Reheating leftover ribs can be tricky. You want to make sure they come out hot and moist, without drying them out or making them rubbery. Using an Instant Pot is a great way to reheat ribs and get perfect results every time.
Can You Reheat Ribs in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can absolutely reheat ribs in an Instant Pot! The Instant Pot is great for reheating ribs for a few reasons:
- It reheats the ribs gently using pressure cooking, which keeps them moist and tender.
- The ribs reheat quickly and evenly in the sealed pot.
- You can reheat the ribs from frozen or refrigerated.
- The Instant Pot doesn’t dry out the ribs like using the microwave or oven can.
How Long to Reheat Ribs in Instant Pot?
The time needed to reheat ribs in an Instant Pot can vary based on a few factors:
- Amount of ribs: The more ribs you are reheating, the longer it will take. A full rack of ribs takes longer than just a few pieces.
- Bone-in or boneless: Boneless ribs reheats faster than ribs with bones.
- Frozen or refrigerated: Frozen ribs take longer to reheat than refrigerated.
- Meat thickness: Thicker cuts of ribs will take longer than thin slices.
Taking these factors into account, here are general guidelines for how long to reheat ribs in an Instant Pot:
| Amount of Ribs | Condition | Reheat Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 ribs | Refrigerated | 3-5 minutes |
| 1/2 rack ribs | Refrigerated | 5-7 minutes |
| Full rack ribs | Refrigerated | 10-15 minutes |
| 1-2 ribs | Frozen | 5-7 minutes |
| 1/2 rack ribs | Frozen | 10-12 minutes |
| Full rack ribs | Frozen | 15-20 minutes |
As you can see, refrigerated ribs take less time to reheat than frozen ribs. Boneless ribs will be on the lower end of the time range, while meaty bone-in ribs will need more time. Check the ribs after the minimum recommended time, and let them heat longer if needed.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here is a simple step-by-step guide for reheating ribs in the Instant Pot:
- Place the steamer rack/trivet inside the Instant Pot inner pot.
- Add 1 cup of water to the inner pot.
- Place the ribs on top of the steamer rack.
- Secure the lid and set the pressure valve to “Sealing.”
- Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” function and adjust cook time based on amount and condition of ribs.
- Allow the pot to come up to pressure. Cooking time starts once pressure is reached.
- When time is up, do a quick pressure release by switching the valve to “Venting.”
- Carefully remove the lid once pressure is fully released.
- Remove the ribs from the pot and serve.
The key is using the steamer rack/trivet so the ribs are elevated above the water. This allows them to reheat gently using moist steam heat. Letting the pressure release naturally can cause overcooking, so a quick release is recommended.
Tips for Reheating Ribs
Follow these tips for the best results when reheating ribs in the Instant Pot:
- Cut ribs into individual bones or portions before refrigerating or freezing for easier reheating.
- Always thaw frozen ribs fully before reheating.
- Add barbecue sauce, onion, garlic, broth or other liquids to the pot to enhance flavor.
- Brush ribs with sauce or seasoning before serving for extra flavor.
- The meat should be heated through and tender when done.
- Avoid overcooking ribs or they will become mushy.
- Use tongs to remove ribs instead of a fork which can poke holes.
What If Ribs Are Still Cold in the Middle?
If you cut into the ribs and find they are still cold in the center, they likely did not reheat long enough.
Place them back in the Instant Pot with an additional 2-5 minutes of cook time. Check again and if needed, continue to reheat in 1-2 minute intervals until heated through.
The ribs may have been frozen solid or too tightly packed together. Allowing them to defrost thoroughly and spacing them out more can prevent uneven reheating.
Can You Reheat Already Cooked Ribs?
Yes, you can reheat already cooked ribs in the Instant Pot. Just follow the same reheating directions, making sure to adjust cooking time based on the condition of the pre-cooked ribs.
Pre-cooked refrigerated ribs may only need 2-3 minutes to reheat. Frozen pre-cooked ribs will need 5-10 minutes. Check frequently and remove ribs once they are hot.
Reheating pre-cooked ribs using steam is gentle, avoiding overcooking the meat while bringing the ribs back up to a safe temperature above 165°F.
Serving Reheated Ribs
Here are some delicious ways to serve up reheated ribs:
- Toss in your favorite barbecue sauce or serve sauce on the side for dipping.
- Serve with macaroni and cheese, cornbread, coleslaw or potato salad.
- Chop reheated ribs and pile onto sandwiches or nachos.
- Dice into small pieces for topping salads or pizza.
- Simmer ribs in broth with veggies for soup or stew.
Reheated ribs make amazing toppings, add-ins for eggs or hash, and can be repurposed in many creative ways. Get the most out of your leftovers!
Storing Leftover Reheated Ribs
To store ribs that have already been reheated:
- Let ribs cool completely, then refrigerate in a covered container.
- Use leftover reheated ribs within 3-4 days.
- Freeze for longer storage. Refrigerate 1-2 days before freezing.
- Portion ribs into freezer bags or airtight containers, removing excess air.
- Frozen ribs stay good for 2-3 months.
- Always reheat ribs to 165°F before eating after freezing.
Proper storage keeps leftover ribs safe to eat. The Instant Pot makes it quick and easy to reheat ribs to serving temperature.
Common Problems and Solutions
Having trouble reheating ribs in the Instant Pot? Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
Ribs are undercooked in the middle
- Did not reheat for long enough time. Return to Instant Pot for 2-5 more minutes.
- Ribs were stacked or too tightly packed. Spread them out more evenly.
- Ribs were still partially frozen. Always thaw ribs fully before reheating.
Ribs are overcooked or mushy
- Reheated for too long. Cut back on time for this amount of ribs.
- Did a natural pressure release instead of quick release. Use quick release method.
- Ribs were cut too small. Leave ribs whole or in larger portions.
Ribs don’t have any flavor
- Add barbecue sauce, broth, onions, garlic, liquid smoke when reheating.
- Season ribs after reheating and before serving.
- Allow ribs to simmer in sauce for a few minutes after pressure cooking.
Burn or crusty coating on ribs
- Too little water in the Inner pot. Use at least 1 cup of water.
- Ribs were not elevated on steamer rack. Use rack or trivet.
- Sugary sauce may have caramelized. Brush with sauce just before serving instead.
Following the recommended times and methods will prevent most issues. Adjust cook times as needed based on the amount and condition of the ribs.
Conclusion
Reheating ribs in the Instant Pot is a great way to enjoy delicious leftover ribs without drying them out. Allow about 3-15 minutes reheating time depending on the amount and whether refrigerated or frozen.
Always use the steamer rack/trivet and quick release method. Check ribs early and add time if needed until heated through. With the right timing, your reheated ribs will come out tender and juicy every time.