You can’t go wrong with pulled pork, whether you like it with a vinegar-based sauce from eastern North Carolina or a sweeter tomato-based sauce like a Kansas City-style sauce. But pork butts (or shoulders, if you prefer) are a big piece of meat that often ends up with a lot of extra food. So you might find yourself asking “how long is pulled pork good for?”.
What is the longest time that pulled pork can be kept in the fridge? The US Department of Agriculture said that all types of cooked pork should be eaten within four days of being cooked. That includes that low-and-slow smoked pulled pork. The USDA says that you should keep a pork butt or shoulder in the fridge for up to five days if you wish to smoke it at home.
Here at Angry BBQ, we’ve spent our fair share of time around pulled pork. Whether that’s smoking it ourselves or enjoying it, we know a thing or two about it. We want everyone who wants to enjoy it to be able to, whether it’s hot off the smoker or later on. We want to share what we’ve learned about safely handling pulled pork so we can all stay safe.
How can you make pulled pork last longer? What’s the difference between a pork butt and a pork shoulder? Get your sauces ready, because we’re about to find out how long pulled pork can stay in the fridge.
Smoked pulled pork is a delicious BBQ staple The tender, smokey meat makes amazing sandwiches, tacos, pizza toppings, and more But like any leftover, food safety is important. How long does pulled pork last in the fridge?
Properly stored smoked pulled pork can safely keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. However many factors impact shelf life. Read on to learn how to maximize the storage time and freshness of your leftover pulled pork.
How Many Days Does Pulled Pork Last Refrigerated?
In general, kept at 40°F or below, pulled pork lasts:
- 3-4 days in the refrigerator
The exact shelf life depends on several variables:
- Storage container – airtight is better
- Exposure to air – minimize contact
- Moisture content – drier lasts longer
- Handling practices – avoid cross-contamination
With ideal conditions, smoked pulled pork can potentially even last 5 days before spoiling But remember, food safety experts recommend using leftovers within 3-4 days. Freezing is best for longer storage.
Below we’ll break down the factors that determine fridge life in more detail.
Proper Storage for Maximizing Fridge Life
To get the longest shelf life, follow these storage practices:
- Cool quickly – refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
- Use shallow containers – fills the depth of the container to minimize air exposure
- Seal tightly – use airtight containers or heavy-duty plastic wrap
- Remove extra moisture – drain juices before refrigerating
- Don’t overfill fridge – allows proper air circulation for temperature control
An airtight glass or plastic container is ideal. First letting the pork cool for 30 minutes reduces excess moisture that could compromise fridge life.
Signs Pulled Pork Has Spoiled
Watch for these signs your leftover pulled pork has gone bad:
- Sliminess – develops an off-putting wet, sticky texture
- Mold growth – fuzzy spots or dry patches appear
- Funny smell – gives off a sour, unpleasant odor
- Change in color – turns grey, green, or yellowish
When in doubt, remember the old adage – when in doubt, throw it out. Don’t risk getting sick from spoiled pork.
Storing Pulled Pork for Long Periods
For storage beyond 3-4 days, freezing is the best method. To freeze pulled pork:
- Portion into freezer bags or airtight containers
- Remove as much air as possible
- Label with date and contents
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months at 0°F
Thaw overnight in the fridge before using. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave just until heated through.
Freezing prevents the growth of bacteria and extends the shelf life for several months.
Other Refrigerated Pork Storage Times
Beyond pulled pork, how long do other pork products last?
- Fresh pork chops – 3-5 days
- Cooked sausage – 5-7 days
- Bacon – 7 days
- Ham – 5-7 days
- Hot dogs – 2 weeks
The more processed and cured meats last the longest. But fresh pork cuts still keep 3-5 days if properly chilled at 40°F or lower.
Safely Reheating Pulled Pork
Only reheat the amount needed and use within 3 days. Safe reheating methods include:
- Stovetop – pan fry, stir into chili or soup, etc. Heat to 165°F.
- Microwave – heat in 30 second intervals until 165°F
- Oven – bake in a 275°F oven wrapped in foil until hot
Bring pulled pork fully to temperature to kill any bacteria before serving.
Enjoying Leftover Pulled Pork
Beyond sandwiches, pulled pork makes tasty:
- Quesadillas or tacos
- Baked potatoes or nachos
- Breakfast hash or omelette
- Pizza, wraps, or casseroles
- Stirred into baked beans, pasta, or rice dishes
Get creative with leftovers! Pulled pork reheats wonderfully in many dishes.
