So you made a big batch of pulled pork and you're wondering about the best way to store it. Can you freeze it? How long does it last? Does pulled pork go bad? And what is the best container to store it in? Learn all this and more!
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Pulled pork is one of my favorite foods and is regularly in our dinner rotation.
One of the things that I love about making it is how it yields a large batch and can be repurposed in so many different ways.
But in order to ensure that the hard work of making it doesn't go to waste, it is imperative to store it well to maintain quality and freshness.
So, if you've been wondering about freezing pulled pork and other storage options, I'm sharing all of my best food storage tips for pulled pork.
How Long Does Pulled Last
First, let's start off with how long leftover pulled pork lasts, particularly in terms of food safety.
At Room Temperature- According to the USDA, once food is cooked to a safe temperature, if must spend a maximum two hours between the temperatures of 40 F to 140 F (4 C to 60 C) and less time is recommended. Since room temperature falls within this range, it is advised to store pork at room temperature for no more than an hour- essentially just the time that it takes to serve it.
Note: While you might see some sources suggesting to cool your pork to room temperature before packaging, this is not advised by food safety standards as your pork would spend a prolonged time in the "danger zone" of temperatures which puts it at higher risk of rapid bacteria growth.
Instead, you should cool it rapidly by placing it into shallow, covered containers and refrigerating it as soon as possible in order to cool it down quickly and reduce the time that bacteria would be able to grow rapidly.
Refrigerated- In my research, most sources including the USDA and Health Canada state that leftover cooked meats can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Frozen- Pulled pork freezes well and will maintain the best quality in the freezer for 2-3 months but is safe indefinitely, as long as the temperature is consistently below 0 degrees. Below, I'll detail my freezing process in order to maintain freshness and minimize the risk of freezer burn. Technically, freezer burnt food is still safe to consume but it is certainly not as enjoyable. (Source: USDA Website)
What To Store Pulled Pork In
You can store your leftovers in individual portions or large batches depending on how you plan to use it. Depending on your plan, choose a size of container or resealable plastic bag that is appropriate for the size of leftover meat you are storing in order to minimize the air exposure.
- Airtight Container- For almost all leftovers, good quality airtight containers are my go-to whether refrigerating or freezing. They ensure that minimal moisture is lost (no one wants dry pork!) and I also prefer something that is reusable. Make sure your use a container that the pork fills so that there isn't extra air stored with it that can cause it to dry out.
- Zip Top Bag- Alternatively, you can use a large resealable freezer bag for storage if you don't large enough containers for the portions that you want to freeze. If going this route, it is best to use bags that are specified for freezer use to ensure that your pork doesn't dry out and also you should squeeze out as much air as possible.
How to Store Pulled Pork
1. Cool rapidly. To keep your leftover pork outside of the "danger zone" of temperatures, we want to get it into the refrigerator as soon as possible. For most rapid cooling, it is best to divide it into several covered small portion containers or to place it into a large container (such as a roasting pan covered with aluminum foil) so that it can be spread into a thin layer to cool faster.
2. Store. Once cooled, you can move it into your preferred storage containers if that wasn't what you cooled it in and then return it to the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze. If there are leftover cooking juices with the pulled pork, pour them over the pork to help it to retain moisture.
Can You Freeze Pulled Pork
You definitely can. In fact, frozen pork, when done right, is the best option to ensure your batch of pulled pork lasts long enough for you to enjoy at a much later date.
While leftover pork typically lasts for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, you can easily preserve it for 3 months in the freezer.
How to Freeze Pulled Pork
1. Cool rapidly. Whether refrigerating or freezing, the first step is the same- cool the pork fast. Even if I am freezing some of the pork, I tend to cool it all in the refrigerator first and then package some up for freezing. I prefer to do this because placing a large quantity of hot meat in the freezer can cause some of the other foods in the freezer to partially thaw temporarily.
2. Package. If you didn't cool it in the container that you plan to freeze it in, once cooled, place it into freezer bags or a freezer-safe container. I recommend labelling with the date so that you don't forget when it was from.
Note: Do you know what causes freezer burn? It is a loss of moisture from excess air exposure. In order to avoid this, choose a size of container or bag that limits excess air and if you don't have good quality airtight containers, you can add layer of plastic wrap over the pork before placing the lid on.
3. Freeze. Place in the freezer and plan to use within 2-3 months for best quality of the meat.
TIP: When freezing several containers or bags, spread them out in the freezer so that they freeze quickly rather than stacking them on one another which prolongs the time it takes to freeze. Once frozen, though, you can stack them as needed.
Thawing and Using Frozen Pulled Pork
You can thaw leftovers safely by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or you can rewarm them straight from frozen.
Ensure your leftovers heat up to a safe internal temperature 165 F and then use as desired. For small batches, I tend to just microwave them but for large batches, you can reheat them on the stove top.
Some of my favorite ways to use pulled pork leftovers are:
Top Tips for Pulled Pork Storage
- Cool At Cold Temperatures
- This is so, so important. In order to minimize the risk of excessive bacteria growth, you should cool your pork in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature.
- Label
- It can be helpful to label your container with the date that you made the pork, the date that you froze it (if freezing) and the amount frozen in the bag (so you know the amount for use in future recipes).
- Reduce the Amount of Air in the Storage Container (when freezing)
- Fill the container that you are using completely or push as much air out of the bag (if using a zip top bag) in order to reduce the amount of extra air.
- Store with the Extra Cooking Liquid
- Any additional cooking liquid should be reserved to help prevent the pork from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Health Canada states that "you can't tell if a food is unsafe by its smell or taste", and therefore if you are questioning whether or not something is safe to eat, it may be best to throw it out.
Even if it has been stored for less time than is considered safe, you should definitely throw it out if you notice any mold or organic growth, if has an off taste, if is has an off smell, color changes or if you just have a gut feeling that it has gone bad.
Yes, the USDA states that "once food is thawed in the refrigerator, it is safe to refreeze without cooking".
Though for best results, it is a good idea to not freeze/thaw/freeze if you can avoid it, as it can affect the quality and cause moisture loss.
It is good news that if you froze it in a large quantity but you only need a bit to make whatever delicious meal you are planning, the rest of the pork doesn't have to go to waste.
Pulled Pork Recipes and Sides
Related: How Much Pork per Person and Ways to Eat Pulled Pork (Besides Sandwiches)
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