In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “How long are ribs good in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of ribs. Moreover, we are going to discuss the different ways to spot spoiled ribs.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long are ribs good in the fridge?
Raw ribs last in the fridge for 3-5 days if kept at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, cooked ribs last for about 3-4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. They should be kept in plastic zipper bags or air-tight containers on one of the refrigerator’s shelves.
It’s worth noting that the values given above are for ribs’ expected shelf life.
What is the best temperature to keep ribs at?
Ribs should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower at all times. Bacterial development is more rapid between the temperatures of 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore it’s best to keep your ribs at a lower temperature to keep them fresh for longer.
How long do ribs last at room temperature?
When kept at room temperature, ribs last for around 2 hours.
Because bacterial growth occurs at a quicker rate between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, ribs left out for more than 2 hours should be discarded.
Furthermore, if the surrounding temperature is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the rotting process is accelerated, and ribs left out in the open for more than an hour at such temperature should be discarded.
How long do ribs last in the freezer?
Cooked ribs last for 2-3 months in the freezer if stored wrapped in aluminum foil in an airtight plastic freezer bag. On the other hand, raw ribs last for about 4-6 months when properly stored in the freezer.
As a result, freezing the ribs extends their shelf life significantly due to the freezer’s low temperature, which inhibits bacterial growth on the ribs.
How to defrost frozen ribs?
You can quickly defrost frozen ribs by placing them in the refrigerator overnight, and thawed ribs can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days before reheating/cooking and consuming them.
If you’re defrosting frozen ribs in a bowl of cold water, the microwave, or on the counter, you should utilize them right away after reheating/cooking them till their internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to vacuum seal ribs?
You may even vacuum seal your ribs at home to extend their shelf life. It involves placing the ribs in a plastic zipper bag, eliminating the air, then nearly sealing the bag with a small amount of space remaining while lowering it into water.
After that, start pressing out the bubbles starting from the bag’s bottom and work your way up to the sealed end, closing the bag’s seal.
A vacuum sealer pump can also be used to easily vacuum seal ribs at home.
Is it possible to refrigerate the reheated ribs?
Once the previously cooked refrigerated/frozen ribs have been reheated, they should never be refrigerated again. Because the temperature of the ribs goes above 40 degrees Fahrenheit when reheated and we know that bacteria develops rapidly between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
As a result, bacteria will make their way into your ribs and reheated ribs should never be refrigerated, rather it is better to consume them completely or otherwise discard the reheated leftovers properly.
What are different ways to spot spoiled ribs?
There are a few clear indicators that indicate if your ribs have gone bad. To determine if ribs have gone bad, look at their appearance, texture, and smell.
Appearance
If you see mold or other organic growth on your ribs or if they have discolored (brown, green, or gray), it’s time to throw them out.
It’s worth noting that you should avoid smelling moldy ribs since molds can produce mycotoxins, which can disturb your gut microflora and damage your immune system if they enter your body by inhalation.
Texture
If you touch the ribs and it feels sticky, slimy, or gooey, it’s time to throw them out.
Smell
If you smell something sour or ammonia-like while sniffing your ribs, it’s time to throw them out.
Lastly, I do not recommend tasting cooked ribs with a foul odor, but if you are brave (and silly) enough, you will notice a significant change in the texture and mouthfeel of the spoiled ribs. It will have an off-flavor.
Thus, if the microbes have somehow gotten into your ribs and spoiled them, the best thing you can do is throw them out.
How to properly store ribs?
- Because microscopic organisms grow quickly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, it is best to refrigerate the ribs within 2 hours they are cooked in airtight containers to extend their shelf life while keeping their quality.
- If you wish to extend the shelf life of prepared ribs, keep them in an airtight container in the freezer. Cooked ribs that have been frozen at 0°C are safe to use for extremely long periods.
- Ribs should be stored in shallow compact containers to allow them to cool quickly.
You can read how to make oven-baked ribs here.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “how long are ribs good in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of ribs. Moreover, we discussed the different ways to spot spoiled ribs.