I am hosting a family get together and one of the meals will be pulled pork. I would like to cook it the day before and reheat. How should a large amount be reheated so that it stays moist? I don’t put BBQ sauce on the meat; I just serve it with sauce.
Houzz uses cookies to optimize your experience. For more information read our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Customize your preferences here.
Leftover pulled pork is a delicious treat, but reheating it properly is key to maintaining its texture and flavor. Using an oven roaster is one of the best methods for evenly and gently reheating large batches of pulled pork. Follow this guide to learn everything you need to know about reheating pulled pork in a roaster.
Why Use a Roaster for Reheating Pulled Pork?
Roasters are designed to distribute heat gently and evenly around food. This makes them ideal for reheating large, dense foods like pulled pork without drying it out or cooking it unevenly.
Benefits of using a roaster:
- Even heat distribution – No cold or hot spots
- Large capacity – Can reheat big batches well
- Gentle heat – Prevents meat from drying out
- Allows use of moisture – Keeps pork juicy
- Minimal hands-on time – Just set and forget
Roasters provide the perfect environment for pulled pork reheating success.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reheating Pulled Pork in a Roaster
Follow these simple steps for foolproof pulled pork reheating every time:
1. Prepare the Roaster
Make sure your roaster is clean and free of any residue from previous uses. Wash thoroughly if needed.
2. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 250°F. This low, gentle heat prevents drying out the pork.
3. Add Moisture
Adding liquid to the roaster provides moisture and steam which keeps the pork tender. Use broth, cider, juice or even barbecue sauce.
4. Place Pulled Pork in Roaster
Distribute the pork evenly in the roaster. Divide into smaller batches if reheating a very large quantity.
5. Cover the Roaster
Covering the roaster tightly with foil prevents moisture loss during reheating.
6. Reheat
Place roaster in oven and allow 30-40 minutes per pound, until pork reaches 165°F internally.
7. Check and Stir Occasionally
Periodically check and stir the pork to ensure even reheating. Add more moisture if needed.
Roaster Reheating Tips and Tricks
- Add smoked pork drippings or defatted cooking liquid for extra flavor.
- Stir in additional barbecue sauce or seasoning once reheated.
- Keep roast uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes for crisper bark.
- Use broth, juice or cider for moisture instead of plain water.
- Reheat smaller batches for better control of doneness.
- Allow resting time before serving to allow moisture to evenly distribute.
Common Roaster Reheating Mistakes
- Not adding moisture – leads to dry, tough pork.
- Heating at too high temperature – dries out exterior.
- Reheating too long – overcooked pork.
- Uneven heating – stir periodically to prevent.
- Not covering roaster – causes moisture loss.
- Not allowing resting time – juices don’t redistribute.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should I reheat pulled pork at?
Between 250-275°F is ideal. This gentle heat prevents drying without risk of unsafe undercooked pork.
How long does it take to reheat pulled pork in a roaster?
Allow 30-40 minutes per pound. A 5 lb batch will need 2.5 – 3 hours for thorough, even reheating.
Should I add liquid when reheating pulled pork in a roaster?
Yes, adding broth, juice, cider vinegar or barbecue sauce provides needed moisture and flavor.
Do I need to cover the roaster when reheating pulled pork?
Covering the roaster is crucial to trap in steam and moisture during reheating. Use foil or a tight fitting lid.
Can I reheat pulled pork from frozen in a roaster?
Yes, just allow additional reheating time. It may take twice as long from frozen than from refrigerated.
Sample Roaster Pulled Pork Reheating Recipes
BBQ Pulled Pork Roaster
- 5 lbs pulled pork
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1⁄2 cup apple cider
- 1⁄4 cup smoked pork drippings (optional)
Cider Pulled Pork Roaster
- 3 lbs pulled pork
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1⁄4 cup cider vinegar
- 2 tsp ranch seasoning
Caribbean Jerk Pulled Pork Roaster
- 4 lbs pulled pork
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1⁄4 cup Jamaican jerk marinade
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
The Takeaway
Reheating pulled pork in an oven roaster allows for even, gentle heating that keeps the pork moist and tender. Follow the tips in this guide for reheating success every time. With minimal effort, you can enjoy delicious newly-smoked tasting pulled pork using your trusty roaster. Get ready for amazing leftovers!
