Can pork rib be frozen? - The complete guide

If you prefer to cook with meat that stretches a lot, there is hardly any better option than the rib eye. There are many types of meat that stretch a lot for a reasonable price. The prime rib is one of the best options.

You may have also heard of prime rib as rib roast. This large piece of meat can feed several people and is delicious and flavorful. There are many ways to cook it and many ways to use the meat if you have any leftovers.

How do you save leftovers when cooking prime rib? Can leftover rib eye be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze the ribs, and they freeze very well. Before freezing the rib, you’ll want to let it cool before putting it in a freezer bag, but you shouldn’t leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

We have put together this guide to walk you through all the instructions you may need to freeze ribs. As we progress through the guide, we’ll cover other basic information about ribs.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about freezing prime rib and much more.

Complete Guide to Freezing Prime Ribs

The prime rib, or standing rib roast , is a large cut of beef. This piece comes directly from the primary rib area. It can vary in size and can include between two and seven ribs in the cut.

When you buy prime rib, you can find them bone-in or bone-in. However, the most popular way to cook the prime rib is on the bone, standing up in the pan . That’s why it’s also called standing rib roast.

Many butchers cut to remove the tops of the ribs because this makes it easier to carve the rib and serve it at home.

There are many uses for the prime rib. You can use it as part of the main dish, serving the meat and adding various accompaniments. You can also use it in other ways. We recommend serving the prime rib as the main dish, then looking for interesting ways to use up the leftovers.

Here are some ideas:

• rib soup
• Crumble it up and use it in a hash skillet
• Crumble it up and use it in pho or noodles
• meat sandwiches
• beef stroganoff
• Chop and add to chili
• Rib tacos, fajitas, burritos, or quesadillas

If you want, you can add your prime rib to almost any dish that calls for meat. We share these ideas simply to provide you with some inspiration. There really are very few limitations for you to use and enjoy that prime rib that you have left over.

How to prepare the pork rib

If you search the net, you will find several ways to prepare the prime rib.  The most common methods for cooking prime rib are roasting, smoking, or using a slow cooker. 

We wanted to share with you some basic instructions for preparing prime rib initially. Keep in mind that you can prepare the prime rib in several ways. This is not the only option to make prime rib.

These instructions are based on a general process in the oven, but you can certainly explore other options for preparing your prime rib. We are sure that it will be delicious no matter how you prepare it.

The prime rib is best cooked over low heat.

Depending on the recipe, you may need to cook the rib for 3-8 hours to get it done. This particular recipe is meant to be closer to the 3 hour mark.

Of course, the cooking time will also vary depending on the size of the rib. One last factor that will influence the cooking time is the degree of cooking you want to give the meat. It is often recommended to serve the prime rib at its doneness.

Here we explain how to cook the prime rib:

1. You will need a rib roast in the size of your choice. Season it to your liking. You can also season it in the pan.
2. Place the rib on a roasting pan and allow it to come to room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
3. Start by grilling the rib at 450 degrees for 30 minutes.
4. Reduce the heat to 350 and cook until the rib is complete to the desired point. You must anticipate a cooking time of approximately 15 minutes per kilo. Cook to the following internal temperatures: Medium Rare 110 degrees, Medium 120 degrees, Medium Good 130 degrees, or Well Done 140 degrees.
5. Remove from the oven and cover with aluminum foil. Let the rib rest for 20-30 minutes.
6. Cut or carve it and enjoy it.

Freeze pork rib

Storing the rib is very simple. You can store it in the fridge for up to 7 days without worrying about it spoiling. If you want to keep it longer, the freezer is a great option.

When storing it in the freezer, you can separate the rib into portions or freeze it all together. The choice is up to you.

Here are the instructions for freezing the prime rib:

1. Let the rib cool slightly before freezing it. Store it within 2 hours after the end of cooking.
2. Separate into desired portions or freeze all together. Wrap the rib well in plastic wrap.
3. Place the wrapped rib in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
4. Label, date and stamp the chosen packaging method.
5. Put it in the freezer for up to 9 months.

Freezing your prime rib is a simple process, and it’s easy to use when you’re ready to take it out of the freezer.

How to use the rib after freezing it

Once you’ve successfully frozen your prime rib and are ready to use it, you need to be prepared for that process as well.

The way to use the rib after freezing it can vary depending on your plans. We recommend that you let the rib thaw in the fridge overnight before attempting to use it for reheating.

You can simply reheat the rib and serve it again as the main course meat. If you serve it like this, you should reheat it in the oven. Cover skillet with a boil and bake at 350 until heated through. This should only take about 20 minutes.

If you plan to use your rib to make a soup or a stew or some other type of dish, you can simply cook it as part of the dish. In fact, for these methods, you can also do without defrosting the rib.

Your rib will be easier to work with if you thaw it. Of course, if you’re anything like the general population, you probably forget to take things out of the freezer and plan ahead. It happens to the best of us.

In that case, you can do a microwave thawing or a quick thawing method with cold water. These methods can help you when you are in a bind and they work quite well. If you think the meat is getting dry, you can baste it or spray it with a little water.

Whatever you plan to use your rib after freezing it, we are sure you will be happy with the results. Your family and your taste buds will thank you later.

Related questions

We hope you find this guide to freezing ribs a valuable resource. The process is pretty straightforward and definitely worth the effort to save those leftovers so you can enjoy them again later.

We have prepared a question and answer section that includes additional information. We invite you to take a look at it to see if any of the information may be useful to you.

Is the Ribeye the same as the Prime Rib?

In short, ribeye and prime rib are not the same. Yet they come from the same place. The prime rib is a cut of beef rib. The ribeye is a fillet cut from the area of the animal.

The main difference is that ribeye is cut into fillet portions, while prime rib is left intact, usually with the ribs attached.

Is the prime rib considered a premium cut of meat?

The prime rib is not a filet mignon, but it is an exceptional cut of meat. When buying prime rib or ribeye, you’ll likely pay a little more than you would for other cuts of meat.

However, it is a medium to high quality cut. It’s also much more affordable than filet mignon.

Can you season the prime rib ahead of time with rubs or marinades?

The longer you let your seasoning preferences sit in the meat, the more intense its flavor will be. You can use a rub or even a marinade for your rib.

There is nothing wrong with marinating meat for several hours or even overnight.