How Long to Cook Pork Ribs for Perfectly Tender Results

Pork ribs are a classic BBQ food that can be challenging for home cooks to get just right. Undercook them and you’ll end up with tough, chewy ribs. Overcook them and the meat dries out, becoming flavorless and unappealing. The trick is knowing exactly how long to cook pork ribs to achieve fall-off-the-bone tenderness.

In this article we’ll cover everything you need to know about cooking times for different types of pork ribs, from baby back to spare ribs. We’ll also share tips on oven and grill temperatures, how to tell when they’re done and our favorite seasonings and sauces for unbelievable ribs. Follow our guide and you’ll be an expert on cooking succulent, mouthwatering pork ribs in no time!

An Overview of Pork Rib Types

There are a few different cuts of pork ribs to know about:

• Baby back ribs – These ribs are cut from the loin near the spine and have a rounded, tapering shape. They tend to be leaner and more tender.

• Spare ribs – Taken from the belly side, spare ribs are longer and flatter than baby backs. They contain more fat and connective tissue

• St. Louis Style Ribs – Equivalent to trimmed spare ribs since the rib tips are removed.

• Country-style Ribs – Meatier ribs cut from the shoulder.

Cook times can vary depending on the size and shape of the particular rack of ribs. Just remember that leaner cuts like baby backs require less time than fattier ribs.

Oven Baked Pork Ribs

Baking ribs in the oven is an easy, no-fuss way to prepare them. Here are general guidelines for oven temperatures and cook times:

Baby Back Ribs

• Uncovered: 300-325°F for 1 hour
• Foil-wrapped: 375°F for 1.5 hours

Spare Ribs and St. Louis Style

• Uncovered: 350°F for 2 hours
• Foil-wrapped: 300°F for 3 hours OR 400°F for 1.5-2 hours

For oven ribs, we recommend wrapping them in foil which allows you to use a higher temp for nicely browned ribs without drying them out. Cook 1-1.5 hours longer than unwrapped at 25-50°F lower.

Always check for doneness early and continue cooking if needed. Ribs are done when fork-tender and the meat has shrunk back from the bones. For caramelized, saucy ribs, unwrap and broil for a couple minutes per side at the end.

Grilled Pork Ribs

You can also make succulent ribs by grilling on a charcoal or gas grill. Grill indirect heat works best.

Aim for these times and temperatures:

• Baby Backs – Cook for 1.5-2 hours at 250-275°F

• Spare Ribs – Cook for 3-4 hours at 225-250°F

Use a digital thermometer to check for doneness, cooking until the internal temp reaches 195°F. If browning unevenly, rotate the racks and wrap in foil if needed.

Seasoning and Saucing Your Ribs

For maximum flavor, season ribs generously with a dry rub or wet marinade before cooking.

Dry Rubs – These contain spices and herbs like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, cumin, pepper, and brown sugar. Apply by rubbing into the meat.

Wet Marinades – Marinate ribs for at least 2-8 hours in a flavorful sauce-like mixture. Try soy sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire, herbs and spices.

BBQ Sauce – Brush with bold, sticky sauce during the last 10-30 minutes of grilling or stick ribs under the broiler after baking.

Experiment with your favorite seasonings and sauces. We love a sweet and spicy homemade BBQ sauce loaded with molasses, chili powder, cumin and cayenne pepper.

Tips for Perfect Ribs Every Time

Follow these pro tips and tricks for amazing ribs:

• Choose properly sized racks for 2-3 ribs per person. Leave at least 1⁄2 inch between ribs.

• Remove the thin membrane from the back of the rack for tender meat.

• Position ribs meaty side up during roasting or grilling.

• Keep an eye on ribs and rotate if needed. Check early for doneness.

• Let ribs rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving.

• Slice in between bones to serve individual ribs. Cut spare ribs into smaller sections.

• Leftover baked ribs keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the grill before saucing and serving again.

How Long to Cook Pork Ribs – The Summary

Now you know exactly how long different kinds of pork ribs need to cook using various oven or grilling methods. The key times to remember are:

• Baby Back Ribs – 1 to 1 1⁄2 hours oven-baked or 1 1⁄2 to 2 hours on the grill

• Spare Ribs and St. Louis Style – 2 to 3 hours oven-baked or 3 to 4 hours on the grill

Keep ribs moist by wrapping in foil when oven baking. Use indirect heat on the grill and rotate as needed. Check for doneness early and continue cooking until fork tender.

Amp up flavor with a signature dry rub or marinade and finish with sticky, bold BBQ sauce.

Follow this guide for succulent, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs every time! Now get outside and start grilling or turn on that oven and invite some friends over to enjoy the finger-lickin’ ribs.