If by some miracle you haven’t eaten all the ribs you grilled over the weekend, you’ve probably stored them in the freezer for your next feast. Or perhaps you ordered way too many, and now the leftovers are sitting in your fridge, waiting for you to finish them.
But they’re no good frozen or cold — you have to reheat them. To do that properly involves a little bit of technique, and that’s exactly what we’ll cover in this article. Plus, we’ll discuss the ongoing baby back vs. spares debate and see if there’s a clear winner.
How to Properly Thaw Ribs
Buying already-grilled and frozen ribs is a great way to shorten the time you need to serve them for your family or friends.
Unlike raw meat that requires more attention and safety when it comes to thawing, already-cooked meat is a little more forgiving.
You can put the ribs on the counter in the kitchen and let then thaw at room temperature. But an even better way is to take them out of the freezer and put them in the refrigerator for around 24 hours. If you’re in a hurry, hot water or a microwave oven will do as well.
Now that the ribs are thawed, let’s look at three ways you can reheat them.
Reheating Ribs in the Oven
Without a doubt, this is the most popular method for reheating ribs. It’s definitely most convenient because, unlike other appliances or grills, most people have an oven at home.
The secret behind the perfect rib reheating routine in the oven is to use aluminum foil and be patient. But everything to do with delicious ribs involves patience anyway.
Another crucial detail is to pay attention to the ribs while they reheat. The last thing you want is to overcook them. You want them to taste just as great as they did when they first got off the grill.
Here’s step-by-step instructions on how to reheat ribs in the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350F.
- Remove the ribs from the zip lock bag or whatever container they’re in.
- Cut a large piece of aluminum foil and place it on the baking tray, saucepan, or other cookery to sustain the oven heat.
- Optionally sprinkle just a little bit of warm water over the meat to get that extra moisture.
- Then wrap the ribs in foil carefully, and make sure that it doesn’t rip.
- Put them in the oven for about 15 minutes on one side.
- Then remove the ribs from the oven, flip them over and then put them back in the oven for another 15 minutes.
- Take the ribs out of the oven again. And remove the foil and put them back in for the final five minutes.
Once the ribs are reheated, let them sit for another few minutes and then cut them between the bones. You can put sauce on after the whole process is finished, and they’re neatly served on a platter.
Or you can add the sauce sooner, just after removing the foil. Not using sauce is also an option, too, but that’s ultimately a matter of preference.
Reheating Ribs on the Grill
Diehard grill enthusiasts would really disapprove of reheating ribs any other way but on the grill. It’s hard to argue, as that’s how you retain most of the original flavor.
But it’s also the least convenient way to go about it. Firing up your grill for just a few pieces of meat doesn’t make much sense.
However, if you’ve bought a bunch of ribs for a game night or a small barbecue party in your back yard, the grill is the best option for sure — or if you’ve spent the day before grilling and smoking the ribs thoroughly and now all you have to do is reheat them.
Everyone knows that grilling is more than just a way to prepare food, it’s a social activity. Reheating your ribs while sipping a drink and talking to your friends and neighbors is one of the best ways to spend the day. So, what is there to know about reheating ribs on the grill?
- First, start the grill at a high temperature and make sure that the ribs are left at room temperature for a while.
- If you want, cover the ribs with grill sauce and wrap them in foil, but not too tightly.
- Now lower the temperature and place the wrapped ribs on the grill.
- Make sure to flip them over at least once.
- You can use a thermometer to see if the temperature reached 165°F approximately. That way, you’ll know that they’re ready.
Reheating the Ribs with the Boiling and Vacuum Method
Some of you might be scratching your heads and wondering if this is a joke. We assure you that this is a real and very simple method to reheat your ribs, albeit rather unknown.
This is the preferred technique for people who are particularly fond of a moist rib and won’t risk any dryness. Also, this is a really simple way to reheat your ribs. All you need to do is wait for the water to boil. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Prepare a pot of hot water and put on the stove. Also, make sure that the ribs are at room temperature.
- The ribs stay in the sealed bag, and you can put the entire thing in hot water.
- Lower the water temperature a bit and leave the ribs for about 45 minutes to an hour.
Clearly, this is a time-consuming process, and it’s not the method to use when you’re gearing up for an event the next day.
Three Ways to Serve Reheated Ribs
Is there a best way to eat ribs? How about with two hands, no apron, and a whole lot of mess? Sure, that sounds great.
But if you want to make things a little more fun and offer a few options at an event you’re preparing, here are some other suggestions.
Serve the Whole Rack
If you’re expecting many people at your barbecue, party, or just a Friday night, you might find yourself cutting the ribs for longer than it took you to reheat them.
Why not get a little creative and serve the whole rack on a nice platter with a few potatoes and coleslaw on the side? If they’re a hungry bunch, they’ll probably appreciate it.
The Rib Sandwich
Some people might protest at the idea of eating ribs with bread, but others might find it genius. Rib sliders are one of the best party foods out there.
But instead of buying small pieces, just get a rather large, preferably rectangular, focaccia-style bread and cut it, perhaps with slices of cheese on the side.
Keep It Simple with Herbs
Fancy side dishes like mac and cheese or fried green tomatoes sound amazing. But if you’re in a hurry, simple is always the best. Otherwise, you are risking making a mess.
When you cut the ribs and put a bit of sauce on top, you can also add some herbs. It can be anything you like, but fresh parsley, thyme, or oregano will enhance the ribs’ deliciousness. A little bit of lemon zest is a neat addition too.
Reheating Your Pork Ribs the Right Way
The right way to reheat the ribs will depend on the occasion and the conditions you’re working in. If you don’t have a grill, your best option is always going to be the oven.
Alternatively, if you’re preparing ribs for an event, and you love grilling, reheating them that way is a winning choice.
When you’re preparing a rib dinner for yourself or your family, an oven or boiling water and vacuum method are the best options. Also, the baby back vs spares conundrum is solved — both are fantastic and delicious when reheated.