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Can you cook spare ribs frozen?

Cooking frozen spare ribs is absolutely possible, though it does require some special considerations. The good news is that with the right techniques, frozen spare ribs can turn out just as juicy, flavorful and tender as fresh ribs. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know to successfully cook delicious spare ribs straight from the freezer.

Can You Cook Spare Ribs from Frozen?

Yes, you can absolutely cook spare ribs from frozen. However, cooking frozen ribs does require adjusting the method slightly compared to cooking fresh ribs. The main considerations are:

  • Frozen ribs take longer to cook. The frozen meat will need extra time to thaw and come up to temperature.
  • Frozen ribs tend to lose more moisture during cooking. Ice crystals that form during freezing can damage the cell structure of the meat, causing it to shed moisture more rapidly when cooked.
  • Seasonings don’t adhere as well to frozen meat. For best flavor, season ribs after they have thawed slightly.

Keeping these factors in mind, with the right techniques you can cook flavorful, tender frozen spare ribs with results that are nearly indistinguishable from fresh. The keys are using a low and slow cooking method, limiting moisture loss, and seasoning judiciously.

Thawing vs. Cooking Completely Frozen

Before cooking frozen spare ribs, you have two options:

  • Thaw first – Letting the ribs thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
  • Cook completely frozen – Putting the frozen ribs directly into the oven/smoker/slow cooker to cook from frozen.

Both methods can produce delicious ribs, so choose based on your timeline and convenience. Thawing first allows you to season the meat evenly and monitor doneness more easily. Cooking from frozen requires no thawing time but can result in uneven cooking.

Pros and Cons of Thawing Before Cooking

Pros:

  • Seasonings and rubs adhere better to thawed meat.
  • No worries about the center still being frozen.
  • More even cooking throughout.
  • Shorter cooking time required.

Cons:

  • Requires thawing time of 8-24 hours.
  • Can lose moisture in the refrigerator.
  • Food safety can be a concern if thawing improperly.

Pros and Cons of Cooking Completely Frozen

Pros:

  • No thawing time required.
  • Less risk of bacterial growth.
  • Can be more convenient if short on time.

Cons:

  • Longer cooking time.
  • Uneven cooking and possible cold spots.
  • Harder to monitor doneness.
  • Seasonings may fall off during cooking.

Best Cooking Methods for Frozen Ribs

To cook frozen spare ribs, low and slow moist-heat cooking methods are best. Dry cooking methods like grilling or broiling from frozen tend to dry out the meat and cause overcooking. Recommended cooking methods include:

  • Oven baking – Bake at 250-325°F, allowing extra time.
  • Slow cooker – Cook on low for 8+ hours.
  • Smoker – Keep at 225-250°F for 4-6 hours.
  • Sous vide – Cook at 165-203°F for up to 2 days.
  • Braising – Braise in flavorful liquid for 2-3 hours.

These gentle cooking methods allow time for the ribs to come up to temperature without overcooking the exterior. The moist environment helps prevent the meat from drying out.

Oven Baked Frozen Ribs

To oven-bake frozen spare ribs:

  1. Prepare ribs and place in a single layer in a baking dish.
  2. Cover tightly with foil.
  3. Bake at 250-325°F until tender and cooked through, 5-8 hours depending on thickness.
  4. Remove foil during last 15-30 mins if crisping the exterior.

Slow Cooker Frozen Ribs

To make frozen ribs in a slow cooker:

  1. Add seasonings and 1 cup broth or water.
  2. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
  3. Remove ribs and drain cooking liquid.
  4. Finish ribs under the broiler or on the grill if desired.

Smoking Frozen Ribs

To smoke frozen spare ribs:

  1. Thaw just until seasoned will adhere, 1-2 hours.
  2. Season ribs generously with rub.
  3. Smoke at 225-250°F for 4-6 hours until tender.
  4. Wrap in foil if needed to prevent overcooking.

How Long to Cook Frozen Ribs

Cooking times for frozen spare ribs will depend on the thickness of the ribs and method used. Here are general frozen rib cooking times:

Cooking Method Cooking Time
Oven at 325°F 4-6 hours for 2-3 lbs
Slow Cooker on Low 8-10 hours
Smoker at 250°F 5-7 hours for 3 lbs

Frozen ribs typically take around 1.5 times longer to cook than fresh. Check for doneness by looking for the meat to pull back from the bones. Use a thermometer to confirm the thickest part reaches 195-205°F.

Tips for Cooking Frozen Ribs

Follow these tips for the best results when cooking frozen spare ribs:

  • Thaw just until seasoned will stick, about 1-2 hours, if smoking or grilling.
  • Cook low and slow, 250-325°F to allow ribs to come up to temp.
  • Use a foil tent or baking dish with lid to limit moisture loss.
  • Cook for 1.5 times longer than fresh ribs, checking tenderness.
  • Add broth, sauce, or spritz with apple juice to keep moist.
  • Allow to rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting.

How to Tell When Frozen Ribs Are Done

It can be tricky to determine doneness with frozen ribs since the meat cooks unevenly. Here are ways to test when frozen spare ribs are fully cooked:

  • Temperature – Use an instant read thermometer to check the thickest part of the ribs. They should reach 195-205°F when done.
  • Tenderness – The meat should pull back from the ends of the bones by 1/4 inch or more.
  • Bone wiggle – Grab a rib bone midway and wiggle. It should twist easily with no resistance.
  • Toothpick test – Poke a toothpick into the meat and it should slide in and out smoothly.
  • Look – The ribs will appear caramelized and browned on the outside when fully cooked.

Frozen Ribs Safety Tips

To prevent foodborne illness when cooking frozen ribs:

  • Thaw in the refrigerator below 40°F, not at room temp.
  • Marinate thawed ribs in the fridge, do not leave out more than 2 hours.
  • Cook to safe minimum internal temperature of 145°F.
  • Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
  • Reheat fully to 165°F before serving again.

Best Ways to Reheat Leftover Frozen Ribs

For ribs that were originally cooked from frozen, leftovers can be safely reheated using these methods:

  • Oven – Reheat at 300-350°F on a baking sheet until warmed through, 15-20 minutes.
  • Microwave – Microwave individual ribs on High in 30 second intervals until hot.
  • Grill – Quickly grill ribs on medium-high just until marks appear and sauce bubbles.
  • Slow cooker – Add broth and cook on Low 1-2 hours until heated through.

Bring sauce to a boil when reheating in sauce to ensure it reaches safe temperature. Refrigerate again within 2 hours.

Conclusion

Cooking frozen spare ribs requires some simple adjustments, but the end results can be just as delicious as fresh ribs with meltingly tender meat and finger-licking glaze. The keys are using sufficiently low, slow cooking methods, limiting moisture loss, and properly thawing and reheating any leftovers. With the right techniques, spare ribs straight from the freezer can become a delicious home-cooked meal that’s ready at a moment’s notice.