Freezing meat is something Ree Drummond loves to do (she lives way out on the ranch, after all!). Plus, you won’t have to make as many trips to the store if you buy chicken, steak, or ground beef in bulk and freeze it. But it happens to everyone: you thawed some steak to use in a tasty steak dinner recipe, but you forgot to cook it. Now you’re wondering if you can refreeze the meat. Is it okay to just put it back in the freezer for another time?
Just like freezing cheese, the answer is a little complicated and depends on a few factors. Keep reading to find out if you can refreeze meat and the best ways to do it. Just one more thing: make sure your freezer is at 0˚ or below before putting anything in it.
Beef ribs are a delicious, flavorful cut of meat perfect for grilling and barbecuing Their rich, meaty texture takes beautifully to low and slow cooking methods Like many meats, beef ribs are often purchased frozen for convenience and value. But what if you defrosted those ribs only to change your cooking plans? Can you safely refreeze beef ribs after thawing them?
Yes, you can freeze beef ribs that have been thawed again as long as you follow food safety rules. Refreezing meat does not pose any health risks if done properly. Find out how to best refreeze beef ribs and other thawed meats by reading on.
Is It Safe to Refreeze Thawed Meat?
According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, it is safe to refreeze raw meat and poultry as long as it was thawed correctly.
As the meat thaws, some of the ice crystals melt and drip, allowing bacteria to start growing on the surface. Proper thawing slows this process, while improper thawing accelerates bacteria growth.
To safely refreeze meat
- It must be raw, not cooked. Cooked, refrigerated meat should not be refrozen.
- It should be thawed in the refrigerator, not left out at room temperature.
- It should be refrozen before the “expiration” date, and within 1-2 days of thawing.
As long as these guidelines are followed, the meat can be refrozen and reused without any health risks. The texture may suffer slightly, but it will still be safe to eat.
Can You Refreeze Beef Ribs Multiple Times?
You can safely refreeze beef ribs multiple times, as long as proper thawing and refreezing procedures are followed each time.
With each freeze-thaw cycle, the texture of the meat will degrade somewhat. The ice crystals that form during freezing cause the muscle fibers to expand and rupture. This makes the meat more porous and prone to moisture loss.
But if the ribs were kept at 0°F or below and slowly thawed in the fridge, refreezing them won’t make the meat unsafe or pose any more health risks.
For the best quality, only thaw food that you plan to cook soon to cut down on freeze-thaw cycles. But you can safely refreeze those ribs as needed.
How to Safely Refreeze Thawed Beef Ribs
Follow these steps for safely refreezing thawed beef ribs:
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Make sure the ribs were thawed correctly in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. Do not refreeze meat left out for over 2 hours.
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Inspect the ribs. Look for signs of spoilage like sliminess, stickiness, or an off smell. Discard any spoiled portions. Rinse remaining ribs.
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Refrigerate the ribs while preparing to refreeze. Keep cold at 40°F or below.
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Freeze within 1-2 days of thawing, ideally sooner rather than later. Use ribs within 3-4 months for best quality.
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Portion into usable amounts if freezing a large package. Smaller portions will freeze faster. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, freezer paper, or airtight bags. Remove excess air.
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Label packages with contents and freeze date. Place in coldest part of freezer, at 0°F or below. For quick freezing, first freeze on a tray before bagging.
By promptly returning thawed ribs to the freezer, you can safely save them for use within a few months.
Tips for Refreezing Beef Ribs
Here are some additional tips for successfully refreezing beef ribs:
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Inspect packaging for punctures or tears before refreezing. Re-wrap if needed to prevent freezer burn.
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Place parchment paper between ribs for easier separation after freezing.
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Consider marinating ribs before freezing to add flavor and moisture. Thaw and cook marinated ribs directly from frozen state.
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For faster thawing next time, portion ribs into meal-sized servings before refreezing. Thaw only what you need.
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Avoid temperature fluctuations. Don’t open the freezer frequently or place too much warm food inside at once.
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If concerned about quality, refreeze thawed ribs for stews, braises and slow cook recipes, rather than grilling.
What to Avoid When Refreezing Meat
To ensure safety, do not refreeze meat that:
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Has been sitting at room temperature for over 2 hours after thawing
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Has been previously frozen after cooking
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Shows signs of spoilage like off odors, stickiness or slime
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Has passed the recommended storage times
Always inspect meat and follow food safety practices to avoid foodborne illness when refreezing thawed meat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you refreeze raw beef ribs after cooking them?
Previously frozen raw ribs that are cooked should be eaten or refrigerated within 3-4 days. Refreezing cooked meat is not recommended, as it alters the texture and impacts food safety.
How long do thawed beef ribs last in the fridge?
Thawed raw beef ribs will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator from the initial thaw date. Cook or refreeze within this window for safety and quality.
Is it better to thaw beef ribs in the fridge or microwave?
Always thaw beef in the refrigerator, never at room temperature. Microwaves can begin to cook meat and should only be used to thaw if cooking immediately after.
Can you get sick from eating refrozen beef ribs?
When USDA guidelines are followed, refreezing beef ribs poses no additional health risks beyond those of raw meat. As with any raw meat, always cook ribs thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 145°F.
What happens if you refreeze meat after it has thawed?
Refreezing thawed raw meat is safe, but will degrade the texture slightly. The meat loses moisture with each freeze-thaw cycle. Cook refrozen meat in stews, braises or marinated dishes rather than steaks.
While freezing and thawing is hard on meat quality, refreezing thawed beef ribs and other meats does not make them unsafe to eat. Following proper handling and storage, thawed ribs can be successfully refrozen for later use.
Can you refreeze meat after thawing?
According to the USDA, meat should be thawed in the refrigerator and never at room temperature. If you didnt thaw your meat in the fridge, you should toss it and not refreeze it. If you did thaw it in the fridge, then you can refreeze the meat as long as it hasnt been sitting in the fridge for too long after it thawed (the longer the thawed meat sits, the longer bacteria has to form on it). If the meat has thawed and has been sitting in your fridge longer than 36 hours, we dont recommend refreezing it.
Why is it bad to freeze meat twice?
If the meat is raw, then follow the guidelines above. People who have already cooked meat should not thaw and then freeze it again because they will lose a lot of the texture and flavor. Also, don’t freeze or re-freeze meats that have been at room temperature for more than two hours or at 90˚ or higher for more than one hour.