Can You Cook Frozen Short Ribs? Here’s The Answer!

Short ribs, a delectable cut of beef, are renowned for their rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. While the traditional approach involves thawing short ribs before cooking, many home cooks wonder if it’s possible to skip this step and cook them from frozen. This blog post will delve into the culinary mystery of “can short ribs be cooked from frozen,” providing detailed instructions and expert advice to guide you through the process.

Thawing vs. Cooking from Frozen

Thawing:

• Thawing short ribs in the refrigerator takes 24-36 hours per pound.
• Submerging them in cold water in a sealed bag reduces the thawing time to 1-2 hours per pound.
• Thawing in the microwave is not recommended as it can cook the ribs unevenly.

Cooking from Frozen:

• Yes, it is possible to cook short ribs from frozen.
• Cooking time will be significantly longer than for thawed ribs.
• The internal temperature must reach 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or 160°F (71°C) for medium.

Instructions for Cooking Short Ribs from Frozen

Braising

Ingredients:

• Frozen short ribs
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Aromatics (e.g., onions, carrots, celery)
• Liquid (e.g., beef broth, red wine)

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
3. Brown the ribs in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
4. Add the aromatics and cook until softened.
5. Pour in the liquid and bring to a simmer.
6. Cover and braise in the oven for 4-5 hours, or until tender.

Instant Pot

Ingredients:

• Frozen short ribs
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Liquid (e.g., beef broth, water)

Steps:

1. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
2. Brown the ribs in the Instant Pot using the “Sauté” function.
3. Add the liquid and close the lid.
4. Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes per pound.
5. Let the pressure release naturally.

Slow Cooker

Ingredients:

• Frozen short ribs
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Liquid (e.g., beef broth, tomato sauce)

Steps:

1. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
2. Brown the ribs in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Transfer the ribs to the slow cooker.
4. Pour in the liquid and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours.

Tips for Cooking Short Ribs from Frozen

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is reached.
• Add extra liquid as needed to prevent the ribs from drying out.
• Season the ribs generously to enhance their flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot or pan, as this will slow down the cooking process.

Benefits of Cooking Short Ribs from Frozen

• Saves time by eliminating the thawing process.
• Ensures even cooking throughout the ribs.
• Prevents the ribs from becoming dry or tough.

Drawbacks of Cooking Short Ribs from Frozen

• Cooking time is significantly longer.
• Requires more attention to ensure the ribs are cooked through.

Summary: Embracing the Frozen Frontier

Cooking short ribs from frozen is a practical and time-saving technique that yields tender and flavorful results. By following the instructions and tips outlined in this blog post, you can confidently conquer this culinary challenge and enjoy mouthwatering short ribs without sacrificing quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it safe to cook short ribs from frozen?
A: Yes, it is safe to cook short ribs from frozen as long as they are cooked to the proper internal temperature.

Q: How do I know when short ribs are cooked through?
A: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, it should reach 145°F (63°C), and for medium, 160°F (71°C).

Q: Can I cook short ribs from frozen in a pressure cooker?
A: Yes, you can cook short ribs from frozen in an Instant Pot or other pressure cooker. Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes per pound.