How to Reheat BBQ Ribs - Outdoor Cabinets

Barbecue ribs are one of those classic barbecue dishes that are always a crowd-pleaser. Their tender, fall-off-the-bone texture and finger-licking barbecue sauce coating make them incredibly delicious. However, as tasty as they may be fresh off the grill, barbecue ribs don’t always reheat so well. The meat can dry out, the sauce can get runny, and they just don’t have that same magic you got on the first try.

But with a few simple tricks, you can reheat barbecue ribs to be just as mouthwatering as they were the first time! Whether you have leftover ribs from a barbecue or need to reheat ribs you prepped in advance, this guide will walk you through the best way to reheat them. We’ll cover everything from oven and microwave methods to keeping them moist. With these tips for reheating barbecue ribs, you can enjoy tender, saucy ribs without having to fire up the grill again.

Why Reheating Ribs Can Be Tricky

Before we get into the various methods for reheating ribs, it helps to understand why getting them just right on the second try can be tricky. Here are some of the biggest challenges with reheating ribs:

They can dry out – Ribs have a tendency to dry out when reheated, losing that fall-off-the-bone moisture
Sauce can separate – The fat in the sauce may separate or the sauce itself can become thin and watery
Texture suffers – The tender texture of ribs straight off the grill is hard to replicate
Flavor dulls – Much of the robust smoky, barbecue flavor will diminish upon reheating

While you’ll never get ribs to be exactly the same as they were fresh off the pit, there are definitely steps you can take to come close! Let’s look at tips for the oven, microwave, skillet, slow cooker, and more.

How to Reheat Ribs in the Oven

The oven can do a great job of evenly reheating ribs without drying them out too much. Here is a simple process for reheating ribs in the oven:

What You Need

Leftover barbecue ribs, removed from bones or kept whole
Aluminum foil
Rimmed baking sheet

Instructions

Preheat oven to 300°F – This lower temperature will prevent the ribs from drying out.
Cover baking sheet in foil – The foil will keep the ribs from drying out and prevent sauce mess.
Arrange ribs on sheet – Place them meaty side up. If you have whole slabs, position them so they aren’t overlapping.
Pour a bit of sauce over top – Use about 1-2 tbsp sauce per slab to add moisture.
Wrap the baking sheet tightly in foil – Make sure no steam can escape so ribs reheat slowly and evenly.
Bake for 15-30 minutes – Check ribs at 15 minutes first. Bake until heated through.
Uncover and broil 3-5 minutes – This last quick broil will help caramelize the sauce.
Serve immediately – Enjoy your reheated barbecue ribs! Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 4 days.

The key with oven reheating is using a lower temp and covering the ribs to seal in moisture. Letting them broil right at the end ensures you still get a nice sticky sauce.

Reheating Ribs in the Microwave

The microwave can also be an easy reheating option, though you have to be careful, as it can lead to dry ribs if you microwave them too long. Here are some tips:

Use 50% power – Microwaving on half power prevents toughening and drying out the meat.
Only microwave for 2-3 minutes – Check frequently and stop as soon as they are just heated through.
Keep ribs covered – Cover ribs with a damp paper towel to create steam and prevent drying.
Wrap in a flour tortilla – For just a few leftover rib bones, wrap in a tortilla to reheat for 30-60 seconds.
Add sauce after – Brush on your barbecue sauce after reheating so it doesn’t separate.

The microwave can be quick and convenient, just be very careful not to overdo it or the ribs will turn out dry and rubbery. A lower power level and short cooking time is key.

How to Reheat Ribs on the Stovetop

You can also reheat barbecue ribs right on the stovetop in just a few minutes. Here’s how:

Use a skillet or saucepan – Pick a pan where the ribs can lay flat in a single layer.
Add a bit of broth or water – This will create steam to rehydrate the ribs.
Cover and heat over medium – Let the ribs steam for a few minutes until warmed through.
Uncover and let sauce caramelize – Once heated, uncover and let the sauce caramelize for 1-2 minutes.
Toss with sauce – Toss ribs in a bowl with your favorite barbecue sauce to coat.

The benefit of stovetop reheating is you can get that great caramelized sauce the ribs had fresh off the grill. Just be careful not to burn the sauce.

How to Reheat Ribs in the Slow Cooker

For the most tender reheated ribs, the slow cooker is ideal. Simply:

Place ribs in slow cooker insert – No need for liquid, the ribs will create their own juices.
Cover and heat on low for 4-6 hours – The extended time allows ribs to reheat gently.
Remove ribs carefully – Use tongs to remove ribs, they will be fall-off-the-bone tender!
Brush with barbecue sauce – Coat ribs in your favorite sauce after reheating.

The slow, indirect heat of the slow cooker melts away any toughness, leaving you with tender and juicy leftover ribs!

Tips for Keeping Reheated Ribs Moist

No matter which reheating method you use, keeping ribs moist is the number one goal. Here are some handy tips:

Look for white fat – Ribs with white fat reheats better than yellow fat.
Reheat sauce separately – Sauce can make ribs soggy. Brush on just before serving.
Spritz with apple juice – Mist ribs with apple juice before & after reheating for moisture.
Rest ribs before slicing – Letting ribs rest sealed in foil after reheating allows moisture to distribute.
Don’t overbake – Check ribs frequently to avoid drying out in the oven.

Storing Leftover Ribs

To get the most out of your leftover ribs, proper storage is key. Here are some storage tips:

Let cool completely first – Wait until ribs are room temp before refrigerating.
Divide into shallow containers – Spread into smaller containers so ribs cool quickly.
Use foil or plastic wrap – Covering tightly retains moisture.
Avoid storage bags – Reheating in storage bags can create condensation.
Use ribs within 4 days – For maximum freshness and moisture, reheat leftover ribs within 3-4 days.
Freeze for longer storage – Frozen ribs will last 2-3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Following proper storage guidelines will ensure your leftover ribs don’t dry out in the fridge before you get a chance to enjoy them again!

Common Questions About Reheating Ribs

If you’re new to reheating ribs, chances are you still have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

Can you reheat ribs in an air fryer?

Yes, an air fryer does an excellent job of reheating ribs! Set temperature to 300°F and reheat ribs for 10-15 minutes, tossing halfway. The circulating air prevents drying while crisping up the sauce.

Should you add moisture when reheating ribs?

It’s a good idea to add a bit of moisture, whether apple juice, broth, or barbecue sauce. This extra moisture replaces any juices lost after initial cooking.

What’s the best way to reheat rib tips?

Rib tips can dry out quickly. Reheat them in sauce in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through. Or place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 325°F for 15-20 minutes.

Can you reheat ribs on the grill?

You can reheat ribs on the grill but take care not to overcook them. Heat gently over indirect heat and brush with sauce in the last few minutes over direct heat.

Is it better to reheat ribs with or without sauce?

For tender, juicy ribs, it’s actually best to reheat them without sauce first. Add sauce just at the end once ribs are already heated through.

Enjoy Delicious Leftover Ribs

Barbecue ribs are a total treat, so you definitely want to take full advantage of any delicious leftovers. Now that you know the best techniques, you can reheat your ribs and have them come out moist and flavorful every time.

The key is using steam, indirect heat, and avoiding overcooking at all costs. Next time you have a rack or two leftover, try one of these simple reheating methods. With the right approach, your leftover barbecue ribs will taste just as amazing as they did the very first time off the smoker. So fire up those leftovers and you’ll be in finger-lickin’ rib heaven once again.