Pulled pork is a delicious barbecue dish that’s great for large gatherings. But you may have leftovers after the party’s over. There are a few simple ways to reheat pulled pork so that it tastes just as good the next day. In this article, we’ll provide instructions for reheating pulled pork using the oven, microwave, crockpot, and air fryer.
Pulled pork is a crowd-pleasing dish but like any barbecue meat, you’ll likely have leftovers after the party ends. Fortunately reheating pulled pork in a crock pot allows you to revive the tender, juicy shredded meat to its original succulent glory.
With the right technique, reheated pulled pork can taste just as moist, flavorful and delicious as it did fresh off the smoker. Follow this guide to learn how long to reheat pulled pork in a crock pot for optimal results.
Why Use a Crock Pot for Pulled Pork Leftovers?
A crock pot, or slow cooker is ideal for reheating leftover pulled pork for several reasons
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Keeps the pork moist – The slow, indirect heat prevents drying out.
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Infuses flavor – Allows you to add extra sauce or broth.
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Hands-off convenience – Just add pork, set and let it gently reheat.
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No risk of burning – The crock pot won’t get hot enough to burn.
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Warm setting keeps it ready – Hold at serving temp until guests arrive.
How Long to Reheat Pulled Pork in a Crock Pot
The optimal reheat time for pulled pork in a crock pot is 2 to 4 hours on the warm or low setting. This provides enough time for the meat to come up to temperature without overcooking.
Factors that affect the reheat time:
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Amount of pork – The more meat, the longer it takes to reheat through.
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Shred size – Smaller shreds reheat quicker than big chunks.
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Desired temperature – Heating just to warm vs. hot and ready to serve.
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Crock pot model – Some heat faster than others. Monitor yours.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reheating Pulled Pork
Follow these simple steps:
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Shred the pork: Break up large chunks into smaller shreds if needed.
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Add liquid: Pour in 1⁄2 cup broth, sauce, juice or water.
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Put pork in crock: Spread in an even layer in crock pot.
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Cover and cook: Set crock to warm or low for 2-4 hours.
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Check temperature: Test center of pork for desired heat.
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Adjust seasoning: Add more sauce and spices if needed.
Handy Tips for Crock Pot Pulled Pork
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Don’t overfill crock – Leave room for steam to circulate and heat evenly.
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Add smoke flavor – Stir in leftover wood chip liquid.
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Prevent drying – Mix in extra BBQ sauce or apple juice.
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Check doneness – Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
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Let stand 5 minutes – Allows juices to absorb after removing lid.
More Delicious Ways to Enjoy Leftover Pulled Pork
Reheated pulled pork makes for endless quick and easy meals:
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Tacos and burritos
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Pizza and nachos
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Sandwiches and sliders
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Omelets and breakfast bowls
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Salads and grain bowls
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Pasta dishes and flatbreads
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Soups, chili and stews
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Casseroles and pot pies
With minimal effort, you can revive leftover pulled pork to its original succulence. Just place the shredded meat in the crock pot, add a little liquid, set the heat to low and in 2-4 hours you’ll have hot, saucy and mouthwateringly tender pulled pork ready to devour all over again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I keep leftover pulled pork?
In the fridge up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze for 2-3 months.
Can I reheat pulled pork twice?
It’s not recommended. Reheat only once for food safety. Discard any leftovers after reheating.
What temperature should pulled pork be reheated to?
Heat to 165°F or higher before serving to destroy harmful bacteria.
Is it better to reheat pulled pork in the oven or crockpot?
The slow, moist heat of the crockpot gives the best results for tender, juicy pulled pork.
Reviving leftover pulled pork in the crock pot is easy, convenient and foolproof. With this simple method, you can rediscover the magic of freshly smoked flavor even days later. Just be sure to allot sufficient time for the meat to gently come up to temperature all the way through. In no time, you’ll be indulging in tender, mouthwatering pulled pork once again.
Reheating Pulled Pork in the Microwave
The microwave provides a quick way to reheat individual portions of pulled pork.
Ingredients:
- Leftover pulled pork
- Barbecue sauce, broth, or water (optional)
Instructions:
- Place the pulled pork in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of liquid if needed.
- Microwave on HIGH for 60-90 seconds until heated through.
- Stir and continue microwaving in 30 second intervals until hot.
- Watch out not to cook the pork too much or it might get tough.
Tips:
- Cover the dish with a paper towel to prevent splattering.
- Stir halfway through cooking for even heating.
- Add barbecue sauce after reheating so it doesn’t splatter.
Reheating Pulled Pork in the Oven
The oven is a simple way to reheat large batches of pulled pork. Follow these steps:
Ingredients:
- Leftover pulled pork
- Barbecue sauce or broth (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Place the pulled pork in an oven-safe dish. You can eat it as is, or you can add some barbecue sauce or broth to make it more moist.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Take off the foil and bake for 10 more minutes to make the outside crispy.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips:
- If the pork looks dry, add a splash of water or apple cider vinegar.
- Bake in a cast iron pan to make the outside nice and crispy.