Internal Temperature of Cooked Ribs

Getting It Right: Internal Temperature of Cooked Ribs

I’ve spent enough time around smokers, ovens, and grills to know that cooking ribs isn’t just about slathering on sauce and hoping for the best. It’s about precision, patience, and knowing exactly when those ribs are ready to leave the heat. And when it comes to ribs, it’s not just about doneness, it’s about tenderness. That’s where internal temperature plays a starring role.

What Temperature Should Ribs Reach?

Let me say this clearly: ribs are safe to eat at 145°F (62.7°C), but that doesn’t mean they’re done. Not by a long shot. At that temperature, the meat will still be tough and chewy. If you’re like me and want your ribs tender enough to pull apart with ease, you’re aiming for an internal temperature of about 190°F to 203°F (87.8°C to 95°C). That’s when the collagen in the meat has broken down, giving you that soft, juicy bite every rib lover dreams about.
Here’s a quick guide to keep in mind:

• Ideal for tenderness: 190°F to 203°F (87.8°C to 95°C)
• Bone starts to pull away: around 195°F (90.5°C)

How I Check for Doneness

Every time I cook ribs, whether it’s baby backs, spare ribs, or for St. Louis-style, I rely on a probe thermometer. I insert it into the thickest part of the meat, being careful not to hit the bone. Bones conduct heat differently, and if you’re touching one, you might get a false reading. I check a couple of spots just to be sure the heat is even.
Another trick I’ve picked up is the “bend test.” I pick up the slab with a pair of tongs at one end. If the ribs bend easily and the surface cracks slightly in the middle, they’re just about perfect.

How Long Do Ribs Take to Cook?

It depends on the method, but here’s a general rule of thumb I go by:

• Grill (low and slow at 225°F / 107°C): 5 to 6 hours
• Oven (baked at 275°F / 135°C): 2.5 to 3.5 hours
• Smoker: 5 to 6 hours with wood chips for flavor

I always allow time for resting, too. After cooking, I let the ribs rest for 10 to 15 minutes so the juices redistribute and the temperature evens out.

Should I Wrap My Ribs While Cooking?

Absolutely, and here’s why. Wrapping your ribs partway through cooking (often called the “Texas Crutch”) helps lock in moisture and speeds up the cooking process. I usually wrap mine in foil or butcher paper once they hit about 160°F (71°C). This helps tenderize the meat and prevents it from drying out. I’ll unwrap them once they get closer to 190°F (87.8°C) and let the surface firm up again for that perfect bite. It’s especially useful when you’re smoking ribs low and slow over several hours.

Choosing the Right Cut of Ribs

Not all ribs are created equal, and picking the right cut can really shape your cooking approach. Baby back ribs are leaner and cook faster, and great for the oven or grill. Spare ribs are meatier and richer, perfect for smoking. St. Louis-style ribs are trimmed spare ribs with a more uniform shape, making them ideal for even cooking. I like to choose based on time and taste. If I’m feeding a crowd, I’ll go with St. Louis-style. If I want something quicker, baby backs are my go-to.

A Word on Saucing

If I’m using barbecue sauce, I wait until the last 30 minutes of cooking. Applying it too early leads to burning because of the sugar content. A few thin layers near the end build that sticky glaze without overpowering the meat.

Bringing Flavor Full Circle

Cooking ribs isn’t just a Summer weekend hobby for me, it’s a bit of a ritual. I prep a dry rub the night before, choose the right wood for smoking, and build the kind of meal that brings people around the table. But none of that matters if the internal temperature isn’t right. That’s the foundation.
If you’re looking to try something new with your ribs, don’t miss our recipe collections, from sticky Asian-glazed ribs to slow cooker fall-off-the-bone versions. And follow us on social media for video tips, cooking hacks, and a look behind the scenes at what’s coming out of our kitchen next.