How Long Are Ribs Good In The Fridge? (A Handy Guide)

How Long Are Ribs Good In The Fridge

It’s often necessary to have barbecue ribs in the fridge, ready to be eaten whenever the hunger pangs come on.

However, if you aren’t careful, you can end up with leftover ribs that will go bad before you get to them. While it’s impossible to know precisely how long the ribs will be good for, there are certain ways to ensure you don’t waste money or food.

How Long Are Ribs Good In The Fridge

Follow this handy guide to learn how long are ribs good in the fridge, do you need to worry about the ribs going bad, and how you can keep them fresh and tasty for as long as possible. Now that you know what you’re getting into let’s get started!

How Long Are Ribs Good In The Fridge?

Ribs are good in the fridge for about three to six days. The longer you keep them, the more tender they will become.

If you’re going to barbecue ribs, it’s best to cook them within a few days of purchase (especially if you’re planning on smoking them) because this will ensure that the meat is fresh and tasty.

If you want to freeze your ribs, there’s no need to thaw them first. To keep ribs in the fridge, place them in an airtight container and store them at room temperature.

How Long Do Uncooked Ribs Stay Good In The Fridge?

Uncooked ribs will stay in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. If you need to figure out how long your ribs have been in the fridge, it’s better to err on caution and throw them out after 3 days.

Raw meat can start to develop bacteria growth after just a few days in the fridge, so it’s essential to make sure you’re eating fresh ribs. If you’re planning on eating the ribs after a few days, you can freeze them to extend their shelf life.

How Long Do Cooked Ribs Stay Good In The Fridge?

Cooked ribs are an excellent choice for potlucks and entertaining. They’re relatively inexpensive, taste amazing, and are perfect for making your guests feel extra special!

Cooked ribs last for three to four days in the fridge. That’s it! You can eat them immediately if you don’t have time to wait, or freeze them so they’ll be ready when you are!

How Long Is Prime Rib Good In The Fridge?

When you get a prime rib roast, you want to store it properly, so it lasts as long as possible. The good news is that prime rib will last in your fridge for between five to seven days. Make sure to keep it in a sealed container or bag so that it doesn’t lose any of its juices, and place it on the bottom shelf, so it doesn’t drip on any other food.

How Long Are Short Ribs Good For In Fridge?

Short ribs are a popular dish, but sometimes people need clarification on how long they can keep them in the fridge. The good news is that short ribs will be good for up to three or four days after you purchase them. You can buy them on Friday and enjoy them over the weekend.

However, it’s important to note that the quality of the ribs will start to diminish after a few days, so it’s best to enjoy them as soon as possible. 

How Long Do Cryovac Ribs Last In The Fridge?

That all depends on the type of Cryovac ribs. Fresh pork ribs will last between 21 and 30 days in the fridge, while fresh beef ribs will last between 14 and 21 days. Cryovac ribs that have been frozen will last indefinitely in the freezer. Still, they will usually last about 2 to 3 months in the fridge before they start to get freezer burn.

How Long Can Baby Back Ribs Stay In The Fridge?

Baby back ribs are a type of pork rib that is very popular in barbecue cooking. They are usually cut from the loin section of the pig and are known for their tenderness and flavor.

Typically, baby back ribs can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days. However, if they are not properly wrapped, they may not last as long.

How Long Can BBQ Ribs Stay In The Fridge?

BBQ ribs can be kept in the fridge for 5 days, but they will not be as juicy or tender as if roasted on the BBQ. So if you’re looking to extend that time frame, we recommend roasting your BBQ ribs instead.

How To Tell If Ribs Are Bad Or Spoiled?

You might be wondering how to tell if your ribs are bad or spoiled, which is a question that pops up occasionally. The best way to know for sure is to follow some simple steps:

  1. Check the expiration date on the package – If it’s been opened before, recheck it because it could have expired since you first bought it.
  2. The meat is gray, white, or blackish in color – This is a sign that the meat has gone bad and will make you sick.
  3. It looks wrinkled – The meat should be smooth and pliable when you handle it. If it’s wrinkled or soft, it’s probably spoiled
  4. There are dark brown spots on the meat – These are called “pinholes,” and they indicate bacteria has started to grow on the surface of the meat, which can cause food poisoning if consumed by humans or other animals
  5. It smells sour or rotten – This is another sign that something may be wrong with your ribs
How To Avoid Ribs From Spoiling?

How To Avoid Ribs From Spoiling?

If you want to avoid your ribs from spoiling, here are some tips:

  1. Choose the right cut of meat. The best cuts of ribs are spare ribs, baby backs, and loin back ribs.
  2. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 24 hours before cooking. This helps preserve the food by locking in moisture and preventing spoilage.
  3. Cook meat in a low-temperature setting with plenty of smoke flavor added to the meat, such as hickory wood chips or liquid smoke flavoring.
  4. Use water or beer instead of juices when basting ribs with sauce because juices can cause proteins to coagulate during storage and cause the meat to spoil faster than average.

Also Read How Long To Smoke Ribs At 250?

How To Store Ribs Properly In The Fridge?

Here are some tips on how to properly store ribs in the fridge:

  1. Ribs should be kept in a shallow, covered container. This will keep them moist and prevent them from getting soggy.
  2. Make sure that you have plenty of plastic wrap around the container so that you don’t get any rub on your hands or clothes.
  3. Try to stack up to three ribs per layer of plastic wrap because this will make it harder for them to cook evenly throughout the entire package.
  4. If you store them in the freezer, ensure that there are no air pockets between each layer of meat and between each piece of meat itself.

FAQs

Can I Eat Cooked Ribs After 5 Days?

Yes, it is possible. You might have the best time of your life, but you must find it. However, you must understand that you can never get the same joy you did when you smoked. 

How Long Are Leftover Ribs Good For?

Try to use it up within three to four days because the taste and texture will deteriorate. To get the best results, you should reheat the ribs in the microwave and then use a grill or barbecue to finish it off.

Is It Safe To Eat Week-Old Ribs?

Ribs are safe to eat even if they are a week old. You can apply several precautionary measures to get maximum taste and safety. 

The Verdict:

Hopefully, we’ve helped you make some sense of some conflicting information concerning “safe” rib storage times. Suppose you want to cook ribs in advance for a party, for example, and enjoy them safely later down the road. In that case, we recommend storing them in your fridge for no longer than 5-7 days.

Author

  • Troy Miller

    Hi! My name is Troy, and I'm the founder of Grill Taster. I have a lot of experience in grilling because I've been testing out products for over a decade. With almost ten years as a professional griller and help to thousands of aspiring BBQ masters, you can trust me to help you find the best grills and accessories on the market so that you don't have to waste time or money on junk. With my family enjoying some summertime fun just outside Carolina, we're all looking forward to your comments and questions!

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