You may have found yourself with a mountain of delicious pulled pork and wondered how to bring back its smoky, savory goodness without losing its juicy tenderness if you like BBQ and leftovers. Grab a fork and get ready for a flavor-filled journey as we talk about the best way to reheat pulled pork without making it dry.
There are several ways to reheat pulled pork, so there is one for everyone, whether you like to take your time or are willing to wait. Any way to reheat pulled pork leftovers that keeps it juicy and tastes great is the best way to do it!
Try these options and tips until you find the best way to reheat leftover pork that works best for you, your taste buds, and your schedule. That way, every bite of your reheated pulled pork will take you back to the smoky paradise of barbecue bliss! Let’s go over all of these easy ways to reheat leftover pork.
The oven is your best friend if you have some free time and want to make the original slow-cooked magic. Preheat to around 225 degrees Fahrenheit for best results.
Wrap your pulled pork in aluminum foil or in a covered foil pan to retain moisture. You can also use a Dutch oven, and let it warm up for about 30 minutes. This low and slow method makes sure that all the tasty pork is heated through without making the meat dry.
The skillet is the best way to add a little crunch to your reheated pulled pork, and it’s also a good choice for speeding up the reheating process.
Put the pulled pork in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. For extra flavor, add a splash of your favorite barbecue sauce. Stir occasionally for 10-15 minutes until you achieve that perfect combination of crispy edges and succulent strands.
Pulled pork is a delicious and versatile meat that can be used in sandwiches, tacos, pizza, salads and more. It’s become a staple for many home cooks. But like many meats, leftovers don’t keep long and reheating them improperly can lead to dry, tough pork.
The good news is that pulled pork reheats beautifully in the Instant Pot. The moist heat environment helps bring the meat back to tender, juicy perfection.
In this article, you’ll learn how to reheat both large and small amounts of pulled pork in the Instant Pot. We’ll cover reheating pork with and without juices. You’ll also get tips for keeping the texture tender and avoiding dryness.
Benefits of Reheating Pulled Pork in the Instant Pot
There are a few advantages to using the Instant Pot to reheat pulled pork rather than the microwave oven or stovetop
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Moisture retention – The closed environment traps steam and moisture as the pork is heated This keeps it from drying out
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Texture preservation – The gentler heat of the Instant Pot reheats the meat without toughening it up.
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Efficiency – You can walk away while it reheats hands-free.
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Food safety – The hot temperature kills any bacteria that may have grown in the fridge.
How to Reheat a Large Amount of Pulled Pork With Juices
If you have a sizeable portion of shredded pork along with its cooking juices, the easiest way to reheat it is directly in the Instant Pot.
Here’s how:
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Place the pork and juices in the inner pot of the Instant Pot.
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Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing.
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Press the Manual or Pressure Cook button and use the arrow keys to select 0 minutes cook time.
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Allow the pot to come to high pressure then immediately quick release the pressure.
This brings the pork up to a food safe 165°F rapidly by creating a boiling environment. The meat will be heated through in just 10-15 minutes.
Alternatively, you can use the Keep Warm function if you don’t need to reheat the pork quickly. This more gently brings the temperature up over 1-2 hours.
How to Reheat a Small Amount of Pulled Pork Without Juices
For smaller amounts of pulled pork that have been portioned out and are no longer sitting in juices, the best way to reheat is with the pot-in-pot method.
Follow these simple steps:
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Add 1 cup water to the Instant Pot inner pot.
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Place a trivet inside and top with your pork in a shallow dish.
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Secure the lid, ensure the valve is set to sealing then select Steam for 5 minutes.
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Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes then quick release any remaining pressure.
The steam reheats the pork gently and the dish catches any condensation. Start with 5 minutes and add more steaming time if needed.
Tips for Reheating Pulled Pork in the Instant Pot
Here are a few tips to ensure your reheated pulled pork turns out moist and tender:
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Use a thick, insulated dish – This helps the pork retain more heat. A thin metal dish may result in uneven heating.
