Can You Freeze Pulled Pork

Many have been curious about how to store pulled pork properly. You can freeze pulled pork easily – follow our how-to freeze pulled pork steps below.

You can also freeze it if you’re using pork butt or pork shoulder to make pulled pork. This article gives you tips on how to freeze it.

Of course, the next step is how do you reheat frozen pulled pork.

Pulled pork Top freezing Tip of 2024

Let’s say you know you will have leftover pulled pork – leave some in chunks or whole rather than shredding it. Upon freezing you will retain more moisture inside. The frozen pork will taste much better upon defrosting especially if you are making a pulled pork freezer meal or planning to serve pulled pork to a big group and you are making pulled pork in advance.

If you are preparing pulled pork for a party then follow the methods below to freeze it up to several weeks before the big event.

You make also be interested in how much pulled pork do I serve per person for a big group – or how much pulled pork do I need per slider for a party

How to Freeze Pulled Pork

Freezing pulled pork is just an easy thing to do if you have a large freezer that can store the quantity of your pork.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Cook

The first step that you should do is to make sure that your pulled pork is well-cooked. Freezing pulled pork that is not cooked properly is not a good idea and making sure it is properly done to prevent food contamination and food safety.

2. Cool

Never freeze the pork when hot. Let it cool at room temperature for up to 2 hours in the kitchen or a place out of sunlight, then you can put it in the fridge overnight before freezing. Do not forget to cover it. If you want to freeze it immediately after cooking, it is best to let it cool down as much as possible before freezing.

3. Wrap the Portion into batches

Once your pork has cooled down, portion it into small portions and wrap them with plastic wrap, cling film, airtight containers, or resealable freezer bags. This is a practical way to do it so that you will not have to take out everything if you want to cook a small portion. Also, wrapping them well like this is another way to prevent the risk of freezer burn.

How Many Pounds Of Pulled Pork Per Person For Large Group
Pulled Pork can be made ahead of time for a big party.

4. Pack

When packing your pulled pork, make sure that they are packed tightly. Make sure that there is no air between them because this could cause freezer burn. Squeeze out the airtightly to ensure the air is out of the bag.

5. Seal

Once all your pork is wrapped and sealed, put them in the freezer. It’s important to keep them frozen if you do not plan to consume them within a couple of days. 

6. Label and Freeze

Label each batch with the recommended best-by date, according to its original packaging or manufacturer. Labeling each batch with the recommended expiration date helps you know when to throw away expired food.

Labeling all food items’s a good idea because it is easy to forget what it is and certainly when you freeze it. If you store food properly, you will reduce waste and be able to use it longer.

how much pulled pork for 20
Freezing Pulled Pork Done Right – It can last for 6 months

How Long Should You Store Pulled Pork

If you store your pulled pork in the fridge, it can last up to 3-5 days. Moreover, if you seal it inside airtight containers and bags and place it in the freezer, it can last up to 6 months. But if you only have a handful of leftover pulled pork, better store it in the fridge and seal it with an airtight container. 

What are the Types of Pulled Pork

There are many types of pulled pork recipes available online. Some people prefer sweet pulled pork while others like their pulled pork savory, spicy and tangy. It all depends on what type of food you like best. However, there is one thing that you should keep in mind when making pulled pork. 

The main difference between sweet and savory pulled pork is the amount of sugar added to the mixture. Sweet pulled pork typically contains mote sugar than savory pulled pork. 

On the other hand, savory pulled pork has a stronger flavor. So, to make a delicious pulled pork sandwich, you must choose between sweet and savory.

What to Do with Leftover Pulled Pork

There are several ways that you can do with your leftover pulled pork. But one of the best is adding a sweet BBQ sauce with a little brown sugar and lettuce wraps. You can add this to your pork sandwiches or buns paired with refreshing drinks! 

You can also opt to have any of these:

  • Pulled pork Quesadilla
  • Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
  • Pulled Pork Pizza
  • Pulled Pork Sliders
  • Pulled Pork Baked Potato
  • Smoked Pulled Pork Roast

These are just easy recipes if you have mastered them already. Just replace or you can just add it with any main ingredient.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Well Does Pulled Pork Freeze?

