It is simple to make “too much” pulled pork, since “too much pulled pork” isn’t really a thing.
It’s a little harder to reheat pulled pork the next day, and if you don’t do it right, you might end up with a disappointingly dry mess.
This article will talk about how to store pulled pork so that it stays in great shape and how to reheat it so that it tastes just as good, if not better, than the day it was cooked.
Pulled pork is a popular BBQ dish that’s great for feeding a crowd The tender, saucy shredded pork is delicious fresh off the smoker But you’re often left with tasty leftovers after everyone has had their fill. So how many times can you safely reheat those leftovers before the pork dries out or loses quality?
The good news is that pulled pork can be reheated 2-3 times if you follow proper storage and reheating guidelines. While the Food Standards Agency advises only reheating leftovers once, pulled pork holds up nicely for a few reheats. With the right techniques, you can enjoy moist, flavorful pulled pork again and again.
In this article, we’ll go over tips on safe storage, reheating methods and signs of spoiled pork. We’ll also look at how to maintain texture and moisture through multiple reheats. Let’s dive in!
Understanding the Risks of Reheating Pulled Pork
Like any perishable food, reheating pulled pork does come with some risks. Bacteria like salmonella can contaminate pork during processing or handling. And while thorough cooking kills most germs, some can survive if the pork is undercooked.
When you reheat pulled pork, bacteria could start multiplying again if not fully heated to safe temperatures. Reheating also allows time for bacteria like staphylococcus aureus to produce heat-resistant toxins that can cause food poisoning
Finally reheating and holding pork at improper temperatures promotes bacterial growth. To prevent this leftovers must be cooled, stored and reheated properly.
How Many Times Can Pulled Pork Be Safely Reheated?
According to guidance from food safety authorities, cooked leftovers should only be reheated once before discarding. However, pulled pork and many other foods can often be safely reheated 2-3 times if done carefully.
The key is proper cooling, storage at 40°F or below, and thorough reheating. As long as you bring the internal temperature up to 165°F each time, pulled pork should retain both safety and quality for 2-3 reheats.
Go by your senses too. If the pork smells bad or tastes off, it’s best to discard it rather than risk foodborne illness. And don’t forget to reheat only once without cooling again first.
Proper Storage and Handling of Leftover Pulled Pork
To safely reheat pulled pork multiple times, how you store it is critical. Follow these tips:
- Refrigerate or freeze within 2 hours of cooking. Never leave leftovers out over 2 hours.
- Store pulled pork in shallow, covered containers to allow rapid cooling.
- Keep refrigerated pork for only 3-4 days at 40°F or below.
- For longer storage, freeze pulled pork for 2-4 months at 0°F.
- When reheating frozen pulled pork, thaw first in the refrigerator before reheating.
Proper cooling and storage prevents bacterial growth and toxin production. Always keep raw meats away from cooked pulled pork as well to prevent cross-contamination.
How to Reheat Pulled Pork Multiple Times
Follow these steps when reheating pulled pork:
- Choose a reheating method like the oven, stovetop or slow cooker that allows thorough heating.
- Reheat pulled pork to an internal temperature of 165°F as checked with a food thermometer.
- Bring the pork up to temperature quickly – don’t let it linger between 40-140°F.
- Stir the pork frequently and add a little broth or sauce to add moisture.
- Portion into shallow containers or spread out in a baking dish for even heating.
These guidelines ensure leftover pulled pork is safely reheated multiple times while staying moist.
Best Ways to Reheat Pulled Pork
You have options when it comes to reheating juicy pulled pork. Here are some of the best methods:
Oven (250°F) – Cover pulled pork in a baking dish with sauce/broth and heat 30-40 minutes until 165°F internally.
Stovetop – Gently reheat pulled pork in a skillet with sauce/broth over medium-low heat until hot, 165°F.
Microwave – Heat pulled pork with liquid in a microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally until steeping hot.
Slow cooker – Add sauce/broth and cook on low 4-6 hours until fully heated through, stirring occasionally.
Grill – Wrap pulled pork in foil with sauce/broth and grill indirectly over low heat 30-60 minutes until 165°F.
Any of these methods work well for thoroughly reheating pulled pork without drying it out.
Maintaining Quality Through Multiple Reheats
While pulled pork remains safe for a few reheats, the texture and moisture will gradually decline. Here are some tips to maintain quality:
- Limit reheats to 2-3 times maximum. Discard if pork seems dry or mushy.
- Add extra sauce and cooking liquid when reheating to add moisture.
- Keep reheating time short and temperature low to prevent drying out.
- Shred any portions that seem dry and use pulled pork in casseroles, tacos, sandwiches etc.
- Cut down on reheats by freezing pulled pork in meal-size portions. Thaw before reheating.
