How to Cook Ribs in an Oven With Recipe


Cooking ribs in the oven is a great way to enjoy this classic barbecue dish all year round. However, figuring out how long to cook ribs in the oven can be a bit tricky, as there are several variables to consider, such as the type of ribs, the thickness of the meat, and personal preference. Ribs cooked in the oven generally require patience and close attention to detail. But with the appropriate technique and some fundamental knowledge, you can cook succulent, aromatic ribs that will wow your visitors.

Cooking ribs in an oven takes 2.5-3 hours at 300°F (150°C) for baby back ribs and 3-4 hours at 300°F (150°C) for spare ribs. Remember that these are general times that may vary depending on the thickness of the meat and other factors.

How to Cook Ribs in an Oven With Recipe

Before entering the detailed procedures, understanding the basics of cooking ribs in the oven is important. The secret is to cook the ribs for an extended amount of time at a low temperature, which makes the meat moist and soft. The ribs’ internal temperature must reach at least 145°F (63°C) to guarantee complete cooking.

Ingredients

  • Ribs (baby back, spare, St. Louis style, etc.)
  • Barbecue sauce (or any other desired sauce or seasoning)
  • Water
  • Brown sugar or honey
  • Pepper and salt (to taste)
  • The ribs’ seasonings include garlic, onion, brown sugar, paprika, cumin, chili powder, etc.

Cooking Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C).
  • Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. 
  • Season the ribs with your desired rub or seasoning. The seasonings, which include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and brown sugar, should have been mixed in a separate bowl.
  • Ensure the aluminum foil is well wrapped to prevent steam from escaping as you securely wrap the ribs.
  • The wrapped ribs should be baked for 2.5 to 3 hours on a baking sheet in a preheated oven.
  • After removing the ribs from the oven, carefully remove the foil covering.
  • Brush the ribs with your desired BBQ sauce. 
  • Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (205°C).
  • Put the ribs back in the oven and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce has caramelized and the ribs begin to get crispy outside.
  • Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
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What Is the Cooking Time for Ribs In An Oven?

There are different ways to cook ribs in the oven. They include low and slow, dry rub, broiling, and braising. Each of these methods has a unique taste it gives to the ribs. 

1. The Low and Slow Method

Using this method, the ribs will cook at a low temperature for a considerable time, resulting in tender, juicy flesh. To use this method:

  1. Set your oven to 300°F (150°C), then place your ribs in a baking dish with the bone side up after seasoning or marinating them.
  2. Put aluminum foil over the baking pan before putting it in the oven.
  3. For baby back ribs, cook for 2.5 to 3 hours; for spare ribs, cook for 3 to 4 hours or until the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C).
  4. For the final 20 to 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to let the ribs brown.

2. The Dry Rub Method

In the dry-rub method, the ribs are coated with a spice mixture and baked without any water present. This method gives the ribs’ skin a tasty crust while the insides are kept juicy and tender. For this method, set your oven to 300°F (150°C), choose a dry rub for your ribs, and carefully coat all meat surfaces.

Cover the dish with foil and place the ribs in a baking dish with the bone facing up. For baby back ribs, cook for 2.5 to 3 hours; for spare ribs, cook for 3 to 4 hours or until the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C). As the ribs finish cooking, please take off the foil for the final 20 to 30 minutes to let them brown.

3. The Broiling Method

This method involves quickly cooking the ribs at a high temperature to develop a caramelized crust on the outside of the meat. Set your oven to broil before using this method. After seasoning or marinating your ribs, arrange them on a baking sheet with the bone side up.

Broil the ribs on each side for 2-3 minutes, or until they are cooked to your preference, on the baking sheet in the oven. While broiling, keep a close eye on the ribs because they can burn easily.

4. The Braising Method

This method helps to maintain the meat’s tenderness and flavor by cooking the ribs in liquid. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to use this method. Sear the ribs in a big skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, and then take them out. Add the preferred veggies and aromatics to the skillet, and cook them until soft.

Please bring it to a boil after adding your chosen liquid, such as beef broth or apple cider. Replace the ribs in the pan, bone down, and seal it shut with aluminum foil or a tight-fitting lid.

What is the perfect temperature for ribs cooked in an oven?

For most recipes, an oven’s ideal temperature for rib cooking is 300°F (150°C). The ribs will be tender and juicy due to the slow, even cooking at this low temperature. A greater cooking temperature can result in the meat drying out or getting tough while cooking ribs.

