When it comes to slow cooking ribs in the oven at 200 degrees, patience is key. This method promises to deliver tender, flavorful pork ribs with a delicious barbecue sauce glaze, making it the perfect centerpiece for your dinner table. Although ribs prepared in the oven at 350 degrees turn out well, allowing more time for slow cooking results in a melt-in-your-mouth meal you won’t forget.
Slow cooking ribs at 200 degrees is achievable even if you’re without a slow cooker. Follow this approach to achieve that desirable, fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Elevate the flavor with a savory pork chop dry rub, and you’ll find that no additional sauce is needed to enjoy this mouthwatering dish.
Key Takeaways
Slow cooking ribs at 200 degrees in the oven makes them especially tender
Achieving the fall-off-the-bone effect is possible even without a slow cooker
A pork chop dry rub adds a sweet and savory taste, eliminating the need for extra sauce
Slow Oven Baked Ribs
If you’re short on time but crave tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs like those from the Crockpot ribs Coca Cola recipe, consider this oven-baked alternative. First, you’ll want to select the type of rack that suits your preferences:
St. Louis ribs: These have plenty of meat attached to the bones and are the meatiest option.
Spare ribs: Coming from the pig’s belly area, they are long and flat, offering the second most amount of meat. This recipe utilizes spare ribs.
Baby back ribs: Sourced from the pig’s back, they are shorter and narrower compared to spare ribs, with less protein on the bone.
Country style ribs: Although boneless, they are not considered “true ribs.”
Another option is rib tips, which are the end, tip, and hard area cut off and occasionally sold together. These have minimal meat and can be quite challenging to eat.
For your oven-baked ribs, simply slather them in a flavorful barbecue sauce or a mix of ketchup and BBQ sauce, and then roast them in the oven. This method will give you succulent, tender ribs to enjoy. Remember to keep an eye on them, as cooking times may vary. Happy eating, and enjoy the fantastic taste of slow oven-baked ribs!
How Long to Cook Ribs in Oven
To cook delectable ribs in the oven, allocate around 5 hours to achieve the perfect texture. The cook time may vary based on the size of your ribs and the thickness of the meat on the bone. Before you begin baking, it’s crucial to remove the membrane attached to the bone, as it can impede the meat from coming off the bone effortlessly.
Here’s what you’ll need for a delicious rack of ribs:
A 2.5-pound rack of pork ribs
Your preferred barbecue sauce
Salt and pepper
Regarding equipment, a sizable baking sheet and some non-stick foil will suffice. If your ribs are too long for the baking sheet, simply cut them in half and place them side by side without overlapping. This ensures the hot air circulates evenly during cooking.
To prepare your ribs, consider the following ideal temperatures and cook times:
Slow Cook: For tender, slow-cooked ribs, preheat your oven to 200°F. Bake the ribs for about 4-5 hours until they have an internal temperature of around 145°F, measured using a meat thermometer.
Slowly Oven Cooking Ribs for 6 Hours
For delicious fall off the bone ribs, start by preheating your oven to 200°F and lining a baking sheet with aluminum foil. If your ribs have a membrane, remove it. If the ribs are too large for your pan, feel free to cut them.
Next, place the ribs meat side up on the prepared baking sheet. You can enhance the flavor by applying a savory and sweet dry rub, such as one made with brown sugar, to all sides of the ribs.
Place the baking sheet in the oven. Slow cook the ribs for 4 to 5 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 190°F. This will ensure the ribs are tender, juicy, and the bones can be easily pulled out.
Finally, remove the ribs from the oven and generously coat them with your favorite barbecue sauce. Finish by broiling for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the top becomes crispy. Enjoy your slow-cooked, fall off the bone ribs with your loved ones!
How to Slow Cook Ribs in Oven
To achieve tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs, preheat your oven to a temperature between 200-225°F. Begin by preparing a dry rub using ingredients such as brown sugar, chili powder, ground cumin, pepper, and your choice of seasoning. Evenly coat the ribs with the spice rub and let them rest for a few minutes to effectively absorb the flavors.
For the cooking process, place the ribs on a sheet of foil, and optionally, mix some water and apple cider vinegar – this helps in keeping the ribs moist. Pour the mixture over the ribs before wrapping the ribs in foil to ensure they remain tender. You can opt to leave them uncovered if you prefer.
Cook the ribs at the ideal low temperature for several hours until the meat starts to pull away from the bones. Lastly, apply your favorite sauce and switch your oven to broil to achieve a crispy, golden-brown finish. Remember to keep an eye on the ribs to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your delicious slow-cooked ribs!
Pork Ribs in the Oven
While preparing your ribs, you can choose the type of sauce you desire. Even with a dry rub, there’s plenty of mouth-watering flavor. However, if you prefer to enhance it, sauces are definitely a must. The classic pairing is barbecue sauce, which complements the tender meat exquisitely. Alternatively, you can test out teriyaki sauce for a delightful twist on your pork ribs, be it baby back ribs or spareribs. You’ll easily discover your personal preference in the process.
Can You Reheat Leftover Ribs?
Definitely! To keep those tasty ribs from drying out, store them the right way. Use a freezer bag to keep your ribs fresh, and make sure to remove all the air before sealing it. A vacuum-sealed bag is even better! Brush some sauce over the meat to preserve the moisture.
Before reheating, let the ribs sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Preheat your oven to 200°F and place the ribs on a foil-covered baking dish. Add some sauce on top and heat for 30 minutes, or until warm. If you’re short on time, microwave is an option. Set a plate of ribs with sauce, covered with a paper towel, and heat for 2 minutes or until they reach your preferred temperature.
Incorporate these delightful leftovers as your main course or side dishes, and enjoy the flavors of your reheated meal!
Preheat your oven to 200°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. If the membrane on the ribs is still intact, remove it. Cut the ribs if they don't fit into your baking dish. Season with Ribs Dry Rub if desired.
Place the ribs on the baking sheet, meat side up. Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 4-5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 190°F and the bone can be easily pulled out.
Remove the ribs from the oven, and coat them with barbecue sauce. Broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the top is crisped.
What is the best duration for cooking ribs at 200°F?
The ideal time for cooking ribs at 200°F is about 4 to 6 hours, depending on the thickness of your ribs. Check for tenderness to ensure they are cooked to your liking.
Baby back or spare ribs: which should I choose?
Both baby back and spare ribs are great options for slow cooking. Baby back ribs are smaller and leaner, requiring a shorter cooking time, while spare ribs are larger and contain more fat, giving them a richer flavor.
Is covering the ribs in foil necessary during cooking?
Wrapping ribs in foil can help retain moisture and cook the ribs evenly, but it’s not necessary. Some people prefer leaving the ribs uncovered for a more caramelized exterior.
What are the cooking time differences at 225°F and 250°F?
At 225°F, you can expect your ribs to take around 5-6 hours, while 250°F would shorten the cooking time to 4-5 hours. Always check for tenderness and adjust cooking time accordingly.
Can I overcook my ribs when slow cooking at 200°F?
While it’s possible to overcook ribs at any temperature, slow cooking at 200°F reduces the risk. Keep an eye on your ribs and check for tenderness to avoid overcooking them.
How long should I cook a rack of ribs at 200°F?
For a standard-sized rack of ribs, you should plan on cooking them for about 4 to 6 hours at 200°F. Check for tenderness to ensure they are cooked to your desired texture.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
