Are you craving some juicy and tender beef short ribs but only have frozen ones on hand?
Don’t worry, you can still enjoy this delicious dish without waiting for hours for them to defrost.
In this article, we’ll show you how to cook frozen beef short ribs in the oven using two different methods.
Whether you prefer the traditional slow-cooking method or want to try a quicker pressure cooker option, we’ve got you covered.
So, let’s get started and learn how to make mouth-watering beef short ribs from frozen in the oven!
How To Cook Frozen Beef Short Ribs In Oven?
Method 1: Slow Cooking
The first method we’ll cover is the traditional slow-cooking method. This method requires some patience, but the end result is worth it.
Step 1: Defrost the Ribs
Before cooking, you’ll need to defrost the beef short ribs completely. The best way to do this is to thaw them overnight in the fridge beforehand. This allows the meat fibers to defrost evenly and produces the best juicy results and textures.
Step 2: Season the Ribs
Once the ribs are fully defrosted, preheat your oven to 275°F. Salt and pepper the bone-in beef short ribs and lay them bone side down in a baking dish. Snuggle the ribs close together and cover tightly with aluminum foil.
Step 3: Cook in Oven
Bake the bone-in short ribs in the oven at 275°F for 3 1/2 – 4 hours. Keep an eye on them as they cook; they’re done when the meat is visibly pulling away from/shrinking from the bone and they are fork-tender.
Step 4: Serve
Once done, cut off any excess fat that remains around the short ribs. Transfer them to a serving platter, discard any cooking liquid, and slather your favorite BBQ sauce over them before serving.
Method 2: Pressure Cooking
If you’re short on time, you can also cook frozen beef short ribs in a pressure cooker. This method is quicker than traditional slow-cooking and still produces deliciously tender and flavorful ribs.
Step 1: Add Ingredients
Place frozen boneless beef short ribs in your pressure cooker along with chicken broth or stock, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until combined.
Step 2: Cook in Pressure Cooker
Secure the lid on your pressure cooker and set it to high pressure for 25 minutes. Make sure that the valve is set to “sealing” before cooking.
Step 3: Release Pressure
Once done cooking, allow for a natural release of pressure for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
Step 4: Serve
Carefully remove the ribs from the pot and serve with your favorite sides for ribs like mashed potatoes or coleslaw.
Gathering Your Ingredients And Tools
Before you start cooking your frozen beef short ribs, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients and tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
– Frozen beef short ribs
– Salt
– Pepper
– BBQ sauce (optional)
– Chicken broth or stock (for pressure cooking method)
– Worcestershire sauce (for pressure cooking method)
– Garlic powder (for pressure cooking method)
– Onion powder (for pressure cooking method)
Tools:
– Baking dish or roasting pan with lid (for slow cooking method)
– Aluminum foil
– Pressure cooker (for pressure cooking method)
– Tongs
– Serving platter
Make sure to have all your ingredients and tools ready before starting to cook. This will ensure a smooth and stress-free cooking experience. With these simple steps, you’ll be able to cook delicious and tender beef short ribs in no time!
Preparing The Frozen Beef Short Ribs
If you’re using frozen beef short ribs, you’ll need to take some extra steps to prepare them for cooking. It’s important to note that cooking frozen meat takes longer than cooking thawed meat, so you’ll need to adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Step 1: Thaw the Ribs
The first step in preparing frozen beef short ribs is to thaw them. The best way to do this is to transfer them from the freezer to the fridge and let them thaw overnight. This will ensure that they defrost evenly and are ready for cooking.
Step 2: Season the Ribs
Once your beef short ribs are fully thawed, it’s time to season them. You can use any seasoning blend you like, but salt and pepper are always a good place to start. Rub the seasoning all over the ribs, making sure to coat them evenly.
Step 3: Sear the Ribs
To get a good sear on your beef short ribs, heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the ribs and cook for a few minutes on each side until they are browned. This will help seal in the flavor and juices of the meat.
