Learning how to freeze pulled pork is a great way to have a quick and easy meal on hand. You can use this type of meat and versatile dish in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or as a sandwich filling. Follow these simple steps to freeze pulled pork for later use.
When freezing pulled pork, people’s main challenge is not knowing how to freeze, thaw, and reheat it properly.
The pork can become dry and rubbery if not thawed and reheated correctly.
Pulled pork is a delicious and perfect meal option you can enjoy year-round.
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One of the best things about pulled pork is that it can be quickly frozen and enjoyed later.
How to Freeze Pulled Pork
When freezing pulled pork, it’s essential first to allow it to cool completely.
Always remember it is recommended to cook pork to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit and use a meat thermometer to check it.
This is the freezing process:
Once cooled, you can place the pork, preferably in individual portions, in an airtight container, a freezer-safe container or a large resealable freezer bag.
For best results, remove excess air from the container before sealing it. For best results you can use a vacuum sealer.
This will prevent the risk of freezer burn and keep the flavor of the pork intact.
Additionally, it’s important to label the container with the date so that you can easily keep track of when you freeze it.
Frozen pulled pork will remain fresh for up to three months.
When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the pork.
How to Thaw Frozen Pulled Pork
Frozen pulled pork can be a lifesaver for dinners.
But if you don’t plan, it can become a disaster.
Here’s how to thaw frozen pulled pork, so it’s safe to eat and still delicious.
The safest way and the best method to thaw pulled pork is in the refrigerator to prevent bacteria from growing on the meat.
This will take several hours, so plan accordingly.
Once the pork is thawed, it can be reheated and eaten.
If you are in a hurry, you can place the frozen pork in a bowl of cold water and change the water every 30 minutes.
Once the pork has thawed, cook it immediately.
Do not refreeze thawed meat, as this can lead to food poisoning. And that’s all there is to it!
With some planning, you can enjoy delicious pulled pork without any worries.
How to Reheat Pulled Pork
In the oven
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover pork from last night’s dinner, you might be wondering how to reheat it so it’s just as delicious as the first time. This also works after you thaw frozen pulled pork.
The key is to take your time and reheat slowly in order to enjoy a juicy pork. The best option is in the oven.
Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and then place the pork in a baking dish with a bit of water, chicken stock or any remaining cooking liquid.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pork is thoroughly heated. Enjoy!
Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Read here about How to Cook Store Bought Smoked Turkey Legs.
In the microwave
You can reheat pulled pork leftovers in the microwave, which is an excellent addition to sandwiches, salads, and tacos.
The easiest way to reheat pulled pork in the microwave, is placing the desired amount of meat in a microwave-safe container.
Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the pork is heated.
Be sure to check the pork regularly to avoid overcooking.
If the pork begins to dry, you can add a few drops of water to moisten it.
Once reheated, enjoy your pulled pork any way you like!
On the stove top
The first step is to put the pork in a pan with 2-3 tablespoons of water or chicken broth.
Cover the pan and heat it low until the pork is heated.
This will help to keep the pork moist.
If you are reheating large batches or too much meat, you may need to add more liquid to the pan.
Stir the pork and cook it until it is hot and slightly crisped around the edges.
Serve immediately. Enjoy!
In the slow cooker
To reheat pulled pork in the slow cooker, add a little liquid (water, chicken broth, or even beer work well), set the heat to low, and let it cook for one hour.
The steam will help re-moisten the meat, and the low temperature will prevent it from further overcooking.
If your pulled pork is too dry, you can also add some BBQ sauce before reheating.
This will help to add some moisture and flavor.
Either way, reheating pulled pork in the slow cooker is easy and foolproof.
Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook.
Here you can find more information about the temperature you should cook pork.
Ideas for Meals with Frozen Pulled Pork
There are many different ways to use frozen pulled pork. Here are some ideas:
Tacos: Fill soft tacos with pulled pork, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes.
Serve the pork tacos with sour cream and salsa on the side.
Burritos: Fill burritos with pulled pork, refried beans, and shredded cheese. Roll up the burritos and place them in the oven to melt the cheese.
Serve with salsa on the side.
Quesadillas: Fill quesadillas with pulled pork, shredded cheese, and diced tomatoes. Grill the quesadillas until the cheese melts.
Serve with sour cream on the side.
Sandwiches: Make pulled pork sandwiches by topping a piece of bread with pulled pork, barbecue sauce, and coleslaw.
More ideas using pork? Read here about the Best Keto Pork Rinds.
Side dishes for frozen pulled pork
Regarding side dishes, there are endless possibilities for pairing with frozen pulled pork.
One popular option is mashed potatoes topped with gravy from leftover cooking juices.
Another hearty side is roasted vegetables, which you can cook alongside the pork in the oven.
A simple green salad is a good idea with pulled pork for a lighter option.
You can also serve it with a delicious homemade potato salad.
And, of course, no meal would be complete without bread to soak up all the juices.
Frozen pulled pork is always a good choice whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
And with so many delicious side dish options, you’re sure to find the perfect pairing for your taste.
Sauces for frozen pulled pork
Many different sauces go well with frozen pulled pork.
You can serve it with any of these classic sauces:
- Sweet BBQ sauce
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayonnaise
- Ranch dressing
But if you’re looking for something different than your usual go-to BBQ sauce, why not try one of these sauces on your next batch of frozen pulled pork?
For a tangy and slightly sweet sauce, mix apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and brown sugar.
For a spicy kick, mix equal parts sriracha and ketchup.
And for a more savory sauce, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar.
For the barbecue enthusiasts you can try a homemade BBQ sauce.
Whichever sauce you choose, it’s sure to take your pulled pork to the next level!
Something different? Read here about Barbacoa Vs Carnitas.
FAQs about how to freeze pulled pork
Yes, you can freeze cooked pulled pork. Just be sure to allow the pork to cool completely before freezing it.
Frozen pulled pork will last for up to three months in the freezer.
Yes, you can make tacos with frozen pulled pork. Just be sure to thaw the pork before cooking it.
Once the pork is thawed, fill soft tacos with the pork, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes. Serve with sour cream and salsa on the side.
Refreezing thawed meat can lead to food poisoning, so it is not recommended. Instead, cook the thawed pork immediately.
