What To Do With Leftover BBQ Ribs? (Quick Ideas)

what to do with leftover bbq ribs

There’s nothing quite like the smoky, savory taste of barbecue ribs.

But what do you do when you have a few leftover BBQ ribs?

Here are some quick and easy ideas to help you use them up.

Let’s take a look.

Toss shredded leftover BBQ ribs with noodles

The first possible idea is to simply toss the shredded leftover BBQ ribs with some noodles.

This can make for a quick and easy meal that is full of flavor.

You can use any type of noodle you like, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or even angel hair.

To start, cook the noodles according to their package instructions.

Then, in a separate pan, heat up the shredded BBQ ribs until they are warm.

Once both the noodles and ribs are cooked, simply toss them together in a large bowl.

Add in some sauce if desired, and you’re good to go.

Add to your chili beans

Adding the leftovers from your BBQ ribs to a pot of chili beans is another excellent way to make use of them.

This will give the chili a smoky, barbecue flavor that is simply irresistible.

To make this dish, simply cook the chili beans according to your recipe or favorite can’s instructions.

Then, add in the shredded meat from the ribs and allow it to cook until heated through.

Make a BBQ rib sandwich

This is probably one of the most popular ways to use up leftover BBQ ribs.

And, it’s easy to see why.

All you need is some bread, sauce, and the leftover meat.

Simply pile the shredded BBQ ribs onto a piece of bread, and top with your favorite sauce.

That’s it.

You can enjoy this sandwich as is, or grilled for an even tastier treat.

Use as an ingredient in vegetable soup

Another great way to use up leftover BBQ ribs is to add them to a pot of vegetable soup.

This will give the soup a smoky, barbecue flavor that is sure to please.

Simply cook the soup according to your recipe or favorite can’s instructions.

Then, add in the shredded meat from the ribs and allow it to cook until heated through.

Serve over nachos with cheese, tomatoes, and jalapeƱos

Serving the leftover BBQ ribs over a plate of nachos is another excellent way to use them up.

This dish is easy to make and can be tailored to your liking.

Simply layer the shredded BBQ ribs over a bed of tortilla chips, and top with cheese, tomatoes, and jalapeƱos.

Serve with sour cream on the side.

Make a BBQ rib omelet

Finally, why not try making a BBQ rib omelet? This is a great way to use up the meat and makes for a delicious and hearty breakfast.

To make this dish, simply cook the omelet according to your recipe or favorite method.

Then, add in the shredded BBQ ribs and allow them to cook until heated through.

Top with cheese, and enjoy.

What can I do with extra meat from spare ribs?

There are a few things you can do with extra meat from spare ribs, including:

  • Make a sauce by simmering the meat in ketchup, vinegar, and spices
  • Add the meat to baked beans for extra flavor
  • Make rib tacos by shredding the meat and serving it in tortillas with salsa and sour cream
  • Use the meat as a topping for nachos
  • Make a rib soup by simmering the meat in broth with vegetables and spices

Whatever you do, make sure to enjoy your extra ribs.

How long are leftover BBQ ribs good for?

Storing your BBQ ribs properly can help to extend their shelf life.

If you have cooked ribs that you are not planning on eating right away, then you can store them in the fridge for up to four days.

You can also freeze cooked ribs for up to six months.

When reheating frozen or refrigerated ribs, be sure to cook them thoroughly until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (source).

How do you eat leftover ribs?

You can eat them cold, right out of the fridge.

Or, if you’re feeling fancy, reheat them in the oven or on the grill.

Either way, they’ll be delicious.

What can I make with ribs besides BBQ?

There are many recipes that can be made with ribs besides BBQ.

Some examples include ribs in a slow cooker, baked ribs, and grilled ribs.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to recipes that can be made with this tasty ingredient.

Experiment and explore different flavors to find your perfect rib dish (source).

What is extra meat on pork ribs?

Extra meat on pork ribs is the result of a process called back-fatting.

This involves adding extra fat to the animal’s diet, which then gets deposited in the spaces between its muscle fibers.

The result is a cut of meat that is juicier and more flavorful than leaner cuts.

