How long are cooked pork ribs good for in the fridge?
In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “How long are cooked pork ribs good for in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of cooked pork ribs. Moreover, we are going to discuss the different ways to spot bad pork ribs.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long are cooked pork ribs good for in the fridge?
Cooked pork ribs last for about 3-4 days if stored at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the fridge according to the standards set by the USDA. It should be stored in air-tight containers or plastic zipper bags on one of the shelves of the refrigerator.
Moreover, as pork is a highly perishable commodity therefore care should be taken while handling, storing, and cooking it.
It is worth mentioning that the figures mentioned above are the estimated shelf life of pork ribs.
What is the optimum temperature to store pork ribs?
You should always store your pork ribs at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Bacterial growth takes place at a faster pace between the temperature of 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore it is always advised to store your pork ribs at a lower temperature to preserve their freshness for a long time.
How long does pork ribs keep at room temperature?
Cooked pork ribs last for about 2 hours when kept at room temperature.
You should discard the cooked pork ribs that have been left in open for more than 2 hours as bacterial growth takes place at a faster pace between the temperature of 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore there are greater chances of the cooked pork ribs being already contaminated with bacteria when left out for more than 2 hours.
How long are cooked pork ribs good for in the freezer?
Cooked pork ribs, if kept wrapped in aluminum foil in an air-tight container or air-tight plastic freezer bag, can last for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
Thus keeping the cooked pork ribs in the freezer will increase its shelf life considerably owing to the cool temperature of the freezer that halts the bacterial growth on the pork ribs.
How long does cooked pork ribs last after being frozen and thawed?
Frozen cooked pork ribs if thawed in the refrigerator can stay there for 3-4 days before reheating and consuming them
But if you thaw your cooked pork ribs in a bowl of cold water or the microwave, it is advised to use them immediately after heating them till their internal temperature rises to 165 °F.
You can read how to make oven-baked ribs here.
Other FAQs about Pork which you may be interested in.
Can you cook pork and beef together?
Can you cook pork and chicken together?
Can you eat pork 2 days after use by date?
Different ways to spot bad pork ribs
There are a couple of indicators that point out bad pork ribs. You should consider the appearance, texture, and smell of the pork ribs to reach a final verdict on whether or not they have gone bad.
Appearance
If you spot a mold or other organic growth on your cooked or uncooked pork ribs then it means that your pork ribs have gone bad and the best thing you can do in this scenario is to get rid of them.
It is worth mentioning that you should refrain from smelling pork that has molds on it as molds can produce mycotoxins that if they enter your body even via inhalation can disrupt your gut microflora thereby weakening your immune system.
Color
If you notice that the color of the pork ribs has changed from pink to greenish-grey or brown then it is an indication that your pork ribs have gone bad and it is better to discard them.
Several factors can be responsible for a change in the color of the pork ribs and that includes light, oxidation reactions, temperature, and bacterial contamination.
Texture
If you feel something slimy or gooey while touching the pork ribs then it means that your pork ribs have gone bad and it is better to discard them.
But keep one thing in mind that rinsing the pork won’t help you in this scenario as you won’t be able to get rid of the bacteria. Rinsing the bacteria-laden pork will put you at risk of cross-contamination as the bacteria will spread in the utensils and other food items that will come in contact with the water from the pork that has gone bad.
It is worth mentioning that you should wash your hands thoroughly after touching the bacteria-laden pork ribs or else the bacteria will transfer from your hands to any other thing that comes in contact with your hands.
Smell
If you smell something sour or ammonia-like while taking a sniff test of your pork ribs then it means that your pork ribs have gone bad.
If microbes somehow found their way to your pork and have spoiled it then the best thing you should do is to discard it.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “How long are cooked pork ribs good for in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of cooked pork ribs. Moreover, we discussed the different ways to spot bad pork ribs.
