Cooking frozen ribs in the oven is an easy and delicious way to enjoy tender, succulent ribs without fuss. The key to success is all in the preparation and cooking methods. With a combination of seasonings and time, you can transform frozen ribs into a tasty meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
This guide will teach you how to cook frozen ribs in oven. From prepping the ribs to adding the perfect seasonings, you’ll have a delicious dinner in no time. Further, we’ll provide tips to serve your ribs and ideas for side dishes that will make dinner complete.
How to Cook Frozen Ribs In Oven?
What You’ll Need
To cook frozen ribs in the oven, you’ll need:
- Ribs (frozen)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Other seasonings of your choice (garlic powder, cumin, paprika)
- Aluminum foil
- A roasting pan
- A thermometer (optional)
- BBQ Sauce (optional)
- Basting Brush (optional)
- Oven
Prepping and Cooking the Ribs
Step One: Preheat the Oven to cook the Ribs
The first step is to preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Pat dry the frozen ribs before seasoning them with your favorite combination of herbs, spices, and salt. Place the ribs on the baking sheet and cover them with another layer of foil or parchment paper.
Step Two: Prepare the Ribs
Before you prepare the ribs, it’s important to thaw them first. Thawing the ribs will help them cook more evenly, and the seasonings will be able to penetrate the meat. To thaw the ribs, place them in a large bowl or pan and cover them with cold water. Let the ribs sit in the water for 10-15 minutes. Once thawed, pat the ribs dry with paper towels and place them on a cutting board.
Step Three: Rinse and Trim the Ribs
Rinse the ribs under cold running water and trim any excess fat or cartilage with a sharp knife. Trimming the ribs will help them cook faster and more evenly.
Step Four: Season the Ribs
Once you have trimmed the ribs, it’s time to season them — use a dry rub of your choice or a marinade. For a simple dry rub, combine your favorite seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cumin. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly on the ribs and let them sit for about 15 minutes.
Step Five: Bake the Ribs in a Preheated Oven
Next, place the ribs on a baking sheet or roasting pan lined with aluminum foil in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Make sure to leave some space between the pieces of ribs so that the heat can circulate evenly. If you’re using a thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of one of the ribs to monitor the internal temperature.
Step Six: Remove from Oven and Let Rest Before Serving
Once the ribs have reached a safe temperature, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving to keep them juicy and tender. If desired, brush on BBQ sauce or your favorite glaze and place them back in the oven under the broiler. Plate them with a side of your favorite veggies or a salad.
Best Ways to Defrost Ribs
It’s important to thaw the ribs before cooking them to ensure they cook evenly and the seasonings can penetrate the meat. Here are three ways to do it:
1. Microwave
Place the frozen ribs on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely with plastic wrap or wax paper, and cook for 3 minutes until thawed.
2. Refrigerator
Place the frozen ribs in the refrigerator overnight or for up to 24 hours — a safe and slow way to defrost the ribs.
3. Cold Water Bath
Place the frozen ribs in a large bowl or pan and cover them with cold water. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes until thawed. Change out the water every 15 minutes to prevent bacteria growth.
Serving Ideas
Now that you have cooked the ribs, it’s time to plate them and serve. Here are some ideas for side dishes:
- Potato Salad: Serve a classic potato salad with ribs for a complete meal.
- Coleslaw: A light and crunchy coleslaw pairs perfectly with ribs.
- Baked Beans: Add some smoky and sweet baked beans to the side of your ribs.
- Cornbread: Buttery and fluffy cornbread is a great option to serve with ribs.
- Steamed Veggies: Keep it light and healthy with steamed vegetables.
- BBQ Sauce: Serve some extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
Whether you choose to enjoy your ribs with a side of slaw, beans, or veggies, be sure to serve them hot and fresh. Ribs are best enjoyed right out of the oven.
Conclusion
Cooking frozen ribs in the oven is an easy way to prepare a delicious meal. By following these simple steps, you can turn your frozen ribs into a tender and flavorful dinner that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. So grab your favorite seasonings and get to cooking.
FAQs
How long to cook fully cooked frozen ribs?
Fully cooked frozen ribs can be cooked in the oven for 30 minutes at 375°F (or 190°C). If you’d like them to be more tender, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (or 200°C) and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the ribs with a thermometer before serving.
How long does it take to cook frozen beef ribs in the oven?
It typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to cook frozen beef ribs in the oven at 375°F (or 190°C). Make sure to check the internal temperature of the ribs with a thermometer before serving, as they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Additionally, let the ribs rest for 10 minutes once cooked before serving. This will help them retain their juices and stay tender.
How long to cook frozen ribs in the oven at 350?
Frozen ribs can be cooked in the oven at 350°F (or 175°C) for around 1 hour and 15 minutes. If you’d like them to be more tender, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (or 200°C) and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. Make sure to check the internal temperature of the ribs with a thermometer before serving, as they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Additionally, let the ribs rest for 10 minutes once cooked before serving. This will help them retain their juices and stay tender.
Are frozen ribs already cooked?
No, frozen ribs are not already cooked. To ensure that the ribs are cooked to a safe temperature, bake them at 375°F (or 190°C) for 30 minutes. If you’d like them to be more tender, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (or 200°C) and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the ribs with a thermometer before serving. Then let them rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Do I need to defrost the ribs before slow cooking?
Yes, it is recommended that you defrost the ribs before slow cooking. To properly defrost them, place the frozen ribs in a shallow container covered with plastic wrap and cover them with cold water. Allow the ribs to sit for 10-15 minutes until thawed, changing out the water every 15 minutes to prevent bacteria growth.
Once defrosted, pat them dry before cooking and season to taste. Additionally, when slow cooking, ensure the ribs’ internal temperature reaches 165°F as measured with a thermometer before consuming.
For best results, ensure that your slow cooker is at least half full to ensure even cooking. The ribs should be cooked on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. You can add barbecue sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking to give them a nice smoky flavor.
How long does it take to defrost ribs?
It typically takes about 24 hours to defrost ribs in the refrigerator. If you need to thaw them faster, place the ribs in a sealable bag and submerge them in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the ribs are fully defrosted.
Once they’re defrosted, cook them as desired. When cooking frozen ribs, check the internal temperature with a thermometer before serving to ensure they are cooked to a safe temperature. The ideal temperature for cooked pork is 145°F (63°C). Then let them rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
You can also defrost ribs in the microwave by following your microwave’s instructions. However, this method may not defrost the ribs evenly, so it’s best to thaw them in the refrigerator or submerge them in cold water when possible.
When defrosting and cooking ribs, ensure you season them as desired and check the internal temperature of the ribs with a thermometer before serving.
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