With proper handling between reheats, you can safely enjoy moist and flavorful pulled pork 3-4 days after cooking.
Can You Reheat Pulled Pork in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, reheating pulled pork in a slow cooker is an excellent way to maintain texture and moisture. To do so:
- Add shredded pork into a slow cooker with 2-3 tbsp broth per pound of pork.
- Cook for 4-6 hours on low until heated through to 165°F.
- Periodically stir and check temperature with a thermometer.
- Serve warm from the slow cooker or refrigerate leftovers immediately.
The low gentle heat prevents the pork from drying out. This reheating method works great if you’ll be serving the pulled pork at a potluck or gathering.
How Long Does Reheating Pulled Pork Take?
The time needed to reheat pulled pork depends on the amount and method. Here are some general guidelines:
- Oven at 250°F: 30-40 minutes
- Stovetop over medium-low heat: 20-30 minutes
- Slow cooker on low: 4-6 hours
- Microwave: 4-6 minutes per pound
Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure the pork reaches safe temperatures. Reheating times will vary based on how much pulled pork you have.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Pulled Pork?
It’s best not to refreeze pulled pork once it has been thawed. Refreezing thawed pork can allow bacteria to multiply to dangerous levels. For food safety, either cook thawed pulled pork immediately or toss it out.
If you thawed too much pulled pork at once, portion out what you’ll use within 3-4 days and immediately refreeze the rest for later use. But never refreeze pork that has been left out at room temperature.
Pulled pork can be safely reheated and enjoyed 2 or 3 times if handled properly in between. Allow the pork to fully cool before refrigerating or freezing in shallow containers. When reheating, quickly bring the internal temperature up to 165°F using gentle heat.
Add extra sauce and broth to maintain moisture and juiciness through multiple reheats. Limit to 3-4 reheats maximum before quality deteriorates. Following these guidelines, you can safely enjoy delicious pulled pork for days after smoking or grilling.
Reheating your pulled pork
We’ve all had reheated pulled pork that was dry. We’ve also heard a lot of different ways to reheat food without drying it out, such as using a microwave, slowly raising the temperature, putting it in the oven with the door closed, and so on.
By sealing the pulled pork in a vacuum sealed bag, you have also sealed in the juices. Those juices can’t get out until the bag is cut. Now comes the tricky part: how to best reheat it to the perfect eating temperature?
You need one secret ingredient when it comes to reheating, and its name is boiling water.
If you put a bag of vacuum-sealed pork into boiling water, you’ll have warm, delicious pulled pork in 5 minutes.
You can make pulled pork that tastes like it was just taken off the smoker in 5 minutes by putting the unopened bag into boiling water. It may sound too easy, but there aren’t any tricks or gimmicks.
If you have bigger portions, like if there were twice or three times as much in the bag, you may need to heat it up for up to ten minutes longer per bag.
Reheating pulled pork in the oven
Putting pulled pork back in the oven is a simple and probably the best way to warm up a lot of pre-shredded meat.
- Preheat your oven to 225°F
- Put your whole butt or shredded pork in a dish that can go in the oven. Add some water to help the meat retain some of its moisture. This could be broth, apple juice, cider vinegar, or a thick BBQ sauce.
- To keep the moisture in, wrap the dish twice in foil and place it in the middle of the oven on a baking sheet.
- When the meat thermometer reads 165°F on the inside, it’s done.
- While the meat is still warm (165° F), remove the foil and broil it for a few minutes to bring back some crunch to the bark.
- If you stored your pork butt whole, you’ll need to use heat-safe gloves to shred it after taking it out of the oven.
Can I Reheat A Whole Pork Butt For Pulled Pork? – How To Reheat Smoked Pulled Pork | Reheating BBQ
How long does it take to reheat pulled pork?
If you plan to reheat your pulled pork in the oven at 250ºF, it should take about 30 minutes to reach a safe internal temperature. You should pull the pork out of the oven and use a meat thermometer to be sure it’s done.
Can You reheat pulled pork in a vacuum pack?
The sous vide technique is a great reheating method. It involves letting meat inside a vacuum plastic pack sit in boiling water. To reheat pulled pork in boiling water, you should have already stored it in a vacuum pack. Most vacuum packs today do not melt in the water, so don’t sweat the cancer-causing stuff.
Can You reheat frozen pork?
Let the bags sit in the hot water bath for 45 minutes per inch of the thickness of the contents. If you are reheating your stored pork from frozen, leave it in there for an additional 30 minutes. You don’t need to worry about adding additional moisture because the bag is sealed and sous vide uses indirect heat to reheat your meat.
How do you reheat pulled pork on a grill?
Reheating pulled pork on the grill is best done using a 2-zone cooking method. This prevents the direct heat of the grill from drying out the meat. Unless you are cooking on a pellet grill where you can maintain consistent low temperatures.