Almost every method used for cooking pulled pork will result in leftovers. In some cases, you may have pounds of leftover meat you want to reheat later for further enjoyment. There are a number of options for reheating pulled pork depending on the texture you want.
If you only have certain appliances available, you can get creative even when heating up this dish for a crowd. Use these tips to ensure the meat turns out flavorful and juicy every time.
The Oven Method
One of the most reliable ways of reheating pulled pork is to use a covered dish in the oven. Set the oven to 225 degrees F. Add your thawed pulled pork to a glass or metal baking dish. Pour in about ¼ cup of liquid per pound of meat.
Chicken or beef broth is a good choice, as is apple juice or barbecue sauce mixed half and half with broth or water. Cover the dish with a tight-fitting lid or a layer of aluminum foil.
Bake the dish for 20 to 45 minutes, or until the meat is heated to at least 140 degrees F again. If you want some crispiness, take the foil off and give the meat 15 minutes of open warming.
The Microwave Method
For the quickest results, grab your thawed pulled pork and a damp paper towel. Make sure it’s not dripping wet and add about ¼th cup of liquid to the meat per two to three pounds. Heat the pulled pork in a glass microwave-safe dish, covered only by the paper towel, for 1 minute at a time. When it’s steaming and hot in the center, it’s ready to serve.
The Skillet Method
You can add a lot of extra flavor and a crisper texture to the pulled pork by using the stovetop. It’s also a relatively quick method, but you’ll need to stay on top of it and won’t be able to warm more than a pound or two at a time.
Use large cast iron skillets and load the pulled pork into them, being careful not to pack too much in each one. Place a quarter of a stick of butter on top of each mound of meat, then pour in 1/4th cup of flavorful liquid into each pan. Cover with aluminum foil or a lid and heat over low heat for about 20 to 30 minutes. Uncover and stir the meat after 15 minutes, heating it the rest of the way uncovered.
The Crock Pot Method
The slow cooker is a hands-off method for reheating pulled pork. Add your meat and about 1/4th cup of liquid per two pounds of meat. You don’t have to leave a lot of free space for stirring, but don’t pack the slow cooker too tightly either. Add a quarter to half stick of butter on top, then add the lid.
Heat the pulled pork for about 1 hour on low before stirring and checking the temperature. Bring the meat up to 140 degrees F and keep it there until you’re done serving it all. You can add your desired barbecue sauce and mix everything together in the slow cooker for a convenient way to serve everyone at a potluck or cookout.
The Air Fryer Method
For maximum crispy tips and bits, load about ½ pound of pulled pork into your air fryer at a time. It should have enough fat to keep itself from sticking, but only give it a few minutes of heat before taking it out. It’ll heat quickly and may stick or darken if you let it cook for too long. You can run a few batches through the air fryer for crispy and flavorful reheated pork that is perfect for sandwiches.
The Sous Vide Method
Frozen pulled pork usually requires a lengthy thaw in the refrigerator before it’s reheated. Skip this step if your leftovers are already packed in vacuum-sealed packages. Heat a pot of water to around 150 degrees.
You can use a fancy sous vide device for this step, or you can just place a pot over a low heat source and use a thermometer to track the temperature. Heat the sealed package for around 1 to 2 hours at that temperature. The resulting meat will come out hot, juicy, and just as good as when it was freshly smoked.
How many times can you reheat pulled pork?
Pulled pork will lose flavor and texture each time you reheat it, not to mention creating a potential safety risk. Aim to only reheat each batch of meat once after cooking and discard what you don’t eat. Breaking down the pulled pork into multiple smaller batches before freezing or storing will reduce the need to reheat a large amount at a time.
Conclusion
Leftover pulled pork can taste just as great as the freshly smoked variety when you reheat it with care. Just be sure to add a liquid that introduces some extra flavor to the mix as it steams the meat for a tender and juicy texture. Whether you use your slow cooker, oven, or a skillet, you’ll be happy with the results.