How To Reheat Pulled Pork? [STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE]

Have you ever cooked a delicious batch of pulled pork only to find yourself wondering what the best way is to reheat it?

Reheating food can often be tricky and lead to an unwelcome lack of flavor or a total disaster.

However, with the right tools and preparation, you can successfully make your pulled pork just as juicy and mouthwatering as when it was first cooked.

To reheat pulled pork, you can use the stovetop, the microwave, the air fryer, the grill, or even the slow cooker.

The beef needs to be heated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (or 73.8 degrees Celsius) without becoming dried out.

Reheating pulled pork more than once diminishes its quality.

In this blog post, we’ll talk about everything you need to know about how to correctly reheat your tasty dish of pulled pork!

How To Store Pulled Pork?

To ensure your pulled pork remains as flavorful and delicious as when you first made it, when storing it, there are several important things to take.

After cooking the pork and shredding or “pulling” the meat, cool the pork quickly by spreading it across a shallow tray that is lined with parchment paper.

Allow the pork to cool at room temperature for an hour before transferring it into an airtight container or freezer bag. Once sealed, store the pulled pork in a refrigerator for three to four days, or freeze it for up to three months.

Thaw the pulled pork in either the refrigerator overnight or in cold water if using immediately.

Reheat over low heat until warm throughout, occasionally stirring, just before serving.

With these suggestions in mind, you should be able to store and enjoy your leftover pulled pork for meals any day of the week!

Also Read: Best Wood For Smoking Pork Loin (Complete Guide!)

How Long Can Pork Stay In The Fridge?

Providing meats are correctly stored and handled, and pork can last for up to four days in the fridge.

To ensure that this meat does not spoil or risk contamination, experts recommend making sure it is wrapped in foil or securely contained within an airtight bag.

Moreover, if pork has been frozen, it should be cooked within one month of being thawed and eaten soon after cooking.

Refrigerated leftovers from cooked pork should also be consumed within three to four days.

Keeping store-bought meat chilled while shopping and preparing it immediately upon arriving home further ensures that this nutritious protein remains safe and delicious to consume.

How To Thaw Pulled Pork?

If you have frozen pulled pork stored in your freezer, thawing it correctly is key to preserving its flavor and texture.

Thawing your pork in the refrigerator is the most reliable method, as it helps prevent any bacterial growth while still bringing the meat to a safe temperature.

It will take anywhere from four hours to overnight to completely thaw the pork, so be sure to leave enough time.

On the day of use, ensure that all of the large chunks have been broken apart as well as there are no clumps left.

To thaw the contents of the bag more quickly, submerge it in lukewarm water for a few minutes.

Always check to see that the bag does not have any leaks.

The beef can also be defrosted in a microwave or oven set to a temperature between low and medium heat. To protect the meat from becoming dry, add some water to the pan.

How To Reheat Pulled Pork?

The technique to reheat pulled pork uniformly is to maintain the highest possible level of moisture while also providing heat until the temperature inside reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (or 73.8 degrees Celsius).

The following is a detailed, step-by-step explanation of how to reheat pulled pork using a variety of techniques:

Reheating Pulled Pork In the Microwave?

Because heating pulled pork in the microwave can cause the flesh to dry up very rapidly, this technique is not the most effective one, despite the fact that it is the simplest one.

You can cook pulled pork in the microwave using the following method if the pulled pork has a lot of moisture:

Put the pulled pork on a plate that can go in the microwave.
To enhance the flavor of the pulled pork, drizzle it with some leftover broth, apple juice, or another tasty liquid.
Place a cover on top and secure it well.
In a microwave oven, heat on high for approximately two minutes.
Before serving, give the meat a good stir to ensure that the heat is distributed evenly.

Reheating Pulled Pork In Air Fryer:

Reheating any form of food is made easier with the use of kitchen equipment called an air fryer.

It is also the best way for reheating pulled pork without significantly degrading the quality of the meat, making it the best method overall.

The procedures outlined below should be taken in order to reheat pulled pork in an air fryer:

In the air fryer, place the pulled pork and distribute it in a uniform manner.
Add some liquid of your choice.
Fry in an air fryer at 320 degrees Fahrenheit (or 160 degrees Celsius) for approximately 5 to 6 minutes.
Drain excess liquid and add barbeque sauce. Continue to cook for one more minute.
Wait approximately three to four minutes before serving.

Reheating Pulled Pork In The Oven

In order to reheat pulled pork in the oven, you should:

Prepare an oven temperature of 250 degrees Fahrenheit (or 121.11 degrees Celsius).
Put the pulled pork out in a dish that can go in the oven. You can add some liquids like apple juice, apple cider vinegar, broth, or BBQ sauce to replenish the lost humidity.
Place the dish in the middle of the oven after covering it with two layers of foil, then proceed to bake it.
When the inner temperature reaches 165°F on a meat thermometer, you can take the dish out of the oven. Continue checking the temperature with the meat thermometer.
Before serving, let it sit for a further three to four minutes.