Back-fatting also helps to keep the meat moist during cooking, making it less likely to dry out.

Should you trim spare ribs?

Spare ribs are a type of pork rib that is popular in many cuisines.

They are typically cut from the belly or lower back area of the pig and can be cooked in many different ways.

While there is no definitive answer to whether or not you should trim spare ribs, it is generally recommended that you do so.

This is because trimming off the excess fat can help to improve the flavor and texture of the meat.

Additionally, it can also help to prevent the ribs from becoming too tough when cooked (source).

How do you cook spare ribs from trimmings?

Assuming you have the necessary trimmings (i.e.

bone-in pork loin or belly), spare ribs can be cooked in a number of ways.

One popular method is to slow cook them in a marinade, either in the oven or on the grill.

Another option is to braise the spare ribs in a flavorful liquid until they are tender.

Finally, you can also smoke spare ribs for a truly unique flavor.

No matter how you cook them, spare ribs are sure to be a hit with your guests.

What can I make with scraps of St Louis ribs?

what to do with leftover bbq ribs

You can make a variety of dishes with scraps of St Louis ribs, including:

  • Ribs in a slow cooker
  • Stir fry
  • Ribs in a pressure cooker
  • Ribs baked in the oven
  • Grilled ribs
  • Smoked ribs

There are many recipes available online for each of these dishes.

Simply do a search for “St Louis ribs recipe” and you’ll find plenty of options to choose from.

Can you eat 5-day-old ribs?

You can, but it’s not recommended.

The USDA recommends eating ribs within 4 days of cooking them.

After that, they start to spoil and can cause food poisoning.

So if you’re planning on eating leftovers, make sure to eat them within a few days (source).

Can I eat BBQ spare ribs the next day?

You can certainly eat BBQ spare ribs the next day, but they won’t be quite as fresh as when they were first cooked.

To reheat, simply wrap the ribs in foil and place them in a 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.

Can I reheat BBQ ribs?

Yes, you can reheat BBQ ribs.

However, it is important to reheat them slowly and carefully so that they do not dry out or become tough.

The best way to reheat ribs is in a slow cooker or in the oven on a low setting (source).

How long can you keep cooked short ribs in the refrigerator?

You can keep cooked short ribs in the refrigerator for up to four days (source).

What is the best way to reheat cooked ribs?

The best way to reheat cooked ribs is in a slow cooker or in the oven.

Place the cooked ribs in a slow cooker on low heat for 4-6 hours, or in the oven on low heat for 2-3 hours.

When reheating ribs, be sure to add moisture to prevent them from drying out.

Add water, broth, or sauce to the ribs before reheating.

Cover the slow cooker or pan with foil to help retain moisture.

How do you tenderize already cooked ribs?

There are a few ways that you can tenderize already cooked ribs.

One way is to cut the ribs into smaller pieces so that they will be more tender.

Another way is to use a fork to break up the meat on the ribs before eating them.

You can also try marinating the ribs in a sauce or marinade for a short period of time before cooking them.

Finally, you can cook the ribs at a lower temperature for a longer period of time to help tenderize them (source).

What is the best way to reheat ribs?

The best way to reheat ribs is in the oven.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Place the ribs on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.

You can also reheat ribs in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them.

Microwave on high for about two minutes, or until heated through.

Can you reheat ribs in an air fryer?

Sure.

Just heat them up at 400 degrees for a few minutes until they’re warmed through.

What are some sides that go with ribs?

There are a number of delicious sides that go well with ribs, such as baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, and corn on the cob.

You can also serve up some fresh fruits or vegetables as a light and healthy option (source).

Conclusion

These are just a few quick and easy ideas for what to do with leftover BBQ ribs.

So, the next time you have some leftovers, put them to good use and try one of these delicious dishes.

You’ll be glad you did.

Thanks for reading.

Tamara Pierce

Tamara Pierce is a food writer at Elapasony, passionate about exploring diverse cuisines and sharing recipes and food experiences. From trendy restaurants to local hotspots, she's always on the lookout for new and exciting flavors.

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