Cooking pork ribs is an art. The key to mouth-watering ribs? The right temperature. Get it wrong, and your ribs might be dry or undercooked. Get it right, and you’ll have tender, juicy ribs with that perfect smoky flavor.
At Corrin Kiln Dried Firewood, we know cooking outdoors is part of the experience. That’s why we’ve created this easy pork ribs temperature chart for all grill masters. Follow this guide for delicious results every time.
Choosing Your Ribs
Before you start cooking, let’s talk about rib types. Not all pork ribs are the same. There are three main types to consider:
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Baby Back Ribs: These come from the upper part of the rib cage, near the spine. They’re smaller, tender, and cook faster.
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Spare Ribs: These come from the belly area. They’re larger, meatier, and need longer to cook.
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St. Louis Style Ribs: These are spare ribs trimmed for a more uniform shape. They’re easier to handle and cook evenly.
Each type has its own ideal cooking temperature.
The Right Internal Temperatures
Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of your ribs. This is essential. Avoid guessing. Just a few degrees can make a big difference.
Here’s a quick breakdown of safe and optimal temperatures for each type:
- Safe Temperature: 145°F (63°C)
- Tender and Juicy (Ideal): 195°F to 203°F (90°C to 95°C)
Baby Back Ribs
Baby back ribs are lean and quick to cook. Here’s how to get the best result:
- Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (at 225°F to 250°F)
- Ideal Temperature: 195°F - 203°F
Tips: Baby back ribs are best cooked low and slow. They reach peak tenderness at 195°F to 203°F. Use indirect heat if grilling and wrap them in foil for extra juiciness.
Spare Ribs
Spare ribs are larger and need more time to become tender. Here’s the best way to cook them:
- Cooking Time: 5-6 hours (at 225°F to 250°F)
- Ideal Temperature: 195°F - 203°F
Tips: Spare ribs benefit from a longer cook time. Keep them moist by spritzing them with apple juice or vinegar every hour. This adds flavor and keeps the meat juicy.
St. Louis Style Ribs
St. Louis ribs are popular for their uniform shape. They’re easy to handle and cook evenly.
- Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (at 225°F to 250°F)
- Ideal Temperature: 195°F - 203°F
Tips: Like spare ribs, St. Louis ribs need time to break down. They reach full flavor and tenderness at around 195°F. Try adding a dry rub or marinade before cooking for extra flavor.
Temperature Guide Chart
Here’s a quick reference for all types of pork ribs:
Rib Type | Safe Temp (145°F) | Ideal Temp (195°F - 203°F) | Cooking Time |
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Baby Back Ribs | 145°F | 195°F - 203°F | 3-4 hours |
Spare Ribs | 145°F | 195°F - 203°F | 5-6 hours |
St. Louis Ribs | 145°F | 195°F - 203°F | 4-5 hours |
Keep this chart handy. Print it out or save it on your phone. It’s your secret weapon for perfect ribs.
The 3-2-1 Method
One popular way to cook ribs is the 3-2-1 method. This method works best for spare and St. Louis style ribs.
- Step 1 (3 hours): Smoke the ribs unwrapped for three hours.
- Step 2 (2 hours): Wrap the ribs in foil with a liquid (like apple juice). This keeps them tender and juicy.
- Step 3 (1 hour): Unwrap and cook for one more hour. This firms them up and adds that delicious crust.
Note: This method is ideal for cooking at 225°F. Adjust the times slightly for higher temperatures.
Getting the Right Firewood
Good firewood makes a difference. At Corrin Kiln Dried Firewood Co., we offer kiln-dried firewood that burns clean and hot. It’s perfect for grilling and smoking. Kiln-dried wood has low moisture, so it lights quickly and keeps a steady temperature.
- Order Online or Call: 302-656-6077
- Free Delivery: Within 20 miles of zip code 19801
- Additional Delivery: Only $3 per extra mile
Whether you need firewood for cooking ribs or warming up on a cold night, we’ve got you covered.
Final Tips for Cooking Ribs
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Don’t Rush the Process: Low and slow is key. Cooking too quickly dries out the meat.
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Keep Moisture in Check: Spritz with apple juice or water every hour. This keeps the ribs juicy.
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Rest Your Ribs: Let them sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking. This redistributes the juices.
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Use Quality Firewood: Our kiln-dried firewood is perfect for maintaining even heat. No moisture means a cleaner burn and consistent temperature.
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Try a Meat Thermometer: Always check the internal temperature before serving. Aim for that perfect 195°F to 203°F for juicy ribs.
Enjoying the Results
Cooking ribs isn’t complicated, but it requires patience. Follow this temperature chart and cooking guide, and you’ll have delicious, tender ribs every time. Pair your ribs with your favorite sauce, sides, and drinks. Enjoy the process and the reward!
Remember, the right firewood matters. Corrin Kiln Dried Firewood Co. is here to fuel your cooking journey. Give us a call at 302-656-6077 or order online. We deliver within 20 miles of 19801 for free and offer affordable delivery options beyond.
Get ready to cook, and enjoy those mouth-watering ribs!