Cups & Temps

Pork ribs internal temperature

USDA: pork ribs are safe at 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest, but they're chewy there. For tender ribs, aim for 180-195°F (ThermoWorks, National Pork Board).

USDA safe minimum
145°F63°C internal temperature
Rest time
3 minBefore carving or eating
Doneness range
180–195°FTender to very tender
Safe & popular
180°FTender
  • 180°FTender82°C
  • 195°FVery tender91°C

Safe minimums from USDA FSIS and FoodSafety.gov. Checked .

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145°FUSDA safe minimum + 3 min rest

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Pork ribs temperature chart

Doneness°F°CNotes
Tender180°F82°CNational Pork Board's 'best' temp; ThermoWorks: done at 180-195°F
Very tender195°F91°Ctop of ThermoWorks' 180-195°F range

Doneness targets come from the culinary sources listed below. USDA's food-safety minimum is 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest; anything below it is a personal risk choice.

Safe temperature for pork ribs

USDA: pork ribs are safe at 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest, but they're chewy there. For tender ribs, aim for 180-195°F (ThermoWorks, National Pork Board).

When to take it off the heat

ThermoWorks suggests holding ribs between 180 and 195°F for at least 30 minutes, then checking texture before pulling.

Where to put the thermometer

Use a thin probe between two bones at the center of the rack, about halfway down, without touching bone (ThermoWorks).

Questions people ask

What internal temp are ribs done?

Safe at 145°F; ThermoWorks says ribs are generally done (tender) at 180-195°F.

How do you take the temperature of ribs?

Slip a thin probe between two bones in the middle of the rack, centered in the meat and off the bone.

What temp are ribs done?

USDA: pork ribs are safe at 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest, but they're chewy there. For tender ribs, aim for 180-195°F (ThermoWorks, National Pork Board).

What temp to cook ribs in oven?

USDA: pork ribs are safe at 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest, but they're chewy there. For tender ribs, aim for 180-195°F (ThermoWorks, National Pork Board).

What temp are pork ribs done?

USDA: pork ribs are safe at 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest, but they're chewy there. For tender ribs, aim for 180-195°F (ThermoWorks, National Pork Board).

What temperature are ribs done?

USDA: pork ribs are safe at 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest, but they're chewy there. For tender ribs, aim for 180-195°F (ThermoWorks, National Pork Board).

Sources