How to Defrost Ribs Quickly

How to Defrost Ribs Quickly (3 Simple Ways to Thaw Frozen Ribs)

While buying frozen ribs have some major advantages like their cheaper price, their longer shelf life, and how it saves a lot of time, frozen ribs also can be a pain when it comes to defrosting.

A lot of time is used to thaw frozen ribs, but it doesn’t always have to be that way. In this article, you will learn the three easy ways to thaw frozen ribs, and with these methods, you can jump right into cooking without wasting lots of time defrosting your ribs.

How To Defrost Ribs Quickly

You get frustrated waiting for your ribs to thaw, and it gets worse if you need the meat urgently. Here are three easy ways to defrost your ribs quickly.

Thawing at room temperature, defrosting in a microwave and defrosting in cold water. All these are ways to thaw your frozen ribs quickly. We will explain each of these methods in detail as you progress further into the article.

Do You Have To Thaw Ribs Before Cooking?

At a point in your desperation, you begin to wonder if you can dive into cooking your frozen ribs instead of defrosting them; well, it’s possible, but it has a downside.

Director cooking frozen ribs will lead to some parts being cooked and other parts being undercooked. Although there is a way to cook frozen ribs successfully, and this way is by cooking your meat in an oven, but you do not want to risk serving your guests undercooked meat, so it is advisable to thaw your ribs before cooking.

How Long Does It Take To Thaw Frozen Ribs?

How long is the wait? You ask. Well, you will need to wait up to 24 hours to thaw a full rib rack, and if you purchased a large rack of frozen ribs, it might take up to 36 hours to thaw.

However, it may take just 2 to 3 hours to thaw for a smaller amount of meat. We recommend cooking your ribs or any other meat immediately it thaws.

Related Article: What is a Pre Basted Turkey? (Does it Differ with Brined Turkey?)

3 Simple Ways To Thaw Frozen Ribs

We will be explaining the previously listed ways to the frozen ribs quickly, so pay close attention!

1. Thawing at Room Temperature

All perishable food items, including meat products, should not be left to thaw at room temperature, advises USDA Food safety and inspection services.

When you freeze your ribs or any perishable food item in general, the bacteria in that food item is frozen and doesn’t act. Still, these bacteria become active after thawing, or rather they become too active and begin to multiply.

While it is possible to thaw your ribs at room temperature, there is a risk of obtaining food poisoning. Food poisoning caused by bacteria in food items can manifest 20 minutes to 6 weeks after consumption.

Some of these dangerous bacteria found in perishable food items include E.coli, staphylococcus species and salmonella. 

Suffice it to say, thawing your frozen ribs at room temperature isn’t the best option and is the most dangerous option.

2. Defrosting in a microwave

When defrosting your ribs with a microwave, the first step is getting rid of any packaging. You don’t want your plastic wrap melting on your ribs since it’s not the least resistant. It is dangerous to let this happen, as a harmful chemical from your molten plastic wrap seeps into your meat.

Put your frozen ribs in a safe microwave container and start to heat your meat. If it takes too long to thaw, increase the power or heat of your microwave to speed things a little and make your work easier.

When defrosting one pound of ribs, it may take 5 to 8 minutes to thaw, but this all depends on how thick your ribs are.

If you have a microwave that does not automatically rotate, you should rotate it on your own to speed up now fast it thaws. Defrosting using a microwave is generally the best and safest way to get the job done.

The only downside to using this method is that some part of the meat (usually the middle) remains dozen. As a safety precaution, you should heat your ribs quickly to prevent bacteria from growing at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Defrosting in cold water

This method is more effective for small portions of meat. You start by putting your meat in an airtight container or plastic bag that prevents it from getting in. Submerge your container or plastic bag in the cold wanted, or you can put it under running water.

Allow your meat to thaw a little, but you may need to change your water and replace the water with a second batch after a while.

How Long Can Ribs Stay In The Fridge After Thawing?

Ribs that have been thawed can be kept in the fridge for a range of 3 to 5 days. You also have to use your ribs these days; anything more than this may lead to your coma turning into something worse.

Microwaved ribs should be cooked immediately. Once the meat is frozen and thawed, it will damage faster than it will without being frozen.

How Long Can Ribs Stay In The Fridge Without Thawing?

Frozen ribs can be kept in the fridge for 3 to 5 days without thawing. It is best to store ribs in an airtight plastic bag or container.

And the ideal temperature for storing beef is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This is because, at a temperature between 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, bacteria activity is more, which can damage your ribs.

Conclusion: How to Defrost Ribs Quickly

You don’t have to wait for hours for your frozen meat to thaw. Besides, it is wrong to thaw your ribs at room temperature.

However, you can use any of these steps to escape. Again, the last option is not the best to defrost in cold water, thawing in a microwave, and thawing at room temperature.

You should follow safety guidelines like not keeping your ribs at a temperature between 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. You should also note how long to keep your ribs in the fridge that d and frozen.

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We trust this article helped you know How to Defrost Ribs Quickly. You may also want to check out: What is a Pre Basted Turkey? (Does it Differ with Brined Turkey?)

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