Last week I brought you a simple and comforting supper with my slow cooker bbq country pork ribs. You should have saved some leftovers, because today I’m going to show you how to make a huge, tough sandwich.
My husband just about loses his mind when he sees these sandwiches for lunch. I have to say, I really look forward to them too. They’re warm, meaty, cheesy, and full of sweet barbecue sauce flavor.
Any favorite barbecue sauce, homemade or store-bought (the one you used to cook the ribs is best), and any big sandwich roll can be used here.
I skip the whole wheat rolls this time and instead eat the white rolls made by a nearby restaurant. They are soft on the inside and flaky on the outside. When toasted in the oven the outside becomes crisp while the inside stays nice and soft.
It’s possible for a more delicate woman than me to only need half of these sandwiches. They go well with carrots, grapes, or the classic chips and a pickle. When you take this fresh sandwich out of the oven, you’ll feel like you just got lunch at a fancy bistro!
Weeknight dinners often call for quick and easy rib recipes But once you’ve enjoyed those fall-off-the-bone ribs, you’re inevitably left with uneaten leftovers still clinging to the bones Rather than reheat them as is, there’s a simple trick for giving those leftovers new life – turning them into mouthwatering pulled pork!
With just a few extra ingredients and minutes of cook time, you can effortlessly shred those leftover rib bones into a pile of tender saucy pulled pork. It makes for amazing sandwiches tacos, pizza toppings, and more.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the ridiculously easy process of turning leftover ribs into pulled pork perfection.
Why Make Pulled Pork from Leftover Ribs?
There are several great reasons to transform those rib remnants into pulled pork:
- Uses the leftover meat efficiently
- Infuses new flavor into the shredded meat
- Yields a totally different texture and mouthfeel
- Allows for versatile new serving options
Rather than dry reheated ribs, you end up with juicy, saucy pulled pork that makes excellent use of what would otherwise go to waste.
What You’ll Need
To convert leftover rib meat into delicious pulled pork, you just need:
- Leftover cooked rib meat, stripped from the bones
- 1⁄4 cup barbecue sauce, or more to taste
- 2 Tbsp butter or oil
- Optional seasonings: smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder
Small amounts of veggies like onion or peppers can also be added for extra flavor and texture. But the process is super simple as is.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here is the incredibly easy method for turning leftover ribs into amazing pulled pork:
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Strip all the meat from the leftover ribs, discarding any excess fat or gristle.
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Shred or chop the meat into small pieces. Go for a shredded texture rather than chunks.
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Melt the butter or heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Add the shredded rib meat and sauté for 2-3 minutes to warm through.
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Pour in the barbecue sauce and any optional extra seasonings.
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Toss and stir thoroughly to coat all the meat with sauce.
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Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, until thickened and heated through.
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Adjust seasoning or sauce as needed.
That’s it – your leftover rib meat is now transformed into juicy, flavorful pulled pork!
Serving Suggestions
Get creative with how you use your leftover rib turned pulled pork. Pile it onto:
- Soft burger buns for pulled pork sandwiches
- Nachos or loaded potato skins
- Tacos or sliders with salsa and guacamole
- Eggs or nachos for a hearty breakfast
- Pizza with some extra cheese
The possibilities are endless! Just be sure to take advantage of those leftover ribs in this delicious new way.
Storage Tips
Your freshly made batch of pulled pork converted from leftover ribs will keep for:
- 3-4 days refrigerated
- 2-3 months frozen
Let the pulled pork cool completely before transferring to airtight containers for storage. Reheat gently before serving.
Get Resourceful With Your Leftovers
With just a few minutes of effort, those unfinished rib bones can be magically transformed into a whole new pulled pork meal. This simple hack is a great way to reduce food waste and expand your recipe creativity. Don’t let leftover ribs go to waste – turn them into amazing pulled pork instead!
BBQ Pulled Pork Ribs Sandwich//Turn your day old leftover pork ribs into a delicious sandwich.
FAQ
Can pork ribs be used for pulled pork?
Will pork ribs shred?
How do you soften leftover ribs?