Even if you’re a seasoned meal planner or someone who constantly thinks about their next delicious meal, there will come a time when you find yourself in a cooking bind: frozen meat. So, what do you do when that rack of ribs you wanted to throw in the oven is completely frozen? Take a breath and relax. Believe it or not, you can easily cook frozen ribs in the oven and still achieve incredibly delicious results.
How to Cook Frozen Ribs
Before you start cooking your ribs, it’s crucial to defrost them completely. The best way to accomplish this is by thawing them overnight in the fridge. This allows the meat fibers to defrost evenly, resulting in juicy and tender ribs. However, this process can take over 24 hours, especially with larger bone-in cuts. But don’t worry, if you need to cook them on the same day, there’s an alternative method.
To defrost frozen pork ribs quickly, place the sealed package in a large bowl or deep tray. Then, set the container in the sink and run cold water over the surface, ensuring the meat is as submerged as possible. If the ribs can be fully submerged and you’re concerned about water waste, you can let them sit in the water without running it continuously. Just remember to change the water every 30 minutes or so.
Keep an eye on the ribs as they thaw; they’ll defrost faster than you think. For example, a rack of ribs can thaw out in just 1-3 hours depending on its weight. But whatever you do, avoid the temptation to use hot water. Hot water can cause the meat to defrost unevenly and unsafely, with the outer layer becoming too hot while the center and areas near the bones remain frozen. So, remember, cold water is your friend when it comes to defrosting ribs.
Can You Season Frozen Ribs?
When it comes to seasoning pork ribs, simple is often best. A little salt and pepper are all you need, especially when dealing with the mighty Ibérico ribs. However, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to experiment with spices or sticky sauces, these oven-based rib recipes from Ekilove will make your frozen Ibérico pork ribs sing:
- Classic Steak Seasoned St. Louis Ribs
- St. Louis Ribs with Candied Orange & Pineapple
- Ibérico Rib Rack with Herb Crust
- Roasted Rack of Ibérico with Dijon Rosemary Glaze
- 4-Rib Rack with Pickled Onions & Yogurt
Can Frozen Ribs be Cooked on the Stovetop?
Once your ribs are properly thawed, you have several options for cooking them. The oven is perfect for achieving that low and slow, fall-apart tenderness, while the grill adds that extra char and smoky flavor. But did you know that you can also cook ribs on the stovetop?
For St. Louis Ribs, we recommend cutting them into smaller sections of 2-4 ribs, or even into individual ribs. This way, they will fit easily into your pots and pans. From there, you can create spoon-tender treasures, like combining them with red wine, garlic, and herbs. Alternatively, you can opt for big savory stews full of spices, such as stovetop braised ribs bathed in coconut curry.
For a 4-Rib Rack, try cutting them into individual ribs and sear them on high heat for a few minutes on each side. This will give them a delicious caramelized crust while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
No Pork Rib Like Ibérico
Whether you choose to cook your ribs on the grill or in the oven, there’s truly no pork rib like Ibérico. With bold, nutty nuances and an abundance of intramuscular fat, they offer some of the most flavorful ribs on the planet. So, the next time you find yourself wanting to cook frozen pork ribs, remember these three things: don’t panic, thaw appropriately, and choose Ibérico.
For more delicious recipes and cooking tips, visit Ekilove, your trusted companion in the kitchen.
