Quick Answer
Pork short ribs need to cook for 2-3 hours to become tender and delicious. The exact cooking time depends on a few factors like the size and thickness of the ribs, the cooking method, and the temperature. For oven baked ribs, plan on cooking for 2-3 hours at 300°F. For braised ribs on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, cook for at least 2 hours on low heat until fork tender. Grilled ribs take 1-2 hours over indirect heat.
Detailed Answer
Pork short ribs are a flavorful, tender cut of meat from the belly section of the pig near the spare ribs. They contain a good amount of fat and connective tissue which requires long, slow cooking to fully break down and make the meat juicy and tender.
There are a few factors that determine exactly how long pork short ribs need to cook:
- Size of the ribs – Larger, meatier ribs will take longer than smaller ribs
- Thickness – Thicker ribs around 1-2 inches thick require more time than thinner ribs under 1 inch
- Cooking method – Braising, oven roasting, grilling, instant pot, etc.
- Cooking temperature – Lower temps around 300°F need longer cooking than higher heat
- Amount of ribs – A larger batch will require slightly longer cooking than a single rack
Taking these factors into account, here are general cooking times for different methods:
Oven Baked Pork Short Ribs
Cooking ribs in the oven is an easy, hands-off method. Simply season the ribs, arrange them in a baking dish, add some liquid like broth or barbecue sauce, cover with foil, and bake.
- Cook at 300°F for 2-3 hours until fork tender.
- Check after 2 hours, then continue cooking if needed until meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.
- Add extra sauce and broil at the end to caramelize the outside.
Braised Pork Short Ribs
Braising the ribs on the stovetop or in a slow cooker helps break down the connective tissue for super tender meat.
- For stovetop, brown the ribs then braise in liquid at a bare simmer for 2-3 hours.
- For the slow cooker, cook on low heat for 6-8 hours until fully tender.
- Add aromatics like onions, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor.
Grilled Pork Short Ribs
You can also grill pork ribs over indirect heat. This gives great charred flavor to the outside.
- Cook over indirect medium heat for 1-2 hours, flipping occasionally.
- Brush with barbecue sauce in the last 30 minutes once browned.
- Finish over direct heat to caramelize the outside.
Instant Pot Pork Short Ribs
For fast cooking, an Instant Pot speeds up the process.
- Cook for 30-40 minutes under pressure on manual/high pressure setting.
- Use natural pressure release, then check ribs for tenderness.
- Add sauce and broil to finish if desired.
How to Tell When They’re Done
Here are some ways to test when pork ribs are fully cooked:
- Meat pulls back from the bone.
- Fork slides in and out of meat easily.
- Internal temperature reaches 190-205°F.
- The meat shreds easily when poked with a fork.
The ribs should be completely tender with no chewy spots remaining. The meat may start to fall off the bone when fully cooked. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Times Chart
For quick reference, here are the approximate cooking times for pork short ribs:
| Method | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Oven at 300°F | 2-3 hours |
| Braised stovetop or slow cooker | 2-3 hours |
| Grilled over indirect heat | 1-2 hours |
| Instant Pot on high pressure | 30-40 minutes |
Tips for Cooking Pork Short Ribs
Follow these tips for the most tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs:
- Choose thick, meaty ribs for the best results.
- Remove silver skin membrane for more tender ribs.
- Season well with salt, pepper, and spices.
- Sear or brown the ribs before braising or roasting.
- Cook in moisture like broth, barbecue sauce, or apple juice.
- Bring to room temperature before cooking.
- Allow ribs to rest 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Common Mistakes
It’s easy to over or undercook ribs. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Undercooking – Leads to tough, chewy meat.
- Overcooking – Can make the ribs dry out.
- Cooking at too high temperature – Causes the outside to burn before inside is done.
- Not using a meat thermometer – Best way to test doneness.
- Cutting ribs before resting – Juices will leak out.
- Forgetting to remove membrane – Creates chewy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Pork short ribs make a great entree or appetizer. Here are some serving ideas:
- Serve ribs with mashed potatoes, rice, or bread to soak up the sauce.
- Make pork rib sandwiches piled high on buns.
- Chop ribs and add to baked beans, soups, or pasta dishes.
- Serve individual ribs as finger food appetizers.
- Toss chopped pork rib meat with barbecue sauce and sandwiches.
- Top ribs with coleslaw for delicious contrasting textures and flavors.
Conclusion
Pork short ribs need about 2-3 hours of cooking time to become perfectly tender and juicy. Oven roasting, braising, grilling, and using the Instant Pot are all great methods. Cook low and slow, watch for doneness cues like meat pulling back from the bone, and allow the ribs to rest before digging in. Properly cooked pork ribs are a total crowd pleaser!