Can You Freeze Pickled Pork? A Complete Guide

One thing I learned from making red beans over the years is that it’s a labor of love. There’s more to it than quickly gathering some ingredients together and dumping it into a pot. I learned that the key to making a great pot of beans is to build up the flavors, just like in gumbo or jambalaya.

Pickled pork is a delicious way to preserve pork and infuse it with bold, tangy flavor. The brining process keeps the meat fresh longer while also tenderizing it. But can you freeze pickled pork to extend its shelf life even further?

The short answer is yes! Freezing is an effective storage method for pickled pork Properly frozen, it can last for several months However, there are some important steps to follow for successfully freezing and thawing brined pork.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about freezing pickled pork, including:

Should you brine pork before or after freezing?
How long does pickled pork last in the freezer?
How to freeze pickled pork properly
Tips for best quality frozen pickled pork
How to safely thaw frozen pickled pork
Can you refreeze thawed pickled pork?
How to store and use thawed pickled pork

Follow these freezing. thawing and storage tips for delicious pickled pork anytime!

Should You Brine Pork Before or After Freezing?

For best texture and flavor, it is recommended to freeze fresh pork first, then thaw and brine it later. Here’s why:

Freezing fresh pork right away locks in maximum freshness and quality. Brining later ensures the meat stays as fresh as possible.
Brined or pickled pork absorbs liquid during the process, which can lead to larger ice crystals and texture changes during freezing.
Plain frozen pork absorbs the brine solution better when thawed and pickled. This allows full flavor infusion into the meat.
It takes time to properly thaw and brine pork. Freezing unbrined lets you pickle on demand.

So freeze pork first, then thaw and brine as needed. The brine will still penetrate the thawed meat well.

How Long Does Pickled Pork Last Frozen?

When frozen at 0°F or below, properly stored pickled pork can last:

Raw pickled pork: 3 to 4 months for best quality. It may last up to 6 months frozen but the flavor can suffer over time.
Cooked pickled pork: 2 to 3 months before noticeable decline in texture and taste.

Check frozen pickled pork occasionally for any signs of freezer burn, odor changes, dryness or shriveling. Discard if any are present.

How to Freeze Pickled Pork

Follow these steps for freezing pickled pork correctly:

Choose fresh, high-quality pork. Freeze raw pork within 2 days of purchasing if possible.
Cut the pork into smaller 4-6 inch chunks or slabs before freezing. This makes thawing quicker and brining easier later.
Wrap each pork piece individually in plastic wrap, pressing out excess air. Then place wrapped pork in freezer bags.
Remove as much air as possible from bags before sealing tightly. This prevents freezer burn.
Label the freezer bags with quantity, date, and contents. Freeze at 0°F or below right away.
Once frozen solid, consolidate bags to save space. Place parchment between bags when stacking to prevent freezing together.

Tips for Best Quality Frozen Pickled Pork

Follow these tips for the highest quality frozen pickled pork:

Double wrap pork pieces or use vacuum sealing to protect from oxidation and freezer burn.
Freeze pork in single layers on trays first until solid, then pack together in bags.
For large batches, chill pork thoroughly in the refrigerator first for faster freezing.
Use an instant-read thermometer to verify your freezer is 0°F or below.
Organize freezer bags neatly so pork can be found easily when needed.
Track freezer times and brine thawed pork within recommended timeframes.

How to Safely Thaw Frozen Pickled Pork

Always thaw frozen pickled pork in the refrigerator or with cold running water. Never thaw on the counter at room temperature.

Here are some safe methods for thawing:

Refrigerator thaw: Allow 24 hours for every 4-5 lbs of frozen pork. Place on a tray to catch drips.
Cold water thaw: Submerge bagged pork in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes. About 30 minutes per pound.
Microwave: Only if pork will be cooked immediately. Use defrost function and stop to redistribute several times.

Once thawed, brine pork within 2 days for best freshness. Discard any pork with an unpleasant smell or slimy appearance after thawing.