Reheating Pulled Pork On The Grill

It is recommended that you use the 2-zone cooking method when reheating pulled pork on a grill or in a pulled pork smoker.

This will prevent the meat from drying out too quickly as a result of the direct heating. Reheating pulled pork on a gas grill should be done as follows:

Apply barbecue sauce all over the pulled pork, then wrap it in two layers of aluminum foil.
Bring your grill’s hot zone temperature up to temperature, smoker, or flat top to a point where the temperature on the other side of the grill (or the side that is cooler) hits 225 degrees Fahrenheit (or 107 degrees Celsius).
Continue to heat the pork until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, positioning it on the cool side of the grill or the indirect side of the grill.
Unwrap the meat, then cook it on the direct side of the grill for one to two minutes while basting it with barbecue sauce or juice.
This will give the meat a more interesting texture. Immediately take it out of the oven, and then let it sit for another two minutes.

On the other hand, you may reheat pulled pork in exactly the same manner as you would in an oven if you are using a pellet grill.

Reheating Pulled Pork In An Instant Pot

Instant pots that have been pressurized are very effective at retaining moisture; as a result, they are a good choice for reheating pulled pork without causing it to become dry.

Reheating pulled pork in an instant pot entails the following steps:

The pot should have a few drops of water added to it before the trivet is placed inside.
Place the pulled pork in a dish that can be heated in the microwave and set it on the trivet. You can choose whether or not to cover the dish.
Close the Instant Pot lid and let it steam for around 5 minutes with the lid closed.
Remove the lid and ensure that before serving, the pork must have an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. . You can reheat it for an extra two minutes using the same method if it has not yet reached the desired temperature.

Reheating Pulled Pork In A Crockpot

It is simple to reheat pulled pork in a crock pot, a set-it-and-forget-it method that works well whether you are pressed for time or just in the mood to be lazy.

Before putting the meat back into the slow cooker to reheat it, you should let it defrost in the refrigerator for a full day.
After putting the meat in the slow cooker, turn the temperature down to low or use the setting that keeps it warm.
Crockpots are great at keeping the moisture, so feel free to add a splash or two of your preferred beverage, but be careful not to add too much.
After a few hours, the meat will reach the desired temperature thanks to the slow cooker. You just need to check that it has achieved the magic number of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure that there will be no unpleasant bacterial growth, and then you are good to go.

Reheating Pulled Pork With The Sous Vide Method (Reheating Pulled Pork On the Stove)

Cooking food in a vacuum-sealed bag and then placing it in a water bath at a high temperature is an example of the technique known as “sous vide.”

You may cook your pulled pork using the technique known as sous vide, which literally translates to “under vacuum,” right from the beginning.

This is an excellent method for cooking meat that is exquisitely soft.

You have the option of purchasing a sou vide machine or using a large saucepan on top of the burner.

You can also reheat pulled pork using sous vide from the freezer, which is a great option if you don’t have 24 hours to devote to the defrosting process.

The use of a vacuum sealer is required in order to keep the pork fresh after cooking it using the sous vide method, which is one of the technology’s drawbacks.

They are, to one’s great fortune, easily accessible and do not come at an especially high cost.

Either bring the water in your sous-to-vide machine to 165 degrees Fahrenheit or heat a large pot of water on the stove.
Insert the vacuum bags with the ground pork into the machine or the saucepan.
The hot water bath should be used for the bags for a period of 45 minutes for every inch of the bag’s contents’ thickness.
If you are rewarming pork that was previously stored in the freezer, you should leave it in the oven for an additional half an hour.
Because the sack is closed and sous vide uses implicit heat to reheat the meat, there is no need to add any additional liquid to the meal.

Reheating Pulled Pork With Coke

Reheating pulled pork with coke might sound unconventional, but it actually works quite well!

This method is traditionally associated with the American South, where folks have been slow-cooking and braising pork for ages.

To start, take your leftover pulled pork and warm it in a baking dish or pan on low heat.

Once it starts to lightly sizzle, add just enough coke to cover the bottom of your pan.

Then let the pork simmer in it for about 20 minutes until heated through. Serve with your favorite sides for a delicious meal that your family will love!

How To Reheat Pulled Pork In A Roaster

Reheating pulled pork in a roaster is an efficient and simple method. Start by spraying the inside of the roaster with cooking spray, then preheat it to 375°F.

Add the pork, sprinkle with some liquid (which can be either chicken or beef broth), and cover with a lid.