Step 4: Deglaze the Skillet
After searing the ribs, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. Add some beef or chicken broth to the skillet and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will help create a flavorful sauce for your ribs.
Step 5: Add Flavorings
Now it’s time to add some flavorings to your skillet. You can use garlic, onions, herbs, or any other seasonings you like. Saute these ingredients in the skillet until they are softened and fragrant.
Step 6: Cook the Ribs
Transfer your seared beef short ribs to a baking dish or oven-safe pot and pour the sauce over them. Cover the dish with foil or a lid and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 2 hours (depending on how thick your ribs are). Check on them occasionally to make sure they don’t dry out.
Step 7: Serve
When your beef short ribs are done cooking, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. You can serve them with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. Enjoy!
Slow-Cooking Method: How To Cook Frozen Beef Short Ribs In Oven
For those who prefer a hands-off approach to cooking beef short ribs, the slow-cooking method is perfect. This method requires a longer cooking time, but the result is incredibly tender and full of flavor.
Step 1: Season the Ribs
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Season your short ribs generously with salt and pepper and place them in a baking dish.
Step 2: Add Sauce
In a small bowl, combine your favorite BBQ sauce and Liquid Smoke (if using). Brush the sauce over each seasoned rib and sprinkle optional brown sugar over the top if desired. This will help the ribs to caramelize.
Step 3: Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the center of the middle rack in the oven. Bake for 3 hours. At the 3-hour mark, remove the foil and let the ribs continue to brown for an additional 30 minutes.
Step 4: Serve
Once done, cut off any excess fat that remains around the short ribs. Transfer them to a serving platter, discard any cooking liquid, and slather your favorite BBQ sauce over them before serving. Optionally, broil the ribs on high for 3-5 minutes at the end for extra caramelization.
Pressure Cooker Method: How To Cook Frozen Beef Short Ribs In Oven
If you prefer to cook your frozen beef short ribs in the oven, there is a method for that as well. Here’s how to cook your frozen beef short ribs in the oven using a pressure cooker:
Step 1: Prepare the Ribs
First, remove the frozen beef short ribs from the freezer and let them thaw for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, season the ribs with your favorite spices and seasoning.
Step 2: Brown the Ribs
Preheat your pressure cooker to the sauté setting and add some oil. Brown the short ribs on all sides until they are evenly browned. This step is optional but will add more flavor to your dish.
Step 3: Add Liquid and Seasonings
Pour chicken broth or stock into the pressure cooker, along with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until combined.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Secure the lid on your pressure cooker and set it to high pressure for 45 minutes. Make sure that the valve is set to “sealing” before cooking.
Step 5: Release Pressure
Once done cooking, allow for a natural release of pressure for 15 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
Step 6: Broil in Oven
Preheat your oven’s broiler. Transfer the short ribs to a baking sheet and brush them with your favorite BBQ sauce. Broil them in the oven for about 5 minutes or until glazed.
Step 7: Serve
Remove the short ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve them with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or coleslaw.
Serving Suggestions And Tips For Perfectly Cooked Beef Short Ribs
Now that you know how to cook frozen beef short ribs in the oven, it’s time to talk about serving suggestions and tips for perfectly cooked beef short ribs.
First and foremost, make sure to let the ribs rest for at least 20 minutes after cooking before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful end product.
While the ribs are resting, you can skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid. This will help reduce the overall fat content of the dish and make for a cleaner presentation.
When it comes to serving, consider pairing your beef short ribs with mashed potatoes or creamy polenta. These sides complement the rich and savory flavor of the ribs perfectly. You can also roast vegetables in the oven while the ribs cook for a healthy and colorful addition to your meal.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and sauces to customize your beef short ribs to your liking. Whether you prefer a classic BBQ sauce or something more exotic like a Korean-inspired marinade, there are endless possibilities when it comes to flavoring your beef short ribs.
With these serving suggestions and tips in mind, you’re well on your way to creating perfectly cooked beef short ribs that are sure to impress any dinner guest.