can i pour pulled pork juice down the drain

Should You Pour Leftover Pulled Pork Juice Down the Drain?

You’ve just finished serving up a mouthwatering feast of pulled pork to your delighted guests. Now as you clear up, you spot the bowl of leftover cooking juices from your pork shoulder sitting on the counter. Can you simply tip that tasty porky liquid down the drain? Or does it deserve better treatment than a trip to the sewers?

While it may seem convenient to dispose of leftover pulled pork juice by pouring it away, most pitmasters would argue that’s a terrible waste. That flavorful liquid is packed with possibilities transforming ordinary recipes into extraordinary dishes. Read on to discover why you shouldn’t send those juices to a watery grave.

The Value of Leftover Pork Cooking Liquid

Let’s first examine why that pulled pork juice is worth saving rather than pouring away.

• It contains a concentrated pork flavor from the meat breaking down and mingling with spices and smoke. This adds unmatched depth to sauces and braises.

• The collagen in pork connective tissue melts into the juice during cooking, giving it a luscious, mouthcoating texture.

• Pork juice keeps for 5-7 days refrigerated, allowing you time to find uses for it. It also freezes well.

• A few spoonfuls can impart smoky, savory porkiness to soups, stews, beans, gravies, rice, and more.

• The natural gelatin in pork juice helps thicken and bind sauces. Commercial thickeners can’t match that down-home flavor.

• Pork drippings are ideal for sautéing due to their high smoke point compared to oils.

• Fat from the juices can be separated and used for cooking too.

With so many benefits, it’s clear that pulled pork juice deserves to be put to use, not sent spiraling down the pipes.

Smart Uses for Leftover Pork Cooking Liquid

You may be wondering exactly how you can make the most of that leftover pork juice. With a little creativity, the possibilities are endless! Here are some smart ways to use it up:

• Make a smoky, meaty tomato sauce for pasta by simmering tomato paste, herbs, and red wine in the juice.

• Use it as the poaching liquid for chicken breasts, resulting in succulent, pork-infused meat.

• Whisk some juice into the egg mixture for savory baked goods like quiche, frittata, and cornbread.

• Mix with canned beans and seasonings for an easy side dish packed with porky flavor.

• Stir into the water when making rice pilaf or cheesy grits for a flavor boost.

• Make your own version of canned pork and beans by braising beans in the juice.

• Use as the base of a hearty bean, vegetable and pasta soup, instead of water or broth.

• Sauté sliced carrots, parsnips and onions in the juice and drippings.

• Splash juice and drippings into the roasting pan with chicken pieces or pork for extra moisture and flavor.

With a bit of pork juice, the flavor factor of your cooking increases exponentially. Get creative and find new ways to incorporate it.

Proper Storage for Pork Juices

To retain the fresh flavor of those pork cooking juices, proper storage is key. Here are some tips:

• Let juices cool completely before storing. Transfer to a sturdy airtight container.

• Glass jars or bowls with tight-fitting lids work better than plastic. The juices can stain plastic.

• Refrigerate juices within 2 hours of cooking. They will keep 5-7 days chilled.

• For longer storage, freeze juice in ice cube trays, then transfer to airtight freezer bags.

• Frozen pork juice will maintain quality about 4 months. Defrost only what you need.

• Look for any signs of spoilage before using, like off-odors, mold, or change in texture. Discard if necessary.

Follow these guidelines, and your leftover pork juices will stay fresh and ready to add flavors for days to come.

Is It Ever Okay to Pour Juices Down the Drain?

We’ve established that dumping those flavorful pork juices into the garbage is usually a terrible idea. But could there ever be a scenario where it’s acceptable to pour them down the drain?

Here are a few cases where drain disposal could be warranted:

• If juices have clearly spoiled, with foul odors or visible mold, they should be discarded.

• If juices sat out unrefrigerated too long after cooking, unsafe bacteria may have multiplied, so pour away.

• If juices absorbed bitter flavors from burnt drippings, the acrid taste could ruin recipes.

• Small amounts, like a couple tablespoons, aren’t worth saving.

• If you genuinely have no need or desire to use up pork juices, there’s no rule saying you must keep them.

Outside of rare cases like these, however, we recommend doing your tastebuds a favor and putting that liquid porkiness to use. With endless possibilities for leftover pulled pork juice, the drain should be its last stop.

Pouring leftover pulled pork juice down the drain is generally a bad idea, as those flavorful drippings can add soul-satisfying tastes to various dishes. A few spoonfuls can transform boring rice or beans into something special. Consider de-fatting and freezing any excess juice in ice cube trays for later use. With proper storage and a bit of creativity, that post-pulled pork juice will never go to waste. So grab a container, save those drippings, and get cooking up something memorable. Your tastebuds will thank you.