With a few simple techniques and the right cooking methods, you can turn frozen ribs into tender, flavorful delights. In this article, I will instruct on how to cook frozen ribs in 5 different ways, each yielding delectable results. Let’s get started!
1. How To Cook Frozen Ribs in Oven
Cooking frozen ribs in the oven is a straightforward process that results in juicy and succulent meat.
Ingredients
- 1 rack of frozen ribs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of your favorite rib rub
- Barbecue sauce (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
Remove the ribs from the packaging and place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
Brush the ribs with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Sprinkle the rib rub generously on both sides of the ribs, pressing it into the meat.
Cover the ribs with another layer of aluminum foil, sealing the edges tightly to create a packet.
Place the packet on the baking sheet and cook in the preheated oven for 2,5 – 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender.
Optionally, brush the ribs with barbecue sauce during the last 20 minutes of cooking for a flavorful glaze.
Once done, remove the ribs from the oven, let them rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve.
2. How To Cook Frozen Ribs on Grill
Grilling frozen ribs adds a smoky flavor and charred texture that many barbecue enthusiasts adore.
Ingredients
- 1 rack of frozen ribs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of your preferred dry rub
- Barbecue sauce (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your grill to medium heat.
Remove the ribs from the packaging and pat them dry with paper towels.
Rub olive oil over both sides of the ribs to prevent sticking. Next, Season the ribs with the dry rub, massaging it into the meat.
Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil, creating a secure packet.
Place the foil-wrapped ribs on the grill and close the lid.
Grill the ribs for 1.5 to 2 hours, turning the packet over occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Optionally, remove the ribs from the foil, baste them with barbecue sauce, and grill directly for a few minutes on each side to achieve a caramelized finish.
Slice the ribs, serve them with your favorite side dishes, and enjoy your flavorful grilled creation.
3. How To Cook Frozen Ribs in Instant Pot
Using an Instant Pot for cooking frozen ribs yields tender and mouthwatering results in a fraction of the time.
Ingredients
- 1 rack of frozen ribs
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Pour the broth, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the Instant Pot and mix well.
Submerge the frozen ribs in the liquid mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode for 25 minutes.
After the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before performing a quick release.
Carefully remove the ribs from the Instant Pot. Then slice the ribs, serve with your favorite sides, and savor the tender and flavorful meat.
4. How To Cook Frozen Ribs in Crock Pot
Using a Crock Pot to cook frozen ribs delivers melt-in-your-mouth results with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 rack of frozen ribs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create the rib sauce.
Place the frozen ribs in the Crock Pot and pour the sauce over them, ensuring the ribs are well-coated.
Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours until the ribs are tender.
Once done, carefully remove the ribs from the Crock Pot. Then slice the ribs, serve with your favorite sides or the sauce.
5. How To Cook Frozen Ribs in Air Fryer
Using an air fryer to cook frozen ribs results in crispy exteriors and tender interiors, replicating the texture of traditional deep-frying.
Ingredients
- 1 rack of frozen ribs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of your preferred dry rub
- Barbecue sauce (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Remove the ribs from the packaging and pat them dry with paper towels. Next, rub olive oil over both sides of the ribs to enhance crispiness. Then season the ribs with the dry rub, ensuring even coverage.
Place the seasoned ribs in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook the ribs for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.
Optionally, remove the ribs from the air fryer, brush them with barbecue sauce, and return them to the air fryer for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce.
Once done, slice the ribs, serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy the delightful combination of crispy and tender goodness.
Cooking frozen ribs doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these five cooking methods in this article, you can effortlessly turn frozen ribs into mouthwatering dishes every time.
