Pulled pork is a classic barbecue dish that’s perfect for large gatherings and parties. The tender, juicy meat soaks up barbecue sauce and spice rubs for finger-licking deliciousness. But like most meat dishes, leftovers need to be consumed within 3-5 days before the pork goes bad. Enter dehydrating – an easy solution for preserving pulled pork to enjoy for months ahead.
You may be wondering, can you actually dehydrate previously cooked pulled pork? How is it done? Will the taste and texture hold up? In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including:
- Benefits of dehydrating pulled pork
- Step-by-step instructions
- Proper storage and shelf life
- Rehydration methods
- Serving ideas
- Helpful tips and tricks
Let’s look at how you can easily turn leftover pulled pork into delicious dried meat that will last in your pantry.
Is Dehydrating Pulled Pork Possible?
Yes you can absolutely dehydrate previously cooked pulled pork with great results. The process removes moisture reducing volume by up to 90% and concentrating the savory pork flavor. When stored properly, dehydrated pulled pork stays fresh for months.
The key advantages of drying pulled pork include
- Extends shelf life significantly
- Creates easy protein snacks or additions to meals
- Intensifies smoky, spicy and sweet flavors
- Reduces weight for portable protein while camping or hiking
- Lets you stock up cheaply when pork shoulder is on sale
- Provides a tasty protein source for your emergency pantry
Dried pork is a great way to get more use out of it because it has so many benefits.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Dehydrating Pulled Pork
Dehydrating cooked pulled pork is simple. Just follow these steps:
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Start with fully cooked, shredded pork shoulder.
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Drain and firmly press out any liquid.
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Spread pieces evenly on dehydrator trays in a thin layer.
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Dehydrate at 145°F for 6-12 hours, checking frequently.
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Pork is done when dried throughout but still flexible.
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Allow to cool completely before vacuum sealing or storing.
And that’s all there is to it! Proper drying results in concentrated pork flavor and months of shelf life. Let’s look closer at each step.
Select Fully Cooked Pulled Pork
This process works best with leftover pulled pork shoulder or butt after refrigerating. Choose pork cooked low and slow until fall-apart tender. Avoid lean, dried out pork loin.
Drain and Press Out Liquid
Before dehydrating, firmly press or pat pulled pork pieces to remove as much moisture as possible. This speeds drying and improves shelf life.
Spread on Trays in a Thin Layer
Distribute pork pieces evenly on dehydrator trays without overlapping. Good airflow is key for even drying.
Dehydrate at 145°F
The ideal temperature for dehydrating pulled pork is 145°F. Higher temperatures risk case hardening before the center is dried.
Check Dryness Frequently
Test pieces after 6 hours. When fully dried, the pork should be stiff but flexible, not brittle. Bend rather than breaking when you fold a piece.
Allow to Cool Before Storing
Let the dried pork cool completely before storage to prevent moisture condensation issues.
When these steps are followed properly, you’ll end up with perfect pulled pork jerky or bits ready for storage and enjoyment!
How to Store Dehydrated Pulled Pork
To maximize shelf life, it’s important to store dried pulled pork properly:
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Allow to cool fully before packing.
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For short term storage, use airtight containers in a cool, dark place.
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For longer shelf life of 6-12 months, freeze in vacuum sealed bags.
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Refrigeration extends shelf life to 2-3 months when stored in sealed jars.
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Without refrigeration or freezing, the shelf life is approximately 2-4 weeks.
No matter which storage method you choose, keep dehydrated pork away from air, light, humidity and heat to prevent spoilage. Check for any signs of moisture or mold before consuming.
Rehydrating Dehydrated Pulled Pork
The concentrated flavor of dehydrated pulled pork makes it a great addition to many dishes. To fully rehydrate before eating, you can:
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Place in soups, stews or chili as it simmers.
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Soak in warm water for 15-30 minutes.
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Microwave with a bit of water for 1-2 minutes.
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Saute in a pan with water, broth or barbecue sauce.
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Mix with hot mac and cheese or rice right before serving.
Rehydrate just until the pulled pork regains a tender, moist texture. Then use it to make anything from sandwiches to tacos to pizza and more!
Helpful Tips and Tricks
Follow these tips for the very best results when drying pulled pork:
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Trim excess fat before cooking to prevent premature spoilage.
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Use a leaner pork shoulder cut rather than pork belly if possible.
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Cut or shred pork into smaller, uniform pieces to speed drying.
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Add extra spice rub before dehydrating to boost flavor concentration.
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Rotate trays and stir pieces periodically for even drying.
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Let cool completely before vacuum sealing for storage.
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Handle dried pork gently to avoid crumbling into bits.
With your new skills, you can stock up on flavorful pulled pork to enjoy long after the party’s over. Dehydrating lets you save money by buying pork shoulder in bulk when it’s on sale.
Turn leftovers into delicious dried jerky, trail snacks or instant pot pie and soup ingredients. Get ready to impress everyone with your own gourmet dried pulled pork creations!
How Long will Dried Meat Keep?
Freezing dried meat will preserve it for several years.
Before you freeze the dried meat, you can vacuum seal it to keep it from getting freezer burn. Also, freezing stops all biological processes. For less than a year of use and storage, you don’t have to freeze it, but it’s still a good idea to do so before putting together your meals, as long as you dry and pack it carefully.
Dry only lean meats and blot off any oil during the drying process. It is the fat in meat that can turn rancid as it reacts over time with oxygen. Heat and light accelerate oxidation, so store in a cupboard away from heat.
The meat you dry will last a long time if you put it in jars with oxygen absorbers or jars that are vacuum sealed with the FoodSaver app. I have stored dehydrated meat for up to a year in jars. You can put the dried meat in vacuum bags and seal them up very tightly. This will keep the meat fresh for longer or just give you peace of mind. If you take frozen dried food out of the freezer, let it warm up before opening the bag. Otherwise, condensation may form on the food.
See the section on vacuum sealing food for more information about best practices for storing dried meat.
How I Dehydrate and Store Ground Meats
FAQ
How long to dehydrate pulled pork?
Is it safe to dehydrate pork?
Can pulled pork dry out?
Can you dehydrate pork shoulder?
Can You dehydrate raw pork?
Yes, you can dehydrate raw pork, but some important food safety precautions should be taken before doing so. The low temperatures in some food dehydrators may not be sufficient to kill harmful bacteria or the trichinella parasite, which can cause food-borne illnesses. If your food dehydrator doesn’t reach 165°F, it is recommended to cook it first.
Why is pork not recommended to eat?
This is not true, some cuts like sirloin and pork rump steak, for example, are very healthy, even healthier than beef and chicken. Only the fattest cuts like bacon and crackling should be avoided.
How do you keep pulled pork from drying out?
You can help the meat retain moisture by keeping it warm in a slow cooker, ideally with a bit of water or chicken stock added. To keep the pulled pork from drying out during storage, consume any leftovers within 3 days. What Causes Pulled Pork to Dry Out? Lack of moisture is the obvious reason, but it’s actually a shade more complicated than that.
Can dehydrated pork spoil?
However, it is important to note that dehydrated pork is not completely immune to spoilage, especially if it is not stored properly. Exposure to moisture, heat, and oxygen can cause the pork to spoil more quickly, so it is important to store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.