Whether or not you can eat week old ribs depends on a few important factors. The short answer is that it’s generally not recommended to eat ribs that are a week old or older. However, ribs that have been properly stored in the refrigerator and do not show signs of spoilage may still be safe to eat within 5-7 days of cooking.
How long do cooked ribs last in the fridge?
Properly cooked ribs will usually stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. After that time period, quality starts to decline as the ribs dry out. Here are some general guidelines for rib fridge life:
- Fresh ribs (raw): 1-2 days
- Cooked ribs: 3-4 days
- Ribs from a restaurant or takeout: 3-4 days
These timelines assume the ribs have been stored correctly in an airtight container in the fridge at 40°F or below. Higher refrigerator temperatures will shorten the shelf life. Freezing ribs can extend the shelf life significantly, allowing raw or cooked ribs to be frozen for 2-3 months.
How to tell if week old ribs are bad
After 5-7 days in the fridge, ribs should be inspected closely before eating. Here are signs that ribs have spoiled and should be thrown out:
- Slimy texture
- Mold growth
- Off odors – ribs should not smell unpleasant or sulfurous
- Discoloration – cooked ribs may turn more grayish in spots
If the ribs have developed a sticky or tacky texture, that’s a sign bacteria are multiplying. Trust your senses – if ribs smell, look or feel bad, do not risk eating them.
Can you reheat week old ribs?
It’s not recommended to reheat ribs that are a week old. The risks of bacterial growth are too high. Ribs that have been continuously refrigerated for less than 5 days can be safely reheated once. Reheat ribs to an internal temperature of 165°F.
When reheating older ribs, inspect them closely first for signs of spoilage. If there is any odor, slime, or sticky residue on the meat, do not eat the ribs. Discard them instead.
What temperature should ribs be refrigerated?
For best food safety and quality, ribs should be kept at 40°F or below in the refrigerator. Higher fridge temperatures allow faster bacteria growth. Here are some tips for keeping ribs properly chilled:
- Store ribs right away after cooking – don’t leave them out more than 2 hours
- Place ribs in shallow containers so they cool quickly
- Don’t overstuff the fridge – air needs to circulate
- Use rib meat within 3-4 days
- Monitor fridge temperature with appliance thermometer
Freezing ribs is the best way to extend the shelf life. Keep frozen ribs at 0°F or below.
How long can you keep leftover ribs?
| Rib Type | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Raw ribs | 1-2 days | 2-3 months |
| Cooked ribs | 3-4 days | 2-3 months |
| Restaurant/takeout ribs | 3-4 days | 2-3 months |
As this table shows, raw and cooked ribs both have a relatively short fridge life of just a few days. For long-term storage, freeze ribs for 2-3 months. Thaw frozen ribs overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can you freeze week old ribs?
It is not recommended to freeze ribs that are a week old or older. At that point, the quality will have degraded significantly. Ribs are best frozen immediately after cooking for maximum flavor and juiciness.
Here are some tips for freezing ribs correctly:
- Let cooked ribs cool completely before freezing
- Wrap ribs tightly in freezer wrap or foil
- Label package with date and contents
- Freeze ribs as soon as possible, within 1-2 days of cooking
- Use ribs within 2-3 months for optimal quality
Frozen ribs that are more than 2-3 months old are likely to suffer freezer burn and loss of moisture. It’s best to freeze ribs soon after cooking for the highest quality.
Can you eat reheated ribs that are a week old?
It’s not recommended to reheat and eat ribs that are over a week old. Ribs that have been continuously refrigerated for less than 5 days can be reheated once, but the quality declines significantly. Reheating older ribs comes with safety risks as bacteria have longer to multiply.
When reheating ribs older than 3-4 days old, inspect them closely first for sliminess, stickiness, foul odors, and mold. Discard ribs at the first sign of spoilage. If the ribs still look and smell normal, reheat them thoroughly to 165°F internally before consuming within 24 hours.
What are the dangers of eating spoiled ribs?
Eating spoiled, contaminated ribs can cause foodborne illness. The biggest risks of old ribs come from pathogenic bacteria that can multiply to dangerous levels. Reheating does not necessarily make bad ribs safe to eat.
Potential hazards from consuming spoiled pork include:
- Salmonella – Can cause fever, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps
- Listeria – Headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, fever
- E. coli – Severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting
- Staphylococcus aureus – Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps
People with weakened immune systems, older adults, pregnant women, and children are most at risk from foodborne illnesses. While a bout of food poisoning often clears up on its own, some people may need hospitalization for dehydration.
Should you order ribs from restaurants in advance?
Ordering ribs for takeout or delivery has become very popular. However, this convenience comes with some food safety considerations. Restaurants will often cook ribs in advance to meet high order volumes.
If you’re ordering ribs to be picked up or delivered later, ask when they will be cooked. For maximum food safety:
- Try to order ribs to be cooked as close to pick-up time as possible
- Avoid ordering for next-day delivery/pick-up
- Reject ribs that look or smell bad upon receipt
- Eat fresh ribs within 3 days, or freeze extra portions right away
Pre-ordering ribs for later allows restaurants to help control inventory. But make sure to consume ribs quickly for food safety.
Should you eat leftover ribs beyond a week?
It is not recommended to eat leftover ribs that are more than a week old. The potential risks of foodborne illness are too high at that point. Even when properly refrigerated, ribs will degrade significantly in quality and freshness after 5-7 days.
For enjoying ribs at their best quality and safety:
- Eat leftover cooked ribs within 3-4 days
- Discard ribs that are older than 5-7 days
- Freeze any extra ribs you won’t eat within 3-4 days
- Thaw and reheat frozen ribs within 2-3 months
Aging ribs longer than a week in the refrigerator is not worth the risks. Follow the above guidelines to safely enjoy ribs at optimal flavor.
Conclusion
Eating week old ribs is generally not recommended, as quality and safety decline significantly after 3-5 days of refrigeration. Properly cooked ribs will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge before texture and moisture start to diminish. While it may still be safe to eat ribs kept for 5-7 days if they have been continuously chilled and show no signs of spoilage, quality will not be the same.
For best safety and quality, eat leftover ribs within 3-4 days and freeze any extra portions for long-term storage. Reheating and eating ribs beyond a week old poses the risks of foodborne illnesses. Use proper food handling practices to safely enjoy ribs at their maximum freshness and flavor.