When I make pulled pork for my family or friends, I usually have some leftovers. The pork leftovers can be stored in the fridge or the freezer to eat again. They can also be used in other dishes and recipes. It’s honestly the best part of making pulled pork — having delicious, ready-to-eat meat for days.
How long does pulled pork last, though, and what are some creative ways to use up the rest?
Smoked pulled pork is a classic barbecue dish that is tender, juicy, and full of smoky flavor. It’s made by slowly smoking a pork shoulder or pork butt for many hours until the meat becomes fall-apart tender. Then, the pork is pulled or shredded into bite-sized pieces. With all that time and effort put into making pulled pork, you’ll likely have leftovers to enjoy later on. But how long does smoked pulled pork last in the fridge?
Factors That Affect How Long Pulled Pork Lasts
There are a few key factors that impact how long leftover pulled pork will last refrigerated
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How it was handled and stored – Was the pork properly wrapped or stored in airtight containers? This helps block contaminants and preserve freshness.
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Fridge temperature – The temperature should stay consistently at or below 40°F Higher temps allow bacteria growth
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How it was cooked – Was it cooked to a safe internal temperature and handled properly afterwards? Proper cooking kills bacteria.
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Conditions of the fridge – A clean, organized fridge preserves food longer.
Taking all these factors into account, properly cooked and stored pulled pork can safely last in the fridge for 3-4 days
USDA Recommendations for Leftover Pork
According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, cooked pork leftovers like pulled pork can be safely stored in the refrigerator 3 to 4 days. For optimal freshness and quality, they recommend using the leftovers within 3 days.
It’s always important to use your senses too. Give leftovers a look or smell before eating. Any off odors, textures, or appearance means play it safe and toss out the pork.
Storing Pulled Pork in the Fridge
To maximize pulled pork’s shelf life in the refrigerator, proper storage is key:
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Store in airtight containers like sealed Tupperware or zip-top bags with excess air squeezed out.
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Make sure all stored pork is completely sealed or covered to prevent cross-contamination.
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Divide into smaller portions to avoid contaminating all of it each time the container is opened.
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Ensure the fridge temperature stays at 40°F or below.
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Place leftovers in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking. Don’t leave pulled pork in the “danger zone” between 40°F-140°F.
Follow these fridge storage guidelines and your leftover pulled pork should easily last 3-4 days.
Freezing Leftover Pulled Pork
For longer term storage, you can freeze pulled pork for 2 to 6 months. Use vacuum sealed bags or freezer bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Portion into usable amounts so you can thaw only what you need.
Make sure to label the freezer bags with the date so you know how long it’s been frozen. Also, note the type of pork and any spices or seasonings used.
Thawing Pulled Pork Safely
Always thaw frozen pork in the refrigerator, allowing 24 hours for a slow, safe thaw. You can also submerge sealed bags in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Avoid thawing at room temp or in hot water which allows bacteria growth in the “danger zone.”
Once thawed, use within 3 to 4 days. Do not refreeze thawed pulled pork. Cook immediately if thawed in cold water.
How to Tell If Pulled Pork Has Gone Bad
Even when stored properly, leftovers eventually spoil. Check your pulled pork for signs it has gone bad before eating:
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Unusual odor – Bad pork smells rancid, sour, or unpleasant. Trust your nose.
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Color changes – Grayish, greenish, or dull colors indicate spoilage. Good pork is tan to pink.
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Slimy texture – Spoiled pork feels exceptionally soft or slimy. Discard if this occurs.
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Mold – Any fuzzy growth means pork is past safe consumption. Always discard moldy pork.
When in doubt, remember the old adage “When in doubt, throw it out!” Don’t risk eating spoiled pork.
Food Safety Tips for Pulled Pork
Follow these food safety guidelines when cooking, storing, and reheating pulled pork:
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Cook pork to at least 145°F internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
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Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacteria growth. Use within 3-4 days.
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When reheating, heat leftovers to 165°F. Only reheat what you plan to immediately eat.
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Do not leave pork at room temperature for more than 2 hours total time.
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Discard pork left above 40°F for over 4 hours (1 hour if temps are above 90°F). Don’t take chances with the “danger zone.”
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Check for spoilage signs like odd smells, textures, or appearance before consuming.
Following proper food handling and storage guidelines will help keep you and your family safe while enjoying delicious smoked pulled pork for days to come. Trust your eyes and nose, monitor fridge temps, freeze for long term storage, and you can safely enjoy pulled pork leftovers for up to 3 to 4 days.
What is the safe eating temperature for pork?
According to the USDA guidelines, the safe eating temperature for pork is 145°F. Typically when I make smoked pulled pork, I cook it until it’s 200°F, which is well beyond the safe internal temperature requirements.
Taking it to 200°F is necessary for you to “pull” or shred it apart before serving. This temperature also helps to break down the connective tissues, making the pork tender and juicy.
Choosing the right cut of pork
Let’s first talk about the main ingredient — the pork itself. The most commonly used cuts for pulled pork are pork shoulder (picnic roast) and pork butt (Boston butt).
These are tougher cuts of meat with a good amount of connective tissue and fat. That makes them perfect for slow cooking and shredding.
Slow cooking breaks down the meat’s connective tissue and melts the fat, which keeps the meat juicy, loose, and moist.
When you go to buy meat, look for marbling, which are white lines of fat running through the meat. This will add a lot of flavor and moisture to your pulled pork.
Freeze BBQ – How To Store and Freeze Leftover BBQ Pulled Pork
FAQ
How long will smoked pulled pork last in the refrigerator?
Can you eat pulled pork after 5 days?
How long can you keep Jack Daniel’s pulled pork in the fridge?
How long can vacuum sealed pork last in the fridge?
How long can you keep smoked pulled pork in the fridge?
That includes that low-and-slow smoked pulled pork. If you’ve bought a pork butt or shoulder and are bringing it home to smoke, the USDA recommends keeping it in the fridge for up to five days. Here at Angry BBQ, we’ve spent our fair share of time around pulled pork.
Can cooked pulled pork be refrigerated?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), cooked pulled pork can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days at a temperature of 40°F or below. This assumes that the pulled pork was properly cooked and cooled before being refrigerated. Factors Affecting Shelf Life
How long does pulled pork last?
Fortunately, there are ways to make your pulled pork last. Ideally, pulled pork should be refrigerated within 2 hours after being cooked. Chilling the meat beyond this time period won’t really affect the flavor, but it can expose the meat to other elements. Your pulled pork can be safely stored in the fridge for 4 days.
How long does cooked pork last?
Pulled pork can last in the fridge for up to 4 days if stored properly. How Long Does Cooked Pulled Pork Last? Pulled pork is a barbeque delicacy usually that is especially popular in the Southern portion of the United States. It is made by slow-cooking pork shoulder over wood.