Place the roaster in your oven and bake for around 25-30 minutes, frequently checking after 15 minutes to make sure that it’s not drying out or burning.

When fully heated through, use a thermometer to ensure it has reached at least 165°F before serving you’re delicious reheated pulled pork!

What Is The Best Way To Reheat Pulled Pork?

Though baking in the oven is our preferred method, you really can’t go wrong with any of these options.

Some people believe that cooking on the stovetop is the greatest way to keep the flavor and moisture in food,

But if you follow the instructions for any of these methods, you should be able to achieve satisfactory results.

How Long To Reheat Pulled Pork

Knowing how long to reheat pulled pork is essential for any home cook who wants to parlay leftovers into a delicious and easy meal.

The key is to avoid overcooking and drying out the already-cooked pork shoulder, so it’s important to keep an eye on the clock and ensure that the internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit is maintained.

Generally speaking, pulling pork leftovers can be heated in the oven or microwave since both are effective techniques.

When using your oven, aim for a preheated 375 degrees Fahrenheit setting with a covered pan and cook for around 20-30 minutes.

When using your microwave, start off warming in 30-second intervals before checking every 5-10 minutes until it reaches its optimal temperature.

No matter which reheating method you choose, it’s always best practice to check periodically before serving up the final product.

How To Reheat Smoked Pulled Pork

Need to enjoy some smoked pulled pork, but it’s been sitting in your fridge for a few days?

No problem! Reheating smoked pulled pork is easy. Just preheat your oven to 350°F.

Place the pulled pork on an oven-safe dish and cover it with a sheet of foil. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, in the oven.

Remove from the oven, uncover, and serve!

If you don’t have an oven, you may reheat your pulled pork in the microwave for 1-2 minutes by placing it on a microwavable dish.

Keep in view to make sure it doesn’t dry out – a dash of liquid will help keep it moist.

Either way, you’re sure to enjoy your smoked pulled pork when reheated with these simple techniques.

What Liquid Can I Add To Pulled Pork?

Adding the right liquid or sauce during cooking or afterward is essential to achieve the desired flavor and texture.

Depending on your preference, you could use beef stock for added richness, cola for sweetness and tang, beer for extra flavor.

Whiskey to give it a bit of heat, orange juice for a zesty burst of flavor, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar for an acidic and smoky finish, red wine to make it hearty and flavorful.

White wine to brighten up the dish, or even vegetable broth if you want a vegetarian version. Try out various mixtures to find the ideal mix for you!

The Secret To Reheating Pulled Pork Without Drying It Out

The key to maintaining the pulled pork’s moisture and flavor is to use low heat and a moisture covering.

This could include adding some type of liquid such as broth, beer, or juice in a roasting pan or slow-cooker insert and then, tightly before warming the pan in the oven, wrapping it with aluminum foil.

Alternatively, you can also cover a skillet, add in the pulled pork, and cook over low heat on the stovetop.

Whichever method you choose, aim for an internal temperature of around 165°F whenever serving up your reheated masterpiece!

FAQs

How Many Times Can You Reheat Pulled Pork?

The best safety practice for reheating pulled pork is to do it only one time.

While you may not get sick from eating leftovers that have been microwaved or reheated multiple times, the quality of the food itself starts degrading with each reheat.

You won’t be getting the same flavor and texture as you would eating the original meal. Furthermore, certain nutrients can also start breaking down as they are exposed to high heat more than once.

For this reason, it’s best to avoid reheating pulled pork more than once.

How Long To Reheat Pulled Pork In Oven?

Reheating pulled pork in the oven is an excellent method to bring cold leftovers back to life. To do so effectively, it should typically be set to 250-300 degrees, and it will take between 15-20 minutes for it to reach a safe internal temperature of 165F.

Between reheating sessions, be sure to stir your pulled pork so that the heat can evenly distribute throughout.

Remember that the size and thickness of your leftovers will also affect the amount of time required in the oven!

How To Reheat Pulled Pork Without Drippings?

Reheating pulled pork without drippings can be done simply and quickly. To begin, heat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Place the pork in a parchment-lined oven-safe baking dish or baking sheet.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes per pound of pork in a preheated oven.

Once heated through, remove from the oven and enjoy your delicious and moist pulled pork! Be sure to cut off any visible fat before reheating, as it will not melt down as it does on direct heat during cooking.

With this method, you’ll have flawlessly reheated pulled pork every time!

Conclusion

Reheating your smoked pulled pork correctly is important to prevent it from drying out.

Use one of the five methods above, depending on what you have available to you, and make sure to heat the beef to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

When in doubt, err on the side of caution and reheat for a shorter amount of time rather than risk overcooking your delicious meal!

Also Read: How Long To Smoke A Pork Butt At 250? (Easy Guide)