How Long To Cook Ribs In Oven At 400?

Cooking ribs in the oven is an excellent way to achieve tender, juicy meat without the need for a grill. But the question remains, how long do you need to cook the ribs in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit?

See also: What is the 40 to 140 Rule?

How Long To Cook Ribs In Oven At 400?

The cooking time for ribs in the oven at 400°F will depend on various factors such as the thickness of the meat, the type of ribs, and personal preferences for doneness. As a general guideline, you can expect to cook ribs for 25-30 minutes at 400°F. However, it is important to check the internal temperature of the ribs with a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked to a safe temperature of 145°F for pork or 165°F for beef. Additionally, you can baste the ribs with a flavorful sauce during the cooking process to enhance the taste and texture.

Preparing the Ribs

Before you start cooking the ribs, you need to prepare them properly. First, remove the membrane from the back of the ribs to ensure that the flavors penetrate the meat evenly. Next, season the ribs with your preferred dry rub or marinade. Let the ribs sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb.

Cooking Time

When cooking ribs in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, the cooking time depends on the cut and thickness of the meat. Here's a guide to help you determine how long to cook different types of ribs:

Baby Back Ribs

Baby back ribs are a popular cut that is tender and easy to cook. When cooking baby back ribs in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, you should cook them for around 25-30 minutes per pound. This means that if you have a rack of baby back ribs that weighs 3 pounds, you should cook them for around 75-90 minutes.

Spare Ribs

Spare ribs are larger and meatier than baby back ribs, but they require a slightly longer cooking time. When cooking spare ribs in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, you should cook them for around 30-35 minutes per pound. This means that if you have a rack of spare ribs that weighs 4 pounds, you should cook them for around 2-2.5 hours.

Beef Ribs

Beef ribs are larger and denser than pork ribs, so they require a longer cooking time. When cooking beef ribs in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, you should cook them for around 40-45 minutes per pound. This means that if you have a rack of beef ribs that weighs 5 pounds, you should cook them for around 3-3.5 hours.

Checking for Doneness

To ensure that the ribs are cooked properly, you need to check for doneness. The best way to do this is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, making sure not to touch the bone. The internal temperature should be around 165 degrees Fahrenheit for pork ribs and 145 degrees Fahrenheit for beef ribs.

Another way to check for doneness is by using the bend test. Pick up the rack of ribs with a pair of tongs and gently bend them. If the meat cracks slightly, it's done. If the meat falls apart, it's overcooked.

Final Thoughts

Cooking ribs in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit is a great way to achieve tender, juicy meat without the need for a grill. However, the cooking time depends on the cut and thickness of the meat. By following this guide, you'll be able to cook perfect ribs every time. Don't forget to check for doneness to ensure that your ribs are cooked properly.