Transform Leftover Pork Chops into Delicious Shredded Meals

Do you ever have leftover pork chops that seem destined for the trash? Stop right there! With just a few simple steps you can transform those lonely pork chops into a delicious base for tacos sandwiches, soups, and more.

Shredding pork is an easy process that unlocks a world of possibilities for using up leftovers. In this guide, I’ll walk through everything you need to know to shred pork chops like a pro, store them properly, and whip up crave-worthy shredded pork recipes. Let’s start shredding!

Shredding Pork Chops – Quick & Easy

The first step is cooking your pork chops. I prefer bone-in, thick cut chops roasted or pan-seared until just cooked through. The bone adds flavor and the slight undercooking makes the meat easier to shred.

Once cooked. here are two easy methods to shred those chops

• Two Forks – The classic shredding technique. Place chops on a cutting board and hold one fork vertically to anchor. With the second fork, pull meat strands horizontally to shred.

• Kitchen Shears – For faster shredding, use shears to cut cooked chops into 1-inch cubes. Then grab two forks and pull the cubes into shreds.

Remove any large fat pieces, but some marbling is great for added moisture. Shred in the direction of the muscle fibers for long, pulled strands of porky goodness.

Storing Shredded Pork Properly

Raw pork should only be stored 3-5 days max in the fridge. But properly stored, cooked shredded pork keeps longer – up to 4-6 days refrigerated or 2-3 months frozen. Here are some storage tips:

• Allow pork to cool completely before packing into airtight containers.

• Remove as much air as possible and seal lids tightly.

• For freezer storage, use vacuum seal bags or heavy duty aluminum foil.

• Freeze shredded pork in recipe-size portions for easy weeknight meals.

• Refrigerate any pork you plan to use within a week.

• Use freezer-stored pork within 2-3 months for best quality.

Following proper storage methods will maintain safety and keep your shredded pork fresh and delicious tasting.

Creative Ways to Use Shredded Pork

Now comes the fun part – turning those leftover chops into amazing shredded pork meals! Here are just a few delicious recipe ideas:

• Carnitas street tacos – Season shredded pork with cumin, chili powder, garlic, and lime juice.

• Ramen bowls – Top steaming broth with shredded pork, mushrooms, egg, and noodles.

• Loaded baked potatoes – Heap shredded pork, cheese, bacon, and sour cream on baked Russets.

• Enchiladas – Mix pork with salsa verde and bake inside tortillas with cheese.

• Empanadas – Fill dough rounds with spiced shredded pork and deep fry for hand pies.

• Pulled pork eggs benedict – Top English muffins, poached eggs, and hollandaise with hot shredded pork.

• Banh mi sandwiches – Layer shredded pork, pickled veggies, cilantro, and sriracha mayo on a toasted baguette.

• Pork fried rice – Sauté shredded pork with rice, veggies, oyster sauce, and eggs.

The possibilities are endless! Shredded pork makes the perfect protein topping for salads, nachos, omelets, pizza, sandwiches, and more.

Step-By-Step Pork Tamale Pie Recipe

To get your shredded pork inspiration flowing, let’s walk through a recipe for an easy and delicious Pork Tamale Pie. Make it once, and I guarantee you’ll be shredding pork chops on repeat just to make this dish again and again!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded pork
• 1⁄2 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 15oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 15oz can fire roasted tomatoes
• 8 oz corn kernels, frozen or canned
• 6 oz corn tortilla chips, crushed
• 8 oz shredded Mexican cheese blend
• Sour cream, salsa, cilantro for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Sauté onion and garlic until softened, about 3 minutes.

2. Add shredded pork, chili powder and 1/4 cup water. Cook until warmed through, about 2 minutes.

3. Add black beans, fire roasted tomatoes, and corn. Stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes.

4. Transfer mixture to a 9”x13” baking dish. Top evenly with crushed tortilla chips and shredded cheese.

5. Bake at 400F for 15 minutes until hot and bubbly.

6. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Top with desired amounts of sour cream, salsa, and cilantro. Enjoy!

With just a few pantry staples, you can transform those leftover pork chops into an easy, hearty and crowd-pleasing tamale pie. Now you officially have zero excuses for wasting pork chops ever again!

Shredded Pork Tips and Tricks

Here are some top tips for shredding, cooking, and storing pork like a boss:

• Pork loin roasts work great too – just braise or roast until fall apart tender.

• Opt for bone-in chops or pork shoulder for the most flavor and easiest shredding.

• sous vide is a great hands-off way to perfectly cook pork for shredding.

• Use pork broth, apple cider, or beer when reheating shredded pork to prevent drying out.

• Freeze small meal size portions flat in freezer bags to save space.

• Cook a big batch of shredded pork on the weekend to use all week in quick meals.

• Add bbq sauce, mustard sauce, or chimichurri to change up shredded pork flavors.

• Make big batch shredded pork enchiladas, empanadas, or tamales, and freeze for later.

Leftover pork chops are a prime candidate for shredding into delicious new dishes. With just two forks and a few minutes, you can transform sad chops from the fridge into versatile shredded pork meals.

Get creative with seasonings, toppings, and global flavors to keep your shredded pork exciting. Follow proper storage methods for maximum freshness and food safety.