Then there are barbecue pits, smokers and wood chips that factor into the conversation about what produces the best ribs. Serious pit masters will share tips on extra-long pieces of equipment and spray bottles to coax the ultimate flavors from their barbecue ribs. While celeb chefs can wax poetic about their homemade rubs and state-of-the-art smokers that make all the difference. But if there’s one cooking method that most home cooks would agree on when it comes to how to cook ribs, it’s that cooking them in the oven is the easiest. Yes that’s right: Your very own kitchen oven can be the only piece of equipment you need for making finger-licking-good ribs! IF you cook them at the right temperature, which should be 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Below, everything you need to know about how long to cook ribs in the oven at 350°F.
Food Safety 101
What do you need to keep in mind for food safety when cooking ribs? These helpful tips:
Keep the meat separate from other food when shopping and bringing it home from the market.The meat should be stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to start to prepare and cook it.Always wash your hands before handling raw meat and make sure any juices do not come into contact with other food, utensils and kitchen surfaces.A food thermometer can help give an accurate measure of temperature for doneness of the meat.
How to Choose the Right Ribs
Ribs are always a great way to serve food at a gathering since they can be served warm or room temperature, and they work as a self-serve item on a buffet table. This type of meat selection can cook in the oven and then be served on platters family-style with an assortment of sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw, potato salad and buttery corn on the cob. The types of ribs available for purchase include cuts that can be labelled as baby back ribs or back ribs, short ribs, loin ribs, spareribs or spare ribs listed as two words, St. Louis ribs or country ribs. You can also make ribs with a sweet and sour flavor profile using soy sauce , garlic and a layer of brown sugar that caramelizes in the heat of the oven. The spices used to make a spice rub for ribs to cook in the oven can be as mild in flavor or extra hot as you like. Make a rub with a kick with onion and garlic powder, red pepper flakes and maybe a hint of cayenne.
How Long to Cook Ribs in the Oven at 350°F
How long you cook ribs in the oven depends on the temperature of the oven you are using and the cut of meat you are cooking. As with any meat you’re cooking in the oven, the time can fluctuate depending on the thickness of the meat and the oven temperature. Use your cut of meat as a guide when estimating how long it will take to cook your ribs in the oven. Keep in mind that removing the meat from the refrigerator about an hour before placing it in the oven will allow for even heat distribution during the cook time. For country style ribs, average about 20-30 minutes. For baby back ribs, about 2 hours. For spareribs, more like 2 1/2 hours.
How to Cook Ribs in the Oven
How Long Can Cooked Ribs Be Kept in the Refrigerator?
Leftover ribs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days if stored properly. Wrap the ribs in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in a shallow airtight container.
Can You Freeze Leftover Cooked Ribs?
You bet! Ribs can be wrapped in plastic wrap and foil to keep in the freezer for two to three months. Be sure and label the food and the date it was stored. Next: How Long Does Cooked Chicken Last in the Fridge? We Find Out Once and For All