Checking the ribs’ internal temperature with a meat thermometer is important. To ensure that cooked pork is safe to consume, the internal temperature must be at least 145°F (63°C). If you prefer well-done meat, cook the ribs until they reach a higher temperature.

What is the doneness level for the perfect ribs cooked in an oven?

Personal preference will influence the degree of doneness for the ideal oven-cooked ribs, but generally, cooked pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The USDA advises eating pork at this temperature because it is considered safe for consumption.

When the internal temperature of the ribs reaches 160°F (71°C) or above, some people may prefer them to be more well-done. As a result, the meat has a firmer texture and has less pink color.

It’s important to remember that the type of ribs cooked may also affect the doneness level. Baby back ribs may be more juicy and tender when cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), whereas spare ribs may need to be cooked to a higher temperature to get the desired amount of doneness.

Use a meat thermometer to check the meat’s internal temperature to ensure your ribs are cooked to the proper level of doneness. Avoid touching the bone, as this can result in an incorrect reading when inserting the thermometer into the thickest section of the meat.

Below is a table to help you with the recommended temperature for different doneness levels of ribs cooked in an oven for safe consumption:

Doneness LevelInternal Temperature
Rare120°F (49°C) to 125°F (52°C)
Medium Rare130°F (54°C) to 135°F (57°C)
Medium140°F (60°C) to 145°F (63°C)
Medium Well150°F (66°C) to 155°F (68°C)
Well Done160°F (71°C) and above

What type of ribs is best for cooking in an oven?    

Both spare ribs and baby back ribs make excellent oven-cooked foods. Spare ribs are larger and more meaty but may take longer to cook than baby back ribs since they are more tender.

Should I marinate the ribs before cooking them in the oven?

The meat on the ribs can be flavored and softened by marinating them. However, it’s not required, and you may still get mouth-watering results without marinating the ribs. If you decide to marinate the ribs, ensure to keep them in the fridge during the process and dispose of any extra marinade that can have harmful bacteria in it.

Can I use a dry rub on the ribs before cooking them in the oven?

A dry rub can add flavor and create a delicious crust outside the ribs. Be sure to apply the dry rub generously and evenly on all sides of the meat.

Can I cook the ribs in the oven without foil?

Yes, you can cook the ribs in the oven without foil. However, foil can help trap moisture and create a more tender and juicy result. If you prefer a crustier exterior, you can cook the ribs without foil for the last 30 minutes to an hour of cooking time.

How do I know when the ribs are done?

You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. The internal temperature of cooked pork should reach at least 145°F (63°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. If you prefer well-done meat, cook the ribs until they reach a higher temperature. Additionally, the meat should be tender and easily pulled away from the bone.

Cooking Ribs in an Oven Recipe

Course Main Course
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • Ribs (baby back, spare, St. Louis style, etc.)
  • Barbecue sauce (or any other desired sauce or seasoning)
  • Water
  • Brown sugar or honey
  • Pepper and salt (to taste)
  • The ribs’ seasonings include garlic, onion, brown sugar, paprika, cumin, chili powder, etc.

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C).
  • Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. 
  • Season the ribs with your desired rub or seasoning. The seasonings, which include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and brown sugar, should have been mixed in a separate bowl.
  • Ensure the aluminum foil is well wrapped to prevent steam from escaping as you securely wrap the ribs.
  • The wrapped ribs should be baked for 2.5 to 3 hours on a baking sheet in a preheated oven.
  • After removing the ribs from the oven, carefully remove the foil covering.
  • Brush the ribs with your desired BBQ sauce. 
  • Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (205°C).
  • Put the ribs back in the oven and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce has caramelized and the ribs begin to get crispy outside.
  • Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Video

Notes

If you prefer well-done meat, cook the ribs until they reach a higher temperature. Additionally, the meat should be tender and easily pulled away from the bone.
Keyword aromatic ribs, baby back ribs, brown sugar, caramelized crust, cooked pork, spare ribs

Conclusion

Cooking ribs in an oven can be a delicious and easy way to prepare this classic dish. Be sure to choose the right type of ribs, remove the membrane, and use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat.

With the right technique and recipe, you can enjoy tender and flavorful ribs cooked to perfection in your kitchen.

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