When you cook ribs at home, you want to make sure they’re done right so the meat is juicy but not tough. But how do you know if the ribs are done? Check the baby back ribs temperature to see if the meat is ready to eat.
Find out the best ways to check the meat’s internal temperature and get some other tips for grilling ribs that are just right.
As a busy mom who loves hosting neighborhood barbecues I’ve learned that getting the temperature right is key to serving up tender fall-off-the-bone ribs. Undercooked ribs are tough and chewy, while overcooked ribs are dry and flavorless. After plenty of trial and error, I’ve nailed down the ideal target temperature for cooking pork ribs so they come out perfect every time.
In this article, I’ll share my tips on achieving the right internal temperature for seriously delicious ribs. You’ll learn the recommended temperature range, how to accurately measure doneness, and common mistakes to avoid. Let’s get cooking!
Why Temperature Control Matters
Cooking ribs to the proper internal temperature is important for two reasons: safety and quality.
Pork must reach 145°F to be safe to eat and avoid bacterial growth But for the best texture, you need to go beyond this minimum. Collagen in the ribs starts dissolving around 160°F, turning tough meat tender
Higher temperatures between 195-203°F break down collagen even further, making the ribs fall-apart tender. Going above 203°F risks drying out the meat.
So monitoring temperature ensures the ribs are fully cooked without overdoing it. No more chewing through leathery ribs or serving cardboard-dry meat again!
The Ideal Final Temperature for Pork Ribs
For ribs that are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, aim for an internal temperature of 195-203°F.
At this range, the collagen has melted completely to give ribs that fall-off-the-bone texture. Connective tissues and fat have fully softened without losing too much moisture.
While 195°F ribs will be tender, climbing closer to 203°F allows more time for the meat to absorb smoky flavor from prolonged cooking.
For competition-style ribs, 203°F is ideal. The higher end helps dissolve any remaining stubborn bits of collagen.
How to Accurately Measure the Internal Temperature
A good digital meat thermometer is a barbecue essential for checking doneness. Here’s how to use it for perfect results every time:
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Insert the probe into thickest part of meat, avoiding bone.
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Allow the thermometer reading to stabilize (about 15 seconds).
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Compare the temperature to your target range of 195-203°F.
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If under, continue cooking and recheck until desired temp is reached.
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Double check in a few spots to confirm even doneness.
The ribs are ready once the thermometer confirms they’ve hit the ideal 195-203°F zone for tender, pull-apart meat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While a thermometer takes the guesswork out of determining doneness, there are a few pitfalls to avoid:
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Not using a thermometer – Visual cues can be unreliable. Use a thermometer for precision.
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Measuring too soon – Allow at least 15 seconds for an accurate reading after inserting probe.
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Not checking multiple spots – Check a couple areas to confirm even cooking.
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Overcooking – Once at 203°F, remove ribs immediately to prevent drying out.
Mastering the Art of Perfectly Cooked Ribs
Learning to nail the ideal internal temperature may take some practice, but it’s the best way to achieve competition-worthy results. Here are some final tips:
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Invest in a good digital instant read thermometer for accuracy.
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Remove the ribs from heat at 195°F for tender meat, or 203°F for fall-apart ribs.
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Let ribs rest 5-10 minutes before cutting to allow juices to redistribute.
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If reheating, reheat to 165°F and check temperature again.
With the right techniques and target temperature, you’ll be amazed at how juicy, tender and full of flavor your next batch of pork ribs turns out. No more dry, overcooked ribs – just perfectly cooked meat with the right amount of smoky goodness. Get your thermometer ready and let the barbecue begin!
How to Check the Internal Temperature of Baby Back Ribs?
Measuring the internal temperature of your baby back ribs is the best way to ensure that you have properly cooked the meat. However, checking the temperature of cooked baby back ribs is tricky because you want to make sure you have proper placement of the probe.
Do not make the mistake of putting the thermometer probe in the middle of the bones. The meat in this section will be lower in temperature than those that are close to the bone. To get a correct temperature reading, put the probe on the meatiest part of the ribs, but not close to the bones.
When the ribs reach the right temperature, take them off the heat and let them rest for a while before cutting or serving.
How Long Should You Cook Ribs For?
As mentioned above, the ideal internal baby back ribs temp is 145 degrees F. This will ensure that the ribs are cooked. But if you want to get the best tasting ribs, you have to cook it much longer.
There is no general rule on how long you should cook your ribs for. On average, it should be 4 to 7 hours, depending on how thick the meat is. The cooking temperature must also be taken into account, so you can adjust the cooking time.
For example, if you are cooking a slab of ribs, you may cook it at 220-225 degrees F. You want to cook the ribs on a low heat and slowly to get succulent meat. You can also increase the cooking temperature and it will adjust your cooking time accordingly.
The thicker cuts of ribs would take approximately 5 to 7 hours to cook. But if you have a smaller rack of ribs, you can cook it for 3 to 5 hours.
What Temperature Should I Cook My Ribs?
FAQ
What temperature should ribs pork ribs be cooked to?
Are ribs done at 170?
Are pork ribs done at 180 degrees?
Can you eat pork ribs at 160 degrees?
What temperature should pork ribs be cooked at?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, pork ribs are safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. However, for the best-tasting ribs, you’ll have to cook them well past this point between 195°F and 203°F.
How long do you cook ribs at 350°F?
At 350°F, ribs should be cooked for around 2 hours if they are uncovered, as in our Barbecued Pork Ribs recipe. If wrapped in foil, the ribs can cook for up to 3 hours.
How do you measure the internal temperature of pork ribs?
To measure the internal temperature of pork ribs accurately, you need to use a pork ribs temperature chart. This will guide you on the ideal temperature range for your desired level of doneness, ensuring that your ribs come out perfectly cooked every time.
Can you cook pork ribs in the oven?
Yes, Oven Pork Ribs are ideal for cooking Baby Back and St Louis Style Pork Ribs. The oven cook time for Pork Spareribs should be reduced by 20 minutes, as they are less meaty. In Australia, we do not distinguish between various cuts of pork ribs (most are a Baby Back / St Louis style hybrid or they are very skimpy Spare Ribs).