How to Drain Fat from Pulled Pork for a Healthier, Leaner Dish

Pulled pork is a classic barbecue dish that people love for its tender, fall-apart texture and smoky, savory flavor. However, cooking pork shoulder or butt results in a good amount of rendered fat that can make the pulled pork overly greasy. While some fat is essential for moisture and flavor, excess fat isn’t doing any favors for your waistline or arteries.

Luckily, there are easy methods for draining off or separating out the melted fat from pulled pork to create a healthier, leaner finished dish. With just a few extra steps, you can cut down on calories while still enjoying all that incredible porky deliciousness.

Why Drain the Fat from Pulled Pork?

Here are some of the biggest benefits of removing excess fat from pulled pork:

• Fewer calories – Fat contains over twice the calories per gram compared to protein or carbs. Draining it out cuts down on overall calories.

• Less greasy – Fatty pulled pork can be unappetizingly slick and oily. Draining the fat leaves you with drier shreddable meat.

• Healthier – Less fat, especially saturated fat, improves the heart health profile of the dish This makes it better for your heart and waistline.

• Better texture – Excess fat can make the pork mushy and soggy. Draining it leaves the meat firmer and easier to pull.

• Concentrated flavor – Rendered fat washes away some of the seasoning and smoky flavors. Draining it leaves you with intensely porky meat.

• Versatility – Leaner pulled pork works better for tacos, sandwiches, salads, and more.

How to Drain Fat from Pulled Pork

There are a few different methods you can use to remove excess fat from pulled pork:

Use a Fat Separator

A fat separator makes it easy to pour off the fat-laden cooking liquid from pulled pork while leaving the fat behind. Allow the liquid to settle for a minute so the fat floats to the top, then gently pour into a bowl.

Cool and Remove Solidified Fat

Put a cover on it and place it into the fridge. Once it gets cold the fat will turn solid at the top and leave the tasty juices at the bottom. Remove and discard the solid fat with a spoon. You are left with a jelly like substance that is very tasty and can be added back into the meat once it is pulled to juice it up.

Blot with Paper Towels

After shredding, place the pulled pork on a plate lined with paper towels. Cover with more paper towels and gently press to absorb excess grease. Replace towels as needed.

Use a Gravy Separator

This handy kitchen tool separates fat from juices. Pour in cooking liquid, let settle, then pour out through spout leaving fat layer behind.

Chill and Skim Off Fat

Refrigerate pulled pork overnight. The fat will rise to the top and solidify. Scrape off the solidified fat layer before reheating and serving.

Tips for Draining Fat from Pulled Pork

Follow these handy tips for getting every last bit of excess fat out of your pulled pork:

• Chill the pork first – Colder fat separates more easily from meat and liquid.

• Work in batches – Don’t overload your fat separating tool or it won’t work as effectively.

• Pour juices slowly – Go very slowly when pouring defatted juices to avoid losing any fat back into your liquid.

• Use multiple methods – Try combining approaches like chilling and blotting for maximum fat removal.

• Save defatted juices – The juices have tons of flavor once the fat is removed. Re-incorporate into pork or use as a sauce base.

• Don’t over-drain – Some fat left in the meat helps with moisture and texture. Find the balance that works for you.

What to Do with Defatted Pulled Pork

Once you’ve removed the excess grease from your pulled pork, the possibilities are endless for how to use it. With less fat, pulled pork is better suited for:

• Sandwiches – Try pulled pork sandwiches layered up with slaw on a bun.

• Tacos – Stuff defatted pork into soft tortillas with diced onion and cilantro.

• Nachos – Top corn chips with lean pulled pork and melted cheese.

• Salads – Toss shreds of hot pulled pork over fresh greens, veggies, beans, and vinaigrette.

• Hash – Saute lean pulled pork with potatoes, peppers, and spices for a hearty hash.

• Omelets – Add pulled pork to omelets with cheese, avocado, and salsa for a protein and flavor punch.

• Soups – Throw shredded pork into bean, veggie, or tomato-based soups for added heartiness.

By properly draining excess fat from pulled pork, you can transform it into a healthier, more versatile ingredient for all sorts of crave-worthy dishes. Less grease doesn’t mean less flavor with these tender and juicy pork possibilities. Give fat draining a try at your next pulled pork cookout or picnic!