Braised beef short ribs are a delicious and succulent dish that can be enjoyed for days after they are first cooked. However, reheating them can be a challenge.
You don’t want to overcook them and lose their tender texture, but you also don’t want them to be cold in the middle. Fear not, because we have compiled some tips and tricks to help you reheat your beef short ribs perfectly every time.
Whether you prefer to use the oven or stovetop, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and learn how to reheat beef short ribs like a pro!
How To Reheat Beef Short Ribs?
There are several methods you can use to reheat your beef short ribs, depending on your preference and available equipment. Here are some of the most effective ways:
The Best Way To Store Beef Short Ribs For Reheating
Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality of your beef short ribs for reheating. Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and will keep for up to 4 days. If you plan on reheating them after the fourth day, it’s best to freeze them. To freeze, allow pulled meat to cool completely. Store in a freezer-safe container with sauce for up to 3 months. When it’s time to defrost, let the pulled meat sit in the refrigerator for 1-2 days OR place in a large pot and cook slowly over medium heat until defrosted.
It’s important to note that when reheating beef short ribs, you should avoid using the microwave as it can dry out the meat and affect its texture. Instead, consider using an oven or stovetop method for reheating. Wrapping the ribs loosely in foil before reheating them can help retain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
If you have time, slow heating in a low oven is recommended by many experts. Simply place the ribs in a pan covered with aluminum foil and bake at 250°F. When the meat reaches an internal temperature of 130°F to 140°F, remove the ribs from the oven.
If you’re short on time, you can use a broiling pan to reheat your beef short ribs quickly. Place thawed ribs on a broiling pan bone side up and adjust your top rack so that the ribs will be between 4 and 5 inches below the broiling element. Insert the pan and leave them under the broiler for about 3 minutes or until the sauce starts bubbling. Remove the pan and flip the ribs over, then continue heating for about another 3 minutes. Take the pan out and loosely cover the ribs with foil. Let them rest for about 4 minutes before serving.
Reheating Beef Short Ribs In The Oven
Reheating beef short ribs in the oven is a popular method because it helps to retain their moisture and flavor. To start, preheat your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating up, wrap the ribs in aluminum foil. This will help to keep in the moisture and prevent them from burning. You can also add more of your favorite BBQ sauce at this point, which will help to keep the ribs extra juicy and moist.
Once the oven is heated, place the wrapped ribs in a baking dish and cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the recommended temperature for safe consumption according to the USDA. It can take between 20-30 minutes to reheat the ribs, so be sure to check on them periodically to ensure they don’t overcook.
If you want to caramelize the sauce on the ribs, simply unwrap them and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. This will help to give them a nice, crispy texture on the outside while still retaining their tender and juicy interior.
It’s important to note that you should avoid reheating your beef short ribs at a high temperature, as this can cause them to dry out and become tough. A low and slow approach is best, as it allows the ribs to heat up evenly without losing their flavor or texture.
Reheating Beef Short Ribs On The Stovetop
Reheating your beef short ribs on the stovetop is a quick and easy method that doesn’t require any special equipment. Start by placing your leftover short rib sauce in a skillet and heating it over medium heat. Once the sauce is warm, add your ribs to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over them. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the ribs cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some broth to thin it out.
It’s important to keep an eye on the temperature of your ribs as you reheat them. You don’t want to overcook them and end up with dry, tough meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that your ribs reach an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
If you find that your ribs are still cold in the middle after reheating them on the stovetop, you can finish cooking them in the oven. Simply transfer them to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until they are heated through.
Tips For Maintaining The Texture And Flavor Of Reheated Beef Short Ribs
When reheating beef short ribs, it’s important to maintain their tenderness and flavor. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:
1. Add moisture: One of the main reasons why reheated meat can become dry and tough is because it loses moisture during the cooking process. To prevent this, add some liquid to the foil or broiling pan when reheating your beef short ribs. You can use water, broth, cola, beer, apple juice, or apple cider depending on the type of ribs you have. The liquid will help to kick some moisture back into the meat and prevent it from drying out.
2. Use a vacuum sealer: If you have a vacuum sealer, use it to store your leftover beef short ribs. This will help to retain as much of the natural juices of the steaks as possible, which will help to maintain both the texture and flavor of the beef. However, if you don’t have a vacuum sealer, you can wrap the steak leftovers in freezer paper and place them in a heavy-duty freezer bag.
3. Reheat in a smoker grill: If you have access to a smoker grill, it’s a great method for reheating your beef short ribs. It will give them that deliciously smoky flavor that many chefs feel is ultimately superior to using the oven. Preheat your barbecue grill to high and allow it to reach full power as your ribs reach room temperature on the kitchen counter. Remember to keep your ribs moist before throwing them on the grill! You can use the original BBQ sauce, rub, or vinegar “mop.”
4. Sear before braising: To lock in flavor and maintain tenderness when reheating your beef short ribs, make sure you sear the meat in a really hot pan on all sides before braising them. This will help to lock in flavor and prevent the meat from becoming dry and tough.
By following these tips, you can maintain the tenderness and flavor of your reheated beef short ribs and enjoy them just as much as you did when they were freshly cooked.
Creative Ways To Use Leftover Beef Short Ribs
If you find yourself with leftover braised short ribs, don’t let them go to waste. There are plenty of creative ways to repurpose them into new and exciting dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Shepherd’s pie: Take the leftover meat and any cooking liquid and transfer it to a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes or another vegetable puree, brush with butter, and bake until the topping is lightly browned and the filling is bubbling.
2. Tacos: Shred the short rib meat and wrap it in warmed tortillas. Top with diced white onions, sliced radishes, and salsa for a delicious taco filling.
3. Polenta brunch: Serve the leftover short ribs over soft polenta and top with an egg for a hearty brunch dish.
4. Pasta or lasagna: Toss the shredded short ribs and cooking liquid with hot pasta or use them in place of meat sauce in lasagna. You can even add tomato puree if desired to create a rich ragù.
5. Sandwich: Upgrade a classic sloppy joe by piling the short ribs on a roll and topping it with horseradish mayo.
6. Pot stickers: Cook the short ribs with ginger, garlic, and scallions, then use the filling to make delicious pot stickers. Brush gyoza dumpling wrappers with water, arrange a spoonful of filling in the center of each wrapper, then press and pleat to seal. Cook until crispy and serve hot.
7. Ravioli: Use leftover short rib meat as a filling for homemade ravioli. Arrange wonton wrappers on a work surface, scoop about 1 tablespoon of the shredded short ribs in the center of each, brush the edge of the wrappers with water, top with another wrapper, press out any air, then press the edges to seal. Boil until the ravioli float to the top and serve with tomato sauce.
8. Bibimbap: Scoop cooked rice in bowls, then top with a small pile of short ribs. Arrange raw or cooked vegetables in their own piles (try any combination of julienned carrots, sliced cucumbers, mung bean sprouts, steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, and steamed greens). Top with a fried egg, sliced scallions, and gochujang (a fiery Korean paste), then serve with kimchi alongside.
By using these creative ways to repurpose your leftover beef short ribs, you can enjoy new and exciting dishes without letting any food go to waste.