It freezes very well, you can always put it in the freezer to enjoy later. Moreover, it can last up to 6 months in the freezer if stored properly with no excess air and at a correct temperature of  0° F (-18° C).

If Done Right Frozen Pulled  Pork is a Good as Fresh Pulled Pork
If Done Right, Frozen Pulled Pork is as Good as Fresh Pulled Pork

Can you freeze pulled pork with sauce?

Yes, you can definitely freeze it with sauces. 

How do you store leftover pulled pork?

Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Alternatively, you can freeze it in airtight containers and bags. To avoid bacteria growth, you must ensure the bag is tightly sealed.

How to Thaw or Defrost Frozen Pulled Pork

There are several ways to thaw or defrost your pulled pork recipe quickly after freezing. Aside from letting it sit at room temperature, you can also opt to do it in the slow cooker, oven, microwave, grill, or stovetop. 

The best way and food-safe way to thaw frozen pulled pork is to defrost it slowly overnight in the fridge.

That way, the meat is kept at all times at a safe temperature and you can then reheat it later.

However, if you need to thaw the pork quicker or that same day, you can use these methods below.

1. How to Thaw Frozen Pulled Pork in A Slow Cooker or Crock Pot

Put the frozen pork and any juices into the slow cooker. You may want to mix up some barbecue sauce before adding them to the pan. Make sure everything mixes well before cooking it.

To thaw pulled pork in a slow cooker follow these steps:

Press the “warm” setting and thaw for at least 2 hours, depending on the quantity. You can check after one hour and turn the frozen pulled-pork to help in an even thawing process. The more pork you have the longer it has to be defrosted.

The pork is now defrosted and you are now ready to use the pork as is or continue to make it warmer. 

2. How to Defrost Pulled Pork in The Oven

To defrost and device (any ice crystals that have formed in the freezing process) your frozen pulled pork in the oven, follow these steps:

  1. Preheat it to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Place the frozen pork in a roasting pan or baking pan and pour the juices, if any. You can also add a little apple juice to help keep the defrosting pork moist.
  3. Cover the baking pan with a tight-fitting lid or an aluminum foil sheet.
  4. Bake for 20-30 minutes and check if the center is thawed – you can use a probe thermometer.
  5. If the pork is thawed, add your barbecue sauce if desired, give it another 5 minutes. 
  6. Let the defrosted pulled pork rest or stand for 5 minutes.

3. How to Defrost Pulled Pork in The Microwave

  1. This option is the easiest and most convenient way to thaw your pulled pork. Here’s how to do it:
  2. Put the pork and juices into a large bowl.
  3. Pour enough water into a smaller bowl or microwave-safe container to cover the top of the meat.
  4. Depending on the quantity of pulled pork, heat the bowl containing the pork and juices in the microwave for 5 minutes, stirring every 3 minutes, and checking that it is defrosting evenly.
  5. Remove the bowl from the microwave and let it stand for 1 minute.
  6. Drain off the liquid and discard it – add BBQ sauce to keep it moist.

4. How to Thaw Frozen Pulled Pork on A Stovetop

This is the least desirable way to defrost the frozen pork butt quickly or should. Use medium heat on the stovetop. Follow these steps:

  1. Bring a pot of water to boil over high heat then reduce the temperature to have simmering water.
  2. If you are going to place the frozen pork in the water directly, add a little bit of salt and black pepper to help retain the flavor profile. 
  3. I prefer to put the pork in a water-safe bag and thaw that way in water – this of course, retains the juices and flavors.
  4. Simmer covered for 30 minutes and check if the pork has begun to thaw – at this stay you may choose to separate any big chunks of frozen pork that are sticking together.
  5. Turn off the heat, let cool slightly, then drain when you deem it has defrosted.

After you have chosen which method to use in thawing, you can cook it again and turn it into pulled pork tacos or pulled pork sandwiches, or pulled pork sliders.