One thing I learned from making red beans over the years is that it’s a labor of love. There’s more to it than quickly gathering some ingredients together and dumping it into a pot. I learned that the key to making a great pot of beans is to build up the flavors, just like in gumbo or jambalaya.
Pickled pork is a delicious way to preserve and flavor pork. The pickling process infuses the meat with tangy, salty flavor and extends its shelf life. But can you freeze pickled pork to make it last even longer?
The short answer is yes! Freezing is an effective way to store pickled pork for several months. However, proper storage methods are key to maintaining quality in the freezer.
This guide covers everything you need to know about freezing pickled pork, from prep to storage times Let’s dive in!
Should You Freeze Pickled Pork Before or After Brining?
For best results, pork should be frozen before the pickling process rather than after. Here’s why:
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Freezing helps lock in freshness and quality Brining later ensures the pork stays as fresh as possible
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Brined meat absorbs liquid, which can cause ice crystals during freezing. This leads to texture changes.
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Frozen plain pork absorbs brine better for maximum flavor infusion.
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Thawing and brining takes time. Freezing unbrined pork allows quick pickling later.
So freeze fresh pork first, then thaw and brine as needed. The pickling liquid will still penetrate the meat and impart great flavor.
How Long Does Pickled Pork Last Frozen?
Frozen properly at 0°F or below, pickled pork can last:
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Raw pickled pork – 3 to 4 months for best quality. Up to 6 months is possible but flavor may suffer.
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Cooked pickled pork – 2 to 3 months before noticeable decline in taste or texture.
Monitor frozen pickled pork for signs of freezer burn, odor changes, or dryness. Discard if any are present.
How Should You Freeze Pickled Pork?
Follow these steps for freezing pickled pork correctly:
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Choose fresh, high-quality pork. Freeze raw pork within 2 days of purchasing.
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Cut pork into 4-6 inch slabs or chunks before freezing. This makes thawed pork quicker to brine.
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Wrap pork pieces individually in plastic wrap, pressing out air. Then place in freezer bags.
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Remove air from bags before sealing tightly. This prevents freezer burn.
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Label bags with quantity, date, and contents. Freeze at 0°F immediately.
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Once frozen, bags can be consolidated to save space. Place a piece of parchment between bags to prevent sticking.
Tips for Successful Frozen Pickled Pork
Follow these tips for the best results with frozen pickled pork:
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Double wrap pork or use vacuum sealing to protect from oxidation and freezer burn.
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Freeze pork in single layers on trays first until solid, then pack together in bags to save space.
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If freezing large batches, chill pork thoroughly first for faster freezing.
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Use an instant-read thermometer to verify freezer is at 0°F or below.
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Organize freezer bags neatly so pork can be found easily.
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Track storage times and brine thawed pork within recommended timeframes.
How to Safely Thaw Frozen Pickled Pork
Always thaw frozen pickled pork in the refrigerator or under cold running water. Never thaw at room temperature.
Here are some safe thawing methods:
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Refrigerator thawing: Allow 24 hours for every 4-5 lbs. Place on tray to catch drips.
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Cold water thaw: Submerge bagged pork in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes. About 30 minutes per pound.
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Microwave: Only if pork will be cooked immediately. Use defrost function and stop to redistribute several times.
Once thawed, brine pork within 2 days for optimal freshness. Discard any pork with an off smell or appearance after thawing.
Brining and Cooking Previously Frozen Pork
Previously frozen pork requires a slightly adjusted brining time compared to fresh pork. Here are some tips:
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Soak pork for 12-18 hours in brine to fully penetrate meat. Fresh pork only needs 6-12 hours typically.
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Inject thick cuts with brine solution using syringe for added flavor distribution.
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Add 30 minutes to 1 hour to recipe cook times for thawed pork. Pre-frozen meat can take longer to become tender.
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Use a meat thermometer to ensure thawed pickled pork reaches safe internal temperatures before eating.
How to Use Frozen Pickled Pork
Thawed, brined pickled pork retains the same versatility as fresh and can be used in all your favorite recipes. Some delicious options include:
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Tacos, sandwiches, or pizza toppings
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Diced in beans, soups, or stir fries
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Shredded for pulled pork
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Charcuterie or antipasto boards
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Mixed into potato or pasta salad
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Toppings for nachos, baked potatoes, or omelets
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Ingredients in pork roasts, meatballs, or meatloaf
Can You Refreeze Thawed Pickled Pork?
Previously frozen pickled pork can be safely refrozen, but the texture quality declines after multiple freezes.
For best results, only refreeze thawed pickled pork once. Be sure pork was thawed properly in the refrigerator and brined within 2 days before refreezing.
When refreezing pickled pork:
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Rewrap pork pieces in plastic wrap and new freezer bags.
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Exclude as much air as possible and seal bags tightly.
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Refreeze at 0°F immediately and use within 1 month.
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Do not refreeze pork left out at room temperature more than 2 hours.
Storing Thawed Pickled Pork Safely
Follow these guidelines when storing thawed pickled pork:
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Refrigerate brined thawed pork no more than 5 days before cooking.
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Keep thawed pork chilled at 40°F or below.
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Place brined pork in sealed containers on lowest fridge shelf to prevent contamination.
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Use thawed pickled pork within 3-4 days for peak freshness and texture.
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Discard any pork that smells unpleasant or appears slimy or sticky after thawing.
Enjoy Delicious Pickled Pork from the Freezer
With the proper freezing, thawing, and brining techniques, you can safely freeze pickled pork for up to 6 months and enjoy it anytime.
Freeze fresh raw pork in meal-sized portions before brining. Thaw in the refrigerator when ready to pickle. Adjust brining times as needed for previously frozen pork.
By mastering the ins and outs of freezing pickled pork, you can always have this zesty preserved meat on hand to add bold flavor to soups, salads, sandwiches, and more!
The Process of Making Pickled Pork
Like I just mentioned, the entire process is pretty simple. To sum up, you’ll cut the pork into 1- or 2-inch cubes, rub them with a rub, and let them sit. Then, you make a quick brine and let it sit until it cools. Then, you combine the coated pork and the brine and let it sit for a week. After the 7 days, you drain the brine and separate the pickled pork into 1-pound bags.
Where to get Pickled Pork?
Pickled pork is an important part of Creole and Cajun cooking in New Orleans. You can buy pickled pork already packaged at almost all southern Louisiana supermarkets. One of the more popular brands is Savoie’s or Richard’s. You can always order pickled pork online at CajunGrocer if you’re not in southern Louisiana and can’t find it. com.
Why I Cook Meat Straight from the Freezer (& why you should too)
FAQ
Can pickled pork be frozen?
Can you freeze brined pork?
How long does pickled pork last in the fridge?
Can I freeze cooked pork?
Does pickle juice need to be refrigerated?
Pickle juice does not need to be refrigerated, but most people find that the drink tastes much better chilled than at room temperature. It must be stored away from excessive heat in a cool, dry place. Pickle juice remains safe and stable at room temperature as long as it is still sealed. Once unsealed, you will need to refrigerate it.
How long can pickled pork last in the freezer?
Freezing Properly stored, uncooked pickled pork can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Wrap the pickled pork in plastic bags and place it in a zip-freezer bag. Check the smell and color of the pickled pork to determine if they’re still in good condition.
Can pickled pork be refrigerated?
Refrigerating Let the pickled pork with its juices cool to room temperature. Wrap in a plastic wrapper in portions (For easier reheating), and place them in the fridge. Leftover pickled pork should last up to 4 days in the refrigerator if properly stored.