In this article, we will answer the question "How long can you freeze pork ribs?", and how to store leftover ribs?

This article also includes a brief guide on how to safely reheat frozen pork ribs. Read on if you want to know how to identify bad pork ribs.

How long can you freeze pork ribs?

Pork ribs can be frozen for 4-6 months. However, pork ribs remain safe to eat beyond 6 months if stored properly. But this does not mean the rib meat will have the same flavor and quality.

How to store leftover ribs?

In the fridge

Refrigeration is for short-term storage. If stored properly, ribs can be kept in the fridge for upto 4 days. Simply put the rib leftovers in an air-tight container.

You could use a high-quality freezer-bag, or a metal or plastic container for this purpose. Your best bet is to keep the ribs in a vacuum-sealed bag.

Make sure to let the ribs cool before refrigeration. Storing the cooked ribs with the sauce is completely fine. The sauce will thicken and help keep the ribs marinated during storage.

In the freezer

Freezing is the best option for the long-term storage of leftover ribs. A simple plastic or metal container should not be used for freezing leftover ribs as they do not ensure complete blockage of air and moisture.

Since freezer storage is meant to be long-term, the moisture gets in and forms ice flakes that damage the quality of ribs.

To avoid this problem, consider investing in a vacuum-sealed bag. Freezing the gravy along with the ribs is completely fine.

How to tell if the ribs have gone bad?

Bad rib meat does not go unnoticed because of its strong unpleasant smell. However, there are some other signs of spoilage you need to look out for.

Texture: If the ribs develop a slimy film and feel sticky upon touching, they are done for. Never attempt to wash off the slime. It will not make the meta safe for consumption.

Color: If the ribs develop a dull or darker color than usual, get rid of them.

Look for all of these signs in the suspected rib meat for spoilage. Bad or spoiled rib meat will have always have at least 2 of the aforementioned symptoms.

How to safely reheat pork ribs?

Reheating spare pork ribs

The high-fat content of the porn ribs makes them susceptible to rancidity and spoilage. Follow the steps below to reheat the spare pork ribs so that they are juicy again.

  1. Preheat the oven or grill to 250℉.
  1. Wrap the ribs in aluminum foil.
  1. Feel free to cover the spare pork ribs with some sauce if you like. However, do not go overboard with this because too much sauce can make the ribs soggy.
  1. Place the wrapped ribs in the oven or on the grill. Wait for the ribs to reach an internal temperature of 170-175℉.
  1. Serve warm and enjoy.

Reheating baby back pork ribs

Unlike the spare pork ribs, baby back pork ribs have a low-fat content and require extra sauce to make up for the moisture lost during cooking. Broiling is the recommended method of reheating for this type of pork ribs.

  1. Place the baby back pork ribs on the broiling pan with their bones sticking up. At this step, baste the ribs with more sauce if you like.
  1. The sauced baby back ribs should be laced 4-inches below the broiling element.
  1. Broil the ribs for 4 minutes or until the sauce starts to bubble.
  1. Remove the broiling pan from heat. Flip the ribs over and cover with a piece of foil. Broil for another 4 minutes.
  1. Remove the ribs from the pan and let them sit uncovered for about 5 minutes.
  1. Serve warm and enjoy.

How do you tenderize already cooked ribs?

Nobody likes dry and chewy ribs. To fix that, cover the cooked ribs in any vinegary sauce and expose them to a gentle and moist heat. To make the sauce mixture, mix BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar in equal parts (50:50). Wrap the sauced ribs in foil and heat in the oven for 60 minutes at 300℉.

Can you defrost frozen ribs in the microwave?

Take out the frozen ribs on a microwave-safe dish or plate and wrap them loosely with a microwave-safe plastic. Turn on the 'Defrost setting' and let it do its job. If your microwave does not have this setting, microwave the ribs on 30 percent power. Do not refreeze the ribs defrosted in the microwave.

Conclusion

In this article, we answered the question "How long can you freeze pork ribs?", and how to store leftover ribs?

References

https://michelpoudrier.com/other/26160-can-i-freeze-cooked-pork-ribs.html

https://frugalinsa.com/boil/can-i-freeze-cooked-ribs.html

Hi, I am Charlotte, I love cooking and in my previous life, I was a chef. I bring some of my experience to the recipes on this hub and answer your food questions.