Many people love pork ribs, but don’t always have the time to cook them when craving them. This leads to the question – can you freeze previously cooked pork ribs to enjoy later? The quick answer is yes, you can freeze cooked pork ribs as long as you take the proper steps to prevent freezer burn.
Can You Freeze Cooked Pork Ribs?
Freezing cooked pork ribs can extend their shelf life for 2-3 months. This provides a convenient way to enjoy delicious ribs without having to cook a full rack every time.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when freezing cooked pork ribs:
Allow ribs to cool completely before freezing
It’s important that the ribs are cooled to room temperature before freezing. Putting warm ribs directly into the freezer can lead to unsafe temperature fluctuations that encourage bacteria growth. Allow at least 1-2 hours for ribs to cool after cooking.
Package ribs tightly in freezer bags or airtight containers
Any exposure to air can lead to freezer burn, causing the ribs to dry out. Place cooled ribs in freezer bags, pressing out as much air as possible before sealing. You can also use airtight containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil.
Freeze ribs as soon as possible
Get ribs into the freezer within 2 hours of cooking for best quality and safety. The longer cooked ribs sit at room temperature, the more risk of bacteria growing.
Lay ribs flat in a single layer to freeze
Freezing ribs in a pile can lead to uneven freezing, clumping, and damage. Arrange ribs in a single layer on a baking sheet and place in the freezer until hard. Once frozen, ribs can be stacked together.
Use ribs within 2-3 months for best quality
While safe to keep frozen for longer, rib quality declines after 2-3 months. Use within this timeline for best texture and flavor.
Thawing Frozen Ribs
Remove ribs from the freezer and let thaw overnight in the refrigerator. This slow thaw helps ribs retain moisture.
You can also submerge the vacuum sealed bag of ribs in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until ribs are thawed. Or use the defrost setting on a microwave, ensuring ribs are immediately cooked once thawed.
Avoid thawing ribs at room temperature or in hot water, as this encourages bacteria growth.
Freezing Different Cuts of Ribs
Baby back ribs
The small size and thin profile of baby back ribs make them ideal for freezing. Tightly wrap racks together or individually. These tender ribs only require 2-3 hours of thawing before reheating.
Spare ribs
Spare ribs should be cut into individual bones or smaller 2-3 bone sections before freezing. Wrapping whole slabs makes thawing difficult. Allow at least 6 hours for slabs or 4 hours for individual bones.
Country-style ribs
These meaty ribs are thick enough to freeze as a slab. Allow a full 8 hours thaw time in the fridge before reheating.
St. Louis-cut ribs
Often longer than baby backs, St. Louis ribs need to be cut into manageable sections before freezing. Wrap racks in 2-4 bone serving sizes.
Reheating Frozen Ribs
Frozen ribs can go directly into the oven or smoker from the fridge to reheat. Low and slow reheating is key to prevent drying out.
Here are reheating methods based on rib type:
Oven Method
– Baby back ribs: 225°F for 1.5-2 hours
– Spare ribs: 225°F for 2-3 hours
– Country-style ribs: 225°F for 1.5-2 hours
– St. Louis ribs: 225°F for 1.5-2 hours
Brush ribs with barbecue sauce during the last 15-30 mins only. Reheating too long can cause the sauce to burn.
Smoker Method
Add a handful of smoking wood chips to reheated frozen ribs on a smoker for up to 3 hours at 225-250°F. This infuses moisture and flavor back into the meat.
Grill Method
Place ribs on a grill over indirect low heat, with a drip pan below to catch drippings. Close the lid and grill for 1-2 hours until hot.
Microwave Method
Microwave thawed ribs on High in 30 second increments until warmed through. Watch closely to prevent overcooking.
How to Store Leftover Reheated Ribs
Leftover previously frozen ribs should not be frozen again, as the ribs will dry out. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To store, remove as much sauce as possible and place ribs in shallow covered containers. Sauce can cause ribs to spoil faster.
Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave until hot. Discard any reheated ribs not eaten after 4 days.
Freezer Meal Ideas
To make the most of your frozen ribs, pair them with freezer-friendly sides for easy ribs meals:
BBQ Ribs Meals
– Pulled Pork and Ribs Dinner with Coleslaw
– BBQ Ribs with Corn on the Cob and Baked Beans
– Memphis Style Dry Rub Ribs with Collard Greens and Mac and Cheese
Asian Ribs Meals
– Korean BBQ Short Rib Bowls with Rice and Kimchi
– Mongolian Beef Short Ribs with Fried Rice and Broccoli
– Char Siu Ribs with Chow Mein Noodles and Stir Fried Vegetables
Braises and Stews
– Guinness Beef Short Rib Stew with Potatoes and Carrots
– Red Wine Braised Short Ribs with Mashed Potatoes
– Pork Country Ribs and Sauerkraut
Can You Freeze Raw Ribs?
It’s possible but not ideal to freeze raw ribs, as they can lose moisture in the thawing process. If you do freeze raw ribs:
– Wrap tightly in 2-layered freezer bags, remove air
– Freeze for up to 4 months
– Thaw overnight in the fridge
– Cook ribs immediately, adding moisture like braising
Most raw ribs are best cooked fresh rather than frozen.
Conclusion
Freezing cooked pork ribs with the bone in is perfectly safe when properly packaged and thawed. Allow ribs to fully cool after cooking before packing into airtight bags or containers. Thaw ribs in the refrigerator before reheating, and avoid refreezing thawed leftovers. With the right techniques, pork rib lovers can enjoy delicious barbecue, braises, and more without having to continuously cook fresh ribs every time.