06/10/2026
🔥 BBQ Tip: How Do You Know When Ribs Are Done? 🔥
One of the biggest mistakes backyard pitmasters make is cooking ribs strictly by time. The truth is, ribs are done when they feel right—not when the clock says so.
✅ The Bend Test Pick up the rack from the center using tongs. If the ribs bend easily and the surface starts to crack slightly, they're getting close.
✅ Bone Pullback Look at the ends of the bones. When the meat has pulled back about ¼ to ½ inch, it's a good sign the ribs are nearly done.
✅ Probe Tender The best test of all: slide a toothpick, skewer, or temperature probe between the bones. It should go in with very little resistance, similar to inserting it into soft butter.
🚫 Don't chase "fall-off-the-bone" ribs. While some people love them, competition-style ribs should have a slight bite and hold together when picked up.
Great BBQ isn't about cooking to a time—it's about cooking to tenderness.
👇 What's your favorite style of ribs?
🥩 Fall-off-the-bone
🔥 Tender with a clean bite
