How Long To Cook Ribs In Oven At 350? The Best Way

Introduction to Oven-Baked Ribs

Oven-baked ribs are a delicious and comforting dish that highlights the rich, meaty flavor of pork or beef ribs. Cooking the ribs slowly at a moderate oven temperature results in ribs that are tender, juicy, and fall-off-the-bone, with a caramelized exterior full of complex, mouthwatering flavor.

Oven-baked ribs have several advantages over other cooking methods:

• They are simple to make at home without any fancy equipment. All you need is a sheet pan and aluminum foil.
• You can cook a large batch of ribs evenly in the oven. Grilling individual ribs can be tedious.
• Oven ribs don’t dry out as easily as grilled ribs. The enclosed oven environment helps keep in moisture.
• The hands-off cooking method leaves you free to focus on side dishes and appetizers.

Follow these guiding principles to achieve the perfect oven-baked ribs every time.

Selecting Your Ribs

The first step is choosing what type of ribs to cook. The two main options are pork ribs and beef ribs.

Pork Ribs

There are three main kinds of pork ribs:

• Baby back ribs – From the top of the rib cage near the spine. They have the most tender meat and are shorter than other rib types.
• Spare ribs – From the belly side of the pig. They contain more connective tissue and fat, resulting in chewier meat.
• St. Louis-cut ribs – Trimmed spare ribs with the cartilage tip removed. St. Louis-style has the meatier qualities of spare ribs without the irregular shape.

Beef Ribs

Two common options for beef ribs are:

• Dino ribs – Cut from the plate section. They have a large bone with generous amounts of meat attached.
• Short ribs – Shorter ribs cut from the chuck with a high fat content to keep them moist during cooking.

For oven cooking, choose ribs that are evenly sized for consistent doneness. Ask your butcher for recommendations.

Preparing Your Ribs

Proper preparation is key to maximizing the flavor and texture of oven-baked ribs.

• Remove membrane – The papery membrane lining the underside of the ribs inhibits seasoning penetration and moisture retention. Peel it off with a knife or paper towel for tender, juicy results.
• Season generously – For maximum flavor, coat both sides of the ribs with a dry spice rub or marinade. Season at least 30 minutes prior, or overnight for more absorption.
• Use a dry rub or marinade – Dry rubs give a flavorful crust, while marinades tenderize and add flavor to the meat. Choose based on your taste preferences.
• Apply sauce later – Saucing too early in cooking leads to a burnt, sticky mess. Wait until the last 15-30 minutes of baking to brush with barbecue sauce.

How Long To Cook Ribs In Oven At 350?

Based on the information provided in the sources, the cooking times for ribs in the oven at 350°F vary depending on the recipe and method used:

• Meatified: The ribs are cooked at 225°F for 4 to 4 1/2 hours until they are tender. After slow cooking, the ribs are broiled until the BBQ sauce bubbles, browns, and caramelizes.
• The Wooden Skillet: This recipe suggests baking the ribs at 225°F for 4 hours, then increasing the temperature to 250°F for another hour, and finally to 275°F for an additional hour until the ribs reach an internal temperature of 190-203°F.
  
• Once Upon a Chef: The recipe recommends baking the ribs at 300°F for 2 hours, then saucing them generously with BBQ sauce and placing them back in the oven for 6-8 minutes until the sauce becomes tacky.
• Food.com: This recipe involves baking the ribs at 400°F for 30-40 minutes on the top shelf of the oven after marinating them overnight.
• Cooking Chat: For boneless pork ribs, the cooking time at 350°F is approximately 30 minutes, making sure they are done after a total of 30 minutes of baking.

Therefore, the cooking time for ribs in the oven at 350°F can range from 30 minutes to 4 1/2 hours, depending on the specific recipe and method used.

Doneness Indicators

Use these techniques to test when your oven ribs are perfectly cooked:

• Temperature – Insert instant read thermometer into thickest part of ribs. Look for 195°F – 205°F.
• Tug – Gently tug on a center bone. It should slide out cleanly with little resistance.
• Bend – Pick up ribs with tongs. They should bend easily without breaking apart.
• External color – Look for dark mahogany color with a hint of charring in spots.

When in doubt, err on the side of overdone. Ribs are tastiest when fork tender and falling off the bone.

Applying Barbecue Sauce

Brushing ribs with sauce too early can result in a burnt, bitter mess. For caramelized, sticky glaze with no charring:

• Wait until last 15-30 minutes – Apply sauce only after ribs have browned and begin to render fat.
• Brush on thin layer – Use a pastry brush to evenly coat ribs with a thin layer of sauce.
• Broil 2-3 minutes – Broil ribs 6 inches from heating element to caramelize sauce. Watch closely to avoid burning.
• Repeat process – Apply additional thin layers of sauce and broil 2-3 minutes in between to build flavor.

Finishing Touches

After oven baking, you can finish cooking ribs on the grill or under the broiler for extra flavor and texture.

Grilling – Place ribs directly over medium heat. Char for 2-3 minutes per side, basting with sauce.

Broiling – Broil ribs 6 inches from heating element for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and sizzling. Baste with sauce in final minutes.

These quick finishing methods add crispy, caramelized exterior without overcooking the interior.

Alternative Cooking Methods

While oven baking is a foolproof cooking method for ribs, there are several other options:

• Grilling – Use indirect heat and spritz with liquid to prevent drying out. Ideal for flavoring with smoke.
• Smoking – Cook low and slow in a smoker or grill for infused smoky flavor. Requires hours of cooking time.
• Slow cooker – Cook on low for tenderness. Finish under broiler to crust and caramelize.
• Instant Pot – Pressure cook ribs in about 1 hour for fall-off-the-bone texture.

Food Safety Tips

When handling raw ribs:

• Thaw safely – Thaw frozen ribs overnight in the fridge instead of room temperature.
• Marinate properly – Refrigerate ribs while marinating. Discard used marinade.
• Prevent cross-contamination – Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat. Wash hands and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw ribs.
• Cook to safe temperature – Use a food thermometer to confirm ribs reach 195°F – 205°F internally.

Follow these guidelines and cook ribs thoroughly to avoid any foodborne illnesses.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Ribs pair well with various flavors and sides:

Sides

• Coleslaw
• Corn on the cob
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Macaroni and cheese
• Baked beans
• Collard greens
• Cornbread

Drinks

• Iced tea
• Lemonade
• Beer
• Bourbon
• Wine

The savory, smokey notes of oven ribs make them incredibly versatile to complement with your favorite summer barbecue fare.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

• Let cool – Allow ribs to cool to room temperature before covering. This prevents condensation that can make them soggy.
• Refrigerate promptly – To avoid bacteria growth, refrigerate leftover ribs within 2 hours of cooking.
• Use shallow container – Store ribs in a shallow airtight container to allow the sauce to cool without steaming the ribs.
• Reheat thoroughly – Heat ribs to 165°F. Portion individual ribs on a baking sheet vs. piled together.

Following safe storage methods will keep leftover ribs fresh for 3-4 days, keeping their texture intact when reheated.

Conclusion: How Long To Cook Ribs In Oven At 350?

Oven-baked ribs are a crowd-pleasing addition to any barbecue spread. Low, slow cooking delivers incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs basted in sticky sweet sauce. Master the simple preparation and cooking techniques for ribs that are juicy, flavorful, and delicious. Experiment with different rib cuts, marinades, and sauce flavors until you find your perfect oven-baked rib recipe.