Some people might want to know the best ways to store pulled pork if they have any left over. Read on for all the information you’ll need about how to freeze pulled pork. This food freezes really well, so you can enjoy it later.
After cooking pork roasts, chops, or other cuts, you’re often left with flavorful drippings in the bottom of the pan. These pork drippings are full of sauce-making potential. But what if you can’t use them right away? Can you freeze pork drippings to save all that flavor for later?
The short answer is yes – you can absolutely freeze pork drippings for future use With a few tips on proper preparation and storage, frozen pork drippings can keep for months
Read on for everything you need to know about freezing pork drippings including
- Why Freeze Pork Drippings?
- How to Prepare Pork Drippings for Freezing
- Step-by-Step Freezing Instructions
- How to Store Frozen Pork Drippings
- Shelf Life of Frozen Pork Drippings
- Thawing and Using Frozen Pork Drippings
- Creative Uses for Frozen Pork Drippings
Why Freeze Pork Drippings?
Freezing is a great way to save and store all those flavorful pork drippings that would otherwise go to waste. Here are some of the top reasons to freeze pork drippings:
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Preserve the flavor – Freezing locks in the savory flavor of the drippings so you can use them later on.
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Cut down on waste: don’t pour drippings down the drain; freeze them for another use.
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Always have them on hand – Frozen drippings mean you’ll always have that rich, meaty flavor ready to go.
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Improve meals: Add a hit of umami flavor to soups, beans, grains, and more with frozen drippings.
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Make gravy – Thawed drippings are the perfect base for hearty pork gravy.
Freezing pork drippings takes a little planning, but pays off in preserving that porky flavor.
How to Prepare Pork Drippings for Freezing
Proper prep is key for successfully freezing pork drippings. Here are the steps:
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Let drippings cool completely after cooking.
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Skim off and discard the layer of fat from the surface.
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Strain through a mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth to remove any meat bits.
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Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1⁄2 inch headspace.
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Chill in the refrigerator first before transferring to the freezer.
Removing excess fat and straining out solids results in pure, concentrated pork drippings ready for freezing.
Step-by-Step Freezing Instructions
Follow these simple steps to freeze pork drippings:
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Let drippings cool to room temperature after cooking.
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Place in the refrigerator until the fat congeals and hardens on top.
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Skim off and discard the solid pork fat with a spoon.
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Line a fine mesh sieve with cheesecloth and strain the drippings to remove any solids or debris.
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Divide the strained drippings between freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays, leaving 1⁄2 inch headspace.
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Allow containers to chill completely in the refrigerator before freezing.
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Transfer to freezer and freeze for up to 3 months.
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Pop frozen drippings out of ice cube trays into resealable freezer bags for easy storage.
How to Store Frozen Pork Drippings
Be sure to store frozen pork drippings properly to maintain freshness:
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In airtight containers or freezer bags
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Label with contents and freeze date
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Freeze in small portions to avoid waste
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Use oldest drippings first
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Store no longer than 3 months for best quality
Proper freezer storage keeps pork drippings fresh and ready to use.
Shelf Life of Frozen Pork Drippings
Frozen and stored correctly, pork drippings will last:
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In airtight containers: 3-4 months
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In freezer bags: 2-3 months
The high fat content means they are prone to rancidity after too long in the freezer. For best flavor, use within 3 months.
Thawing and Using Frozen Pork Drippings
Thaw frozen pork drippings overnight in the refrigerator. If needed quickly, place the sealed container in a bowl of warm water.
Once thawed, use drippings within 3-5 days. They can add tons of flavor to:
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Pan sauces and gravies
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Rice, grains and beans
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Roasted vegetables
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Soups and stews
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Braised or roasted meats
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Homemade dog food
Drippings can also be used frozen. Add cubes to dishes towards the end of cooking so they soften and melt into the dish.
Creative Uses for Frozen Pork Drippings
Get the most out of your frozen pork drippings with these creative ideas:
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Flavored Butters – Blend with softened butter and herbs or citrus zest.
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Compound Condiment – Whip into mayonnaise or mustard for a meaty spread.
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Burger Topping – Brush on hamburgers while grilling for added moisture and flavor.
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Potato Topping – Melt over baked potatoes instead of butter.
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Popcorn Drizzle – Melt and drizzle over popcorn with spices for a savory snack.
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Sausage Fattener – Mix into lean ground meat for juicier sausage or burgers.
Don’t limit yourself – let that porky flavor enhance all kinds of dishes once thawed.
Maximize the Value of Pork Drippings
From roasts to chops, pork offers up ample tasty drippings. Instead of losing that valuable flavor down the drain, freeze pork drippings to have on hand anytime.
With proper preparation, storage and use, frozen pork drippings can keep for months and provide a flavor boost to all sorts of dishes. Follow these tips to make the most of your frozen drippings!
How To Thaw and Reheat Frozen Pulled Pork
Reheating pulled pork is super easy! Follow these steps:
- Put the pork in a container and put it in the fridge overnight to thaw.
- The next day, take it out of the container and put it in a single layer in an oven-safe baking dish. You can easily reheat pulled pork in large batches. To do this, if the mixture seems dry, add a little sauce or another liquid like apple juice, chicken broth, chicken stock, or a splash of water. Put the lid on top and bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes, or until the whole thing is heated through.
- You can also reheat a small part of the dish by putting it in a container that can go in the microwave and heating it for one minute at a time.
Which Type of Meat For Pulled Pork
The pork shoulder, which is also called a Boston butt or pork butt, is the cut of meat most often used for pulled pork. The meat in this cut comes from the upper part of the shoulder. It has a lot of fat, which keeps it juicy and flavorful while it’s cooking.
Saving Meat Drippings for Bouillon and Fat
FAQ
Can you freeze drippings?
How long can you keep pork drippings?
How do you store meat dripping?
Can you freeze pork?
Follow our comprehensive guide about freezing pork. To freeze pork, first portion it into meal-sized servings. Then, wrap it tightly in a freezer-safe material, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label it with the date before storing it in your freezer. For optimal quality, consume within 6 months. 1. Prep Your Pork 2.
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.
Can you freeze pork chops?
Ideally, lean cuts such as tenderloin, loin chops, or boneless pork chops are excellent choices for freezing. These cuts have a lower fat content, which makes them less susceptible to freezer burn and helps preserve their quality.
Can you freeze meat drippings?
Divide into small containers or freeze in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, keep the cubes in a bag and take out as much as you need at a time. Meat drippings, once the fat has been removed, are mostly protein. It’s not as nutritious as meat, but add some beans or other source of protein and it can be a base for a meal.