Pork ribs are often served at barbecue events or parties. They are usually cut into individual pieces, then marinated before being grilled. The meat should be tender and fall off the bone easily.
But how do we know when they are cooked properly? The last thing you want to do is eat undercooked meat or give your guests food poisoning!
You search and search, but no matter what you do, you just can’t find the answers that you need.
Well, no more! This article will help you learn how to tell when pork ribs are fully cooked. Keep reading to find out more.
Different Methods For Checking Pork Ribs
Different methods can be used to determine if the pork rib meat is cooked through. Some people like to use their fingers while others prefer using a fork. Here’s what each method entails:
1. Using Your Hands
This is one of the easiest ways to check if the pork ribs are fully cooked because there isn’t much room for error. Simply press down on the meat with your hand until it gives way.
If the meat doesn’t give in immediately, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then try again.
2. Using A Fork
Inserting a fork into the thick part of the pork rib meat is another easy way to see if the meat is fully cooked through. Just make sure that the tip of the fork goes all the way through the meat without hitting the bone.
3. Poking The Meat With A Knife
You may want to use this method instead of poking the meat with a fork. After cooking the pork ribs, simply lift the meat and look for any resistance. If the meat comes away easily, the pork ribs are probably cooked through.
4. Checking The Temperature
The last method involves checking the internal temperature of the pork ribs. To do so, place an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part. Insert the probe deep enough so that it touches the center of the meat.
Wait about 2 minutes for the reading to stabilize. Remove the thermometer and record the temperature. The ideal temperature for pork ribs is 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius).
Why Should You Cook Ribs Past Done?
Cooking pork ribs past done is important because it helps them stay moist and flavorful.
It is best to cook pork ribs until they reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) because this ensures that the meat stays juicy and tender.
To ensure that you get the most flavor from your pork ribs, follow these tips:
• Marinate the meat overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply.
• Cook the meat over indirect heat. Indirect heat prevents flare-ups and makes the meat less likely to burn.
• Use a heavy gauge wire rack. This type of rack keeps the meat from sticking to the grill grates.
• Don’t overcook the meat. Cooking pork ribs too long will dry them out and cause them to lose moisture.
Where Should You Buy Pork Ribs?
When buying pork ribs, always choose ones that have been cut from the loin section of the pig. These cuts contain more fat than those from the shoulder or leg sections.
Pork ribs can also be found in grocery stores as well as butcher shops. They usually come vacuum sealed in plastic bags. As long as the package says “pork ribs” then you know that they were properly stored and handled.
Pork ribs are often sold individually or in packs of four. When purchasing whole racks, ask the store clerk how many ribs are included in the pack.
How To Cook Pork Ribs At Home
If you don’t have access to a barbecue pit, you can still cook pork ribs using other methods. Here are some ideas:
1. Grill
Grilling pork ribs is very similar to cooking them on a barbecue pit. Follow the same steps mentioned above but don’t add any additional seasoning. Instead, season the ribs after they are grilled.
2. Broil
Broiling pork ribs works well when you want to serve the ribs immediately. Simply preheat the broiler and place the ribs on top of the oven rack. Turn the oven to broil and let the ribs sit there for 10 minutes.
Then turn off the oven and leave the ribs inside for another 5 minutes. Finally, remove the ribs and enjoy.
3. Bake
Baking pork ribs are great for making quick meals. Just like broiling, baking pork ribs is easy. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius). Place the ribs on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
Then flip the ribs over and continue to bake for another 15 minutes. Remove the ribs and allow them to rest before serving.
4. Roast
Roasting pork ribs is one of the easiest ways to prepare them. Simply preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Lay the ribs flat on a greased pan and roast for 30 minutes.
Flip the ribs over and finish roasting for another 25 minutes. Remove the ribs from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before slicing.
5. Pressure Cooker
Pressure cooking pork ribs is an excellent way to make quick meals. To pressure cook pork ribs, first drain them by placing them in a colander and letting them stand for about 30 minutes.
Once drained, pat the ribs dry with paper towels. Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of your pressure cooker pot.
Add the ribs and cover with a lid. Set the pressure cooker to high pressure and cook for 30 minutes. After the time has elapsed, release the pressure naturally. If you prefer, you can use a stovetop pressure cooker instead.
6. Slow Cooker
Slow cooking pork ribs is another good option for preparing this type of food. The process is quite simple. First, rinse the ribs under cold running water and pat them dry.
Put the ribs in a slow cooker along with 2 cups of water. Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat. Let the ribs simmer for 8 hours. Serve the ribs hot or cold.
Regardless of how you choose to cook your pork ribs, make sure to follow the steps above carefully.
Conclusion
Pork ribs are delicious and nutritious. They are also easy to cook. However, you need to be careful when cooking them because they can quickly become overcooked.
Always pay attention to the temperature of the meat so that you won’t end up wasting your time and money, or even worse becoming sick.
My name is John Rinder and I have spent the majority of my adult life grilling and learning about barbecues.
In fact, my grilling experience stems from even before that, when I used to watch my father grill outdoors. Some of my favorite memories growing up were surrounding the grill in the backyard, or a portable grill on the beach or in the park.
