-rare?
The ribs’ interior temperature can be measured with a meat thermometer. An internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C) is necessary for medium-rare beef or lamb ribs.
A thin band of light brown should be visible around the meat’s borders, with the meat’s pink core visible when you cut into it. While still soft and delicious, the flesh should be a little hard.
What is the best way to cook medium-rare ribs?
Your personal preferences and the kind of ribs you are preparing will determine the ideal technique to cook medium-rare ribs. For medium-rare beef or lamb ribs, grilling, smoking, or oven roasting are common cooking techniques.
How long does it take to cook medium-rare ribs?
The cooking time will vary depending on the type and thickness of the ribs, as well as the cooking method used. It may take 2-3 hours to cook medium-rare beef or lamb ribs in the oven or grill.
Is it safe to eat medium-rare ribs?
As long as beef or lamb ribs are cooked to an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C), they should be safe to eat. However, it’s important to follow food safety guidelines when cooking meat to prevent the risk of foodborne illness.
Cooking a Ribs for Medium Rare Recipe
Equipment
- Oven or grill
- Baking sheet or roasting pan
- Tongs (for flipping the ribs on the grill)
- Brush (for brushing on sauce or oil while grilling or roasting)
- Meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- Beef or lamb ribs (choose the type of ribs you prefer)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil or butter
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Barbecue sauce
- Brown sugar or honey
Instructions
For oven-baked beef ribs
- Set the oven’s temperature to 275°F (135°C).
- Put the ribs in a roasting pan after seasoning them with garlic, onions, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, brown sugar, or honey.
- When the ribs are 130-135°F (54-57°C) internally, cover the pan with foil and bake for 2-3 hours.
- Once the ribs are done, remove the foil and broil them for a few minutes to get a crispy, browned top.
For grilled beef ribs
- Set the grill’s temperature to medium-high (around 400 °F or 205 °C).
- Add your favorite seasonings, which you should have mixed in a bowl, to the ribs before grilling them.
- Grill the ribs for 3-4 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F (54-57°C).
- After cooking, take the ribs off the grill and give them time to rest before serving.
For oven-baked lamb ribs
- set the oven’s temperature to 275°F (135°C).
- Put the ribs in a roasting pan after seasoning them with marinade or dry rub (mixture of the seasonings).
- Bake the ribs for 1-2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F (54-57°C).
- Once the ribs are done, please take off the foil and broil them for a few minutes to get a crispy, browned top.
For grilled beef ribs
- Set the grill’s temperature to medium-high (around 400 °F or 205 °C).
- Mix the seasonings in a bowl to make a dry rub and rub it on the ribs before grilling them.
- Grill the ribs for 3-4 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F (54-57°C).
- After cooking, take the ribs off the grill and give them time to rest before serving.
Video
Notes
Conclusion
Cooking ribs to medium rare requires patience and attention to detail, but the result is worth the effort. Whether you prefer to grill or smoke your ribs, following the recommended cooking times and temperatures is important to achieve that perfect medium-rare doneness.
Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your ribs are cooked to the proper internal temperature. With some practice and experimentation, you can cook delicious medium-rare ribs that impress your family and friends.