Food Safety Tips
Follow these tips for safe handling and storage:
- Refrigerate within 2 hours
- Maintain fridge temp at 40°F or below
- Freeze for longer storage at 0°F
- Store cooked pork separately from raw
- Discard if moldy, sticky or smelly
- Reheat fully to 165°F before eating
Proper chilling and reheating temperatures help prevent bacterial growth.
Can You Freeze Smoked Pulled Pork?
Yes, freezing is an excellent way to preserve pulled pork for longer storage. Portion smoked pork into freezer bags or containers, removing excess air. Freeze for 2-3 months at 0°F. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Freezing stops bacteria growth in its tracks, extending the shelf life significantly.
How Long Can Cooked Pulled Pork Sit Out?
It’s risky leaving pulled pork or any cooked meat at room temperature. Bacteria multiply rapidly between 40-140°F. Perishable foods should never sit out for more than 2 hours.
For buffets, parties or other occasions where food sits out for longer periods, keep chilled below 40°F or use a warming tray above 140°F. Discard anything left at room temperature over 2 hours.
The Bottom Line
With proper refrigeration, smoked pulled pork keeps 3-4 days before spoiling. For longer storage, freeze portions for 2-3 months. Follow food safety guidelines like rapid chilling, using sealed containers, monitoring fridge temperature, and reheating fully to 165°F.
With some simple planning and care, you can safely enjoy delicious pulled pork for days without waste. Use the storage times in this article and trust your senses to determine when it’s time to toss. Pulled pork is too tasty to take chances with!
How To Properly Store Pulled Pork Long-Term
You don’t have to throw away all that delicious smoked pork just because you won’t be able to eat it all in four days. The best way to save it for longer is to freeze it. You’ll have leftovers that don’t need much time to thaw, and you can enjoy your smoker work for months to come.
The best way to freeze pulled pork is by storing it in vacuum-sealed bags. However, there is another high-quality option: double-bagged freezer bags. To cut down on the risk of freezer burn as much as possible, you need to squeeze out all the air. Meat that has been frozen and burned is still safe to eat, but the texture and even taste of the meat are different. Make the pulled pork into meal-sized pieces or smaller pieces, like individual servings, so it’s easy to take out and let it thaw.
You can also make an airtight package for your pulled pork by wrapping it in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. This will work in both the freezer and the fridge.
How To Tell If Pulled Pork Has Gone Bad
You know you have up to four days to get rid of your pulled pork before the USDA says you have to. However, that doesn’t mean your pulled pork is guaranteed to be good on day four. So how can you tell if your pulled pork has gone bad?.
One of the clearest signs is if the pulled pork has changed shape or looks different when you take it out of the container. Even though barbecue sauce changes the color of pulled pork, you should still be able to tell if it’s changed since you put it in the fridge.
Another obvious way to tell is if the pulled pork smells sour or ammonia-like. There is a good chance that raw pork that smells sour will go bad, and a sauce made with vinegar will also smell sour. You’re looking for obvious changes in the smell from when the pork went into the fridge.
Freeze BBQ – How To Store and Freeze Leftover BBQ Pulled Pork
FAQ
Can I eat pulled pork after 7 days?
How long is smoked pulled pork good for in the fridge?
How do you store leftover smoked pulled pork?
How do you store pulled pork for a week?
How long can you keep smoked pulled pork in the fridge?
That includes that low-and-slow smoked pulled pork. If you’ve bought a pork butt or shoulder and are bringing it home to smoke, the USDA recommends keeping it in the fridge for up to five days. Here at Angry BBQ, we’ve spent our fair share of time around pulled pork.
How long does pulled pork last?
Fortunately, there are ways to make your pulled pork last. Ideally, pulled pork should be refrigerated within 2 hours after being cooked. Chilling the meat beyond this time period won’t really affect the flavor, but it can expose the meat to other elements. Your pulled pork can be safely stored in the fridge for 4 days.
How long does cooked pork last?
Pulled pork can last in the fridge for up to 4 days if stored properly. How Long Does Cooked Pulled Pork Last? Pulled pork is a barbeque delicacy usually that is especially popular in the Southern portion of the United States. It is made by slow-cooking pork shoulder over wood.
How long can you eat leftover pulled pork?
So the USDA recommends that you should consume leftover pulled pork within three to four days after it’s been cooked. That’s with the understanding that you’ve stored it properly. In order to prevent spoiling, even in the fridge, you should be storing your leftover pulled pork in an airtight container, like a storage bag.