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Portion the pork into smaller mounds – Loosely fluffed pork reheats more efficiently than a big hunk.
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Keep sauce separate – Sauce can make reheated pork mushy. Keep it on the side to add after.
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Give it a gentle toss/stir – Break up any areas that may have clumped back together and redistribute moisture.
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Add a splash of liquid if dry – A spoonful of broth, juice or even water can add back moisture if needed.
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Let it rest 5 minutes – Allowing the pork to rest after reheating lets moisture redistribute through the meat.
Can You Reheat Frozen Pulled Pork in the Instant Pot?
You sure can! One of the beauties of the Instant Pot is that you can cook frozen meat and food with no thawing needed.
To reheat frozen pulled pork:
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Place the solid frozen pork into a pot-in-pot dish and add 1 cup water to the inner pot.
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Steam for 10-12 minutes until thawed and heated through. Quick release pressure.
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Fluff and stir pork, then let rest 5 minutes before serving.
The thawed, tender pork won’t know it started straight from the freezer!
More Handy Uses for Leftover Pulled Pork
Along with reheating pulled pork for sandwiches, you can also breathe new life into it in fun ways:
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Stuff into omelets or breakfast burritos
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Toss with barbecue sauce and serve over baked potatoes
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Mix into mac and cheese or rice
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Make pulled pork pizza with BBQ sauce, cheese and red onion
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Stuff into bell peppers or hollowed bread boules
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Add to pasta salad or spinach salad with vinaigrette
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Fill burger buns for pulled pork sliders
Don’t let leftover pulled pork go to waste! With the handy Instant Pot, you can reheat and enjoy it again and again.
The Sous Vide Method
For those with a sous vide machine, this method is a game-changer. In a sous vide machine set to 140°F (60°C), put your pulled pork in a vacuum-sealed bag. Let it warm up in a hot water bath for 45 to 60 minutes. The vacuum bags make sure that the pulled pork heats up evenly, so the flavor and texture stay the same. This makes for a delicious meal.
The Steamer Basket Method
For those who prefer a gentler approach, consider using a steaming basket. This method is excellent for preventing dryness because the pork gets a lot of additional moisture.
Put the pulled pork in a dish that can handle heat, cover it with foil, and let it steam for 15 to 20 minutes. The result? A reheated masterpiece that’s as juicy as ever.
Short on time? The microwave can be a lifesaver.
Put the pulled pork in a dish that can go in the microwave. Add a little water, and then cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Cook for one minute, and then do it again until it reaches the temperature you like. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temp.
Remember to stir between intervals for even heating. It might not have as much flavor as other ways, but it works when you need everything right away.
Simple Pulled Pork Re-Heating Method
FAQ
How do you reheat pulled pork without drying it out?
Can you overcook pulled pork in Instant Pot?
How to reheat pulled pork in Instant Pot?
If you have a large amount of pulled pork to reheat and it’s still in its juices, one option is to reheat it directly in the insert pot of the Instant Pot. You can opt for a slower reheating process by using the Keep Warm function. Or, you can reheat it more quickly by selecting a 0 minute cook time at high pressure.
Can you cook pulled pork in an Instant Pot?
Instant pot Reheat your pulled pork in an instant pot to lock in moisture. Add a small amount of water to the pot (check the directions for your specific model) and place the trivet inside. Put your pork in a microwave-safe dish and place it on the trivet without covering it. Close the instant pot lid and steam the pork for about 5 minutes.
How to reheat pulled pork?
The best way to reheat pulled pork is by warming it in a pan over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of water or apple cider to keep it moist. This method is quick, efficient, and conserves energy, ensuring your pulled pork stays juicy and flavorful. 1.11. Stovetop Method: Quick and Controlled 1.22. Oven Method: Slow and Steady 1.33.
How do you reheat pulled pork in a crockpot?
To reheat leftover pulled pork, spread it into the bottom of the slow cooker or crockpot, add a splash of leftover barbecue sauce, broth, apple juice, or other flavorful liquid, set the crockpot to warm, and allow it to heat for a minimum of two and up to four hours.