BBQ Ribs Reboot! The Best Leftover Ribs Recipe
Transform leftover ribs into a delicious new meal! This easy recipe rehydrates and flavors leftover BBQ ribs, making them tender, saucy, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Enjoy a flavorful second act for your ribs with minimal effort.
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet or Dutch Oven For sautéing and simmering
- 1 Cutting Board For prepping vegetables and ribs
- 1 Knife For chopping vegetables and ribs
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Leftover Cooked Ribs beef or pork, bone-in or boneless
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 medium Yellow Onion chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 cup BBQ Sauce your favorite
- 1/2 cup Beef Broth or chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon Chili Powder optional, for extra heat
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper freshly ground
- optional Fresh Parsley chopped, for garnish
- optional Green Onions chopped, for garnish
- optional Sesame Seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by removing the meat from your leftover ribs. If you have bone-in ribs, carefully separate the meat from the bones. Shred or roughly chop the rib meat into bite-sized pieces. Don't discard any flavorful bits or crispy edges – they'll add delicious texture!
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Tip: Don't let the garlic burn – burnt garlic tastes bitter. Reduce heat if needed.
- Add the shredded or chopped leftover rib meat to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Pour in your favorite BBQ sauce, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder (if using). Stir well to ensure the rib meat is evenly coated in the sauce. FAQ: Can I use different types of broth? Absolutely! Chicken or vegetable broth works just as well as beef broth. Use what you have on hand!
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the rib meat is heated through and wonderfully tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Important Technique: Simmering low and slow allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and ensures the rib meat becomes incredibly juicy and flavorful again.
- Once simmered, taste the leftover ribs recipe and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a pinch of salt, pepper, or a bit more BBQ sauce to reach your perfect flavor profile. Pro Tip: Always taste and season at the end! This is crucial for achieving balanced flavors.
- Serve your delicious reimagined leftover ribs hot! Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds, if desired, for a pop of freshness and visual appeal.
Notes
You can easily customize this leftover ribs recipe to your liking! Add your favorite vegetables, adjust the spice level, or experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors for a new twist every time.