5 Best Frozen Ribs, According to Chefs
Great ribs are an irresistible combination of juicy, tender meat, rich flavor from fat and seasoning, and the satisfying, messy experience of eating them. While it’s common to wait in line at a favorite BBQ joint as a pitmaster slowly smokes ribs for hours, chefs say not every great rack requires a long cooking process. Some frozen ribs come remarkably close in both flavor and tenderness. Here are five brands worth trying, according to Corrie Duffy, chef and food blogger at Corrie Cooks.
Kingsford Fully Cooked Baby Back Ribs
Kansas City doesn’t joke around when it comes to ribs. The area is known for its long-standing meatpacking history, smoking technique and flavor that make ribs a defining part of the city’s barbecue identity. According to Chef Corries, Kingsford Fully Cooked Baby Back Ribs lives up to the standard. “These ribs are slow-cooked in the Kansas City way–meaning bold seasoning, slow smoking, and a glossy, sweet barbecue sauce,” he says. “The best part is that they stay so juicy and tender when you heat them up, giving you that classic smokehouse taste every time.”
Butcher’s Select Pork Baby Back Ribs with BBQ Sauce
Butcher’s Select Pork Baby Back Ribs with BBQ Sauce are meaty and a nice choice if you want something effortlessly. “These ribs are fully cooked and covered in a delicious BBQ sauce,” says Chef Corrie. “The meat is very tender, comes off the bone easily, and soaks up all that tasty sauce.” He adds, “They give you the full smokehouse experience without making you wait a long time.”
Jack Daniel’s Baby Back Pork Ribs with Sauce
The Jack Daniel’s Baby Back Pork Ribs with Sauce are pure bliss. They’re bold, with a sweet-savory sauce that offers smoky, whiskey-inspired notes, appealing to fans of classic American BBQ flavors. “You have to try these ribs if you like strong flavors,” says Chef Corrie. “They have a rich, slightly sweet, and very smoky flavor thanks to the Jack Daniel’s sauce.” He explains, “The meat is soft and juicy, and it tastes like it has been smoked for hours.” Chef Corrie adds, “People love how the BBQ sauce and natural smoke notes work together to make a flavor profile that is both rich and complex. A big plus is that they are ready to heat and serve with minimal effort.”
LLOYD’S Seasoned & Smoked Baby Back Pork Ribs in BBQ Sauce
LLOYD’S Seasoned & Smoked Baby Back Pork Ribs in BBQ Sauce are tender, juicy and have the right balance of sweet and tangy. And they’re easy to heat up. “The deep, real smokehouse flavor is what makes Lloyd’s ribs so good,” says Chef Corrie. “I often suggest them for a quick but very impressive BBQ meal at home. You can heat them up in the oven or finish them off quickly on the grill to bring out even more of their flavor.”
Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey Boneless Pork Ribs
If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful meal, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey Boneless Pork Ribs put a unique spin on a classic favorite. The sweet-and-smoky sauce adds instant appeal, delivering bold flavor with minimal effort. “They’re sweet and smoky, and the Tennessee Honey sauce makes them incredibly tender,” says Chef Corrie. “They’re fully cooked and deliver real smokehouse flavor without any of the work.”