When grilling season comes around, one of the most popular cuts of meat to throw on the grill is ribs. While it’s easy to get the ingredients and the cut of meat, many people find themselves asking, “How long do ribs take to cook?”. Well, the answer is not cut and dry; there are several factors that can affect the cooking time of ribs.
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What Type of Ribs Are You Cooking?
Ribs come in a variety of cuts, and the cooking time can vary based on the type of ribs you are cooking. Baby back ribs are typically the smallest type of rib and will cook the quickest, while spare ribs take the longest to cook. St. Louis style ribs are somewhere in the middle. So, if you want to know how long do ribs take to cook, you’ll need to know what kind of ribs you are cooking.
Is It Fresh or Frozen?
Another factor that can affect cooking time is whether your ribs are fresh or frozen. Fresh ribs will cook much faster than frozen ribs, so if you’re in a hurry, it’s best to go with fresh. If you’re using frozen ribs, plan on adding an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time.
What Temperature Are You Cooking At?
The temperature you are cooking at can also affect the cooking time. Generally, ribs should be cooked at a low temperature (225-250 degrees Fahrenheit), but if you’re in a hurry, you can crank up the heat to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. Just be aware that cooking at higher temperatures can cause the ribs to dry out faster, so you’ll need to keep an eye on them.
How Thick Are the Ribs?
The thickness of the ribs can also affect the cooking time. Thick ribs will take longer to cook, while thin ribs will cook quicker. The best way to ensure that your ribs are cooked evenly is to use a thermometer to test the internal temperature. Ribs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145-160 degrees Fahrenheit.
How Long Do Ribs Take to Cook?
So, how long do ribs take to cook? It really depends on the type of ribs, whether they are fresh or frozen, the temperature you are cooking at, and the thickness of the ribs. On average, ribs will take about 1-2 hours to cook when cooked at a low temperature. If you are in a hurry, you can crank up the heat and cook them in about 45 minutes, but be sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out.
Tips for the Perfect Ribs
If you want to make sure your ribs turn out perfectly, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is correct.
- Cook the ribs at a low temperature (225-250 degrees Fahrenheit) for best results.
- If you’re in a hurry, you can crank up the heat (350-375 degrees Fahrenheit). Just be sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out.
- To add flavor to the ribs, you can brush them with a barbecue sauce or rub them with a spice blend.
- Allow the ribs to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
So, when it comes to the question of how long do ribs take to cook, the answer will depend on the type of ribs, whether they are fresh or frozen, the temperature you are cooking at, and the thickness of the ribs. On average, ribs will take about 1-2 hours to cook when cooked at a low temperature. If you are in a hurry, you can crank up the heat and cook them in about 45 minutes, but be sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out. And don’t forget to use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature is correct.
Now that you know the answer to the age-old question of how long do ribs take to cook, it’s time to fire up the grill and get cooking. As the great singer Johnny Cash once said, “I hear that sizzle, I smell that smell, I know something good is cooking.” So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and get grilling!
