Your Favorite Way to Use Leftover Smoked Pork Ribs

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Jim_C

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Feb 26, 2024
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Yesterday I smoked up a big batch of ribs. There are no pictures, so it didn't happen. :emoji_laughing::emoji_laughing:

Having said that, leftover smoked pork ribs are never as good as they are fresh out of the smoker. They are generally dry and lifeless. I need to use the leftovers over the course of the next few days and thought I'd see what new and innovative ways folks use leftover smoked pork ribs.

I could do tacos or tostadas, but I'm interested in something warm on a cold night. I'm thinking some kind of a casserole, or soup, or perhaps even a pasta. I'd consider a batch of beans, but we have a freezer packed full of containers of beans, so that one is likely off the table for this time around. My fallback may be enchilada's.

Thoughts? Ideas?
 
I strip the meat off the bone, make up a some Minor's instant Demi glace or your favorite gravy. Make up some heavily cheesed polenta/ or grit's depending on where you are from.
Saute up some root veggies, chop a bunch of green onion, serve everything over a bowl of polenta. I sometimes use roasted garlic mashed red potatoes for the base, depending on what I feel like making.

I'm actually making this tomorrow or tue's night with leftover beef plate rib meat that I braised in red wine last week. I have it thawing out now.
 
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If they're FOTB then I would make a McRib type sandwich. If not then I would do something similar to kilo charlie kilo charlie and go with a hash brown casserole.

Chris

A McRib sammich sounds like a brilliant idea too!

I've also removed the meat from the bones and slightly chopped it and added it to some smoked juicy lucy burgers ... was a fantastic way to use up the meat, and add another layer of flavor to the burger.
 
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Make a hashbrown casserole with the meat and season the hashbrowns with the same rub that's on the ribs.
If they're FOTB then I would make a McRib type sandwich. If not then I would do something similar to kilo charlie and go with a hash brown casserole.

Chris

I'm kicking myself..................I just went to the store. A couple of items not on the list that I meant to buy were tater tots and hash browns and forgot.............I hate getting old...........
 
I'm kicking myself..................I just went to the store. A couple of items not on the list that I meant to buy were tater tots and hash browns and forgot.............I hate getting old...........
There's still time! I always text myself a list on my phone because it's usually with me
 
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With an air fryer and some sauce I’ve never been disappointed with leftover ribs. My second would be beans. The hash sounds really good though.
 
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Just a few yrs ago, I used to pride myself on not needing lists for anything.
It used to drive my Brother in-law and wife insane, as they were brought up by their German machinist father, they made lists for everything. I was always able to remember what I needed for camping, hunting, fishing, and shopping trips. Now, if I don't put the list in my phone, I'll forget the damn list at home, all I have to do is remember my damn keys, wallet and phone.

It truly does suck getting old, but it beats the alterative, or so I hear. :emoji_confounded: :emoji_laughing:
 
I reheat by wrapping in foil and adding 1/2 of beer or water that baking for 30-40 minutes. Juicy and tender. Steaming them keep them from being dry.

OR

Pull the meat and make a sami, add to mac and cheese, chili etc.
 
I'm kicking myself..................I just went to the store. A couple of items not on the list that I meant to buy were tater tots and hash browns and forgot.............I hate getting old...........
I hear ya! We use anylist. Been uploading recipes so its easier to add ingredients to the shopping list. But if its not on the list and I think Im gonna remember...I dont.
 
I reheat by wrapping in foil and adding 1/2 of beer or water that baking for 30-40 minutes. Juicy and tender. Steaming them keep them from being dry.

OR

Pull the meat and make a sami, add to mac and cheese, chili etc.

I've used it in mac and cheese before. Maybe a small batch for a side dish.
 
Leftover ribs are just fine as just ribs, it's all in how you reheat them. We vacuum seal whatever's left, freeze them, and reheat via sous vide at about 140°. They always come out great and are like they're fresh off the smoker.
 
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