Barbecue ribs are a classic summertime favorite for good reason – their finger-licking, fall-off-the-bone goodness pairs perfectly with warm weather and time spent outdoors. But ribs can be so much more than a basic barbecue side. With a little creativity, leftover bbq ribs can be transformed into all sorts of delicious dishes. Here are some of our favorite ways to use up leftover bbq ribs and take your meals to new heights of flavor.
Enjoy Ribs as Leftovers
The easiest thing to do with leftover ribs is simply reheat and enjoy them again as is. Bbq ribs keep well for 3-4 days refrigerated and can be easily reheated in the oven or on the grill before serving. Just wrap them back up in foil and warm them through until hot and tender again. Bbq ribs even freeze well for longer term storage. Thaw them overnight in the fridge then reheat gently before serving. The bonus is they take on even more flavor sitting in the sauce overnight as a leftover.
Rib Sandwiches and Wraps
Chopped or pulled bbq ribs make excellent sandwich and wrap fillings. Pile the shredded meat onto buns, stuff into pitas, or roll up in lettuce or tortilla wraps. You can keep it simple with just the meat and bbq sauce or kick it up a notch with extra toppings. Try adding sliced onions, pickles, coleslaw, cheese, avocado, or crispy fried onions for extra flavor and crunch. The meaty ribs make a satisfying sandwich or wrap anytime.
Quesadillas, Tacos and Nachos
Mexican flavors pair perfectly with smoky, saucy bbq ribs. Chopping up leftover ribs to use in quesadillas, tacos, enchiladas, and nachos is an easy way to transform them into a whole new dish. You don’t need much rib meat – just combine with cheese, beans, salsa, cilantro, avocado and other favorite taco toppings. The tender meat blends right in and amps up the flavor in any cheesy Mexican dish.
Breakfast Dishes
Don’t limit ribs to just lunch and dinner – they make a unique addition to breakfast dishes too. Try folding chopped rib meat into egg scramblers or breakfast burritos along with veggies, cheese and salsa. You can also top biscuits, toasts or waffles with pulled rib meat and a fried egg for a savory start to the day. The smoky meat pairs surprisingly well with traditional breakfast ingredients.
Pasta Dishes
Pulled bbq rib meat makes a fantastic pasta topper. Toss it with tomato sauce and pasta for an easy barbecue rib bake. Or make rib mac and cheese by folding shredded meat into cheesy baked macaroni. Stir in some barbecue sauce for extra flavor. You can also add rib meat to pasta salads – combine with veggies, cheese, olives, beans and Italian dressing for a hearty appetizer or light meal.
Pizza Toppings
Barbecue rib meat makes a stellar pizza topping. Scatter shredded pork over pizza dough or flatbread, then add desired toppings like red onion, pineapple, cilantro or barbecue sauce. You can also skip the crust entirely and make rib flatbread pizzas on naan or pitas for individual servings. The tender meat, gooey cheese and tangy sauce blend together for an insanely delicious flavor combo on any baked flatbread creation.
Soups and Chilis
Add chopped barbecue ribs to soups and chilis for added heartiness and flavor. The tender pork blends right in and soaks up all the spices, broth and sauce. Try adding ribs to bean chili, vegetable soup, or instant ramen to make it a meal. You can also braise leftover rib meat in chicken or vegetable broth with veggies to create an easy homemade soup.
Salads and Bowls
Turn leftover ribs into flavor-packed main dish salads and grain bowls. Chopped rib meat pairs well with fresh greens, grains like quinoa or rice, beans, roasted veggies, nuts, seeds, and tangy vinaigrettes. You can also pile rib meat over salad greens and drizzle with barbecue sauce for an easy weekday lunch. Take it up a notch by topping with roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes.
Rice and Risotto
Stir shredded rib meat into rice or risotto for an instant flavor boost. The pork adds richness that complements the grains beautifully. Try bbq rib risotto with mushrooms or stir rib meat into Spanish rice along with veggies. Rib fried rice is another quick and easy option – just scramble up some eggs, frozen peas and pre-cooked rice with the shredded meat. A tasty one-pan meal in minutes.
Simmered in Sauces
Toss leftover rib meat in your favorite sauces and let it simmer together for added flavor. Try barbecue tikka masala for an Indian-inspired twist or coat in sticky Asian sauces like teriyaki or sesame ginger. You can also simmer leftover rib meat in tomato sauce with veggies for a quick bbq ragu to serve over pasta, polenta or zoodles. Experiment with flavors for customizable meals all week.
So put those leftover bbq ribs to good use with fun new dishes like sandwiches, tacos, flatbreads, grain bowls and more! A little creativity transforms basic grilled ribs into amazing fusion meals that will have the whole family asking for seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making Meals with Leftover BBQ Ribs
How should I store leftover bbq ribs?
Wrap any uneaten ribs tightly in foil and refrigerate for 3-4 days. For longer term storage, freeze ribs for 2-3 months. Thaw frozen ribs overnight in the fridge before using.
How can I reheat bbq ribs?
Wrap ribs in foil and bake at 300°F for 20 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat on the grill until warm and sizzling again. Microwaving tends to make the texture dry.
What’s the best way to chop up bbq ribs?
For pulled or chopped barbecue rib meat, first remove any bones, fat or cartilage. Dice or shred the meat into small pieces using two forks or your fingers. Try not to over-chop to a mush.
What are some flavorful add-ins for leftover rib dishes?
Cheese, salsa, beans, rice, roasted veggies, caramelized onions, pineapple, coleslaw, pickles, bbq sauce and crispy fried onions all pair deliciously with leftover bbq ribs.
How long will bbq rib meat last in the fridge?
Properly stored, leftover rib meat will last 3-4 days in the fridge. Use refrigerated rib meat within that time for maximum freshness and flavor.
Can you freeze leftover bbq rib meat?
Yes, freeze shredded or chopped rib meat for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using. Add extra sauce after thawing to prevent dryness.
What foods complement bbq rib meat?
Breads, tortillas, pasta, rice, beans, cheese, veggies, pineapple, onions, salsa, avocado, eggs, salad greens and sauces all make great partners for leftover bbq ribs.
What recipes can I make with extra bbq ribs?
Sandwiches, tacos, nachos, pizza, pasta bakes, soups, salads, grain bowls, breakfast dishes, and simmered sauces all lend themselves well to using up leftover bbq ribs.
Is it safe to reheat bbq ribs more than once?
It’s best not to reheat any leftover meat more than once for food safety. Use refrigerated ribs within 3-4 days and frozen ribs within 2-3 months for optimal freshness.
So be creative and try out some new ways to enjoy those tasty leftover barbecue ribs to their full potential! From quick sandwiches to satisfying grain bowls, the possibilities are endless.