Brining and Cooking Previously Frozen Pork

Previously frozen pickled pork needs a slightly longer brining time than fresh pork. Follow these tips:

Soak thawed pork for 12-18 hours in the brine to fully penetrate the meat. Fresh pork takes 6-12 hours typically.
Inject thick pork cuts with brine using a syringe for added flavor distribution if needed.
Add 30 minutes up to 1 hour extra to recipe cook times for thawed pork. Frozen meat can take longer to become tender.
Use a meat thermometer and cook thawed pork to recommended safe internal temperatures.

How to Use Frozen Pickled Pork

Thawed, properly brined pickled pork can be swapped into all your favorite recipes that call for fresh pork. Delicious ways to enjoy it include:

In tacos, sandwiches, pizza toppings
Diced into bean dishes, soups, or stir fries
Shredded for pulled pork
On charcuterie or antipasto boards
Mixed into potato salad, pasta salad
As a topping for nachos, baked potatoes, omelets
As an ingredient in roasts, meatballs, meatloaf

Can You Refreeze Thawed Pickled Pork?

Previously frozen pickled pork can be safely refrozen, but the texture quality will decline after multiple freezes.

For best results, only refreeze thawed pickled pork once. Be sure the pork was thawed in the refrigerator properly and brined within 2 days before re-freezing.

When refreezing pickled pork:

Rewrap the pork pieces in plastic wrap and new freezer bags.
Remove as much air as possible and seal bags tightly.
Refreeze at 0°F immediately and use within 1 month.
Do not refreeze pork left out more than 2 hours at room temperature.

Storing Thawed Pickled Pork

Follow these guidelines when storing thawed pickled pork:

Refrigerate brined thawed pork no more than 5 days before cooking.
Keep thawed pork chilled at 40°F or below.
Place in sealed containers on the lowest fridge shelf to prevent contamination.
Use thawed pickled pork within 3-4 days for best freshness and texture.
Discard any pork with an unpleasant smell or slimy, sticky appearance after thawing.

Enjoy Delicious Pickled Pork Anytime

By mastering the proper techniques for freezing, thawing, and storing pickled pork, you can safely freeze it for up to 6 months. Thaw and brine as needed for bold, tangy flavor in soups, salads, sandwiches, and more! Follow these tips for pickled pork ready anytime.

can you freeze pickled pork

Where to get Pickled Pork?

Pickled pork is an important part of Creole and Cajun cooking in New Orleans. You can buy pickled pork already packaged at almost all southern Louisiana supermarkets. One of the more popular brands is Savoie’s or Richard’s. You can always order pickled pork online at CajunGrocer if you’re not in southern Louisiana and can’t find it. com.

What is Pickled Pork?

The only way to describe it is as pork shoulder that has been preserved in a brine made of vinegar, salt, sugar, seasoning, and other things. The process of pickling pork began back in the days before refrigeration. Pickling the pork kept it from going bad in the hot and humid city of New Orleans and made it last longer so that no meat went to waste.

If you’ve never had pickled meat before, put some in your beans. It won’t make them taste like pickles—there’s no dill flavor—but it will give them a vinegar flavor that you can’t get any other way.

I guess I didn’t want to try pickled pork until now because it adds more seasoning and depth of flavor to the pot. The pickled pork goes well with more than just red beans. It also tastes great with white beans and even smothered cabbage.

How To Make Pickled Pork

FAQ

Can pickled pork be frozen?

Your pickled pork will come to you in a vacuum sealed bag, to help keep you meat fresher for longer, when refrigerated below 5°C. Pickled pork is not recommended to be frozen, as it will impact the quality and taste of the brine.

How long does uncooked pickled pork last in the fridge?

Refrigerate at least 1 week, turning each bag once daily. Remove pork from brine; freeze or use within two weeks.

Can you freeze pork that has been brined?

We would prefer not to brine and then freeze the pork loin. Brining adds moisture to the meat and as water expands when frozen, there is a risk that this extra liquid will break down the cells of the meat and leave it a little mushy in texture.

Can you freeze already cooked pork and sauerkraut?

After it’s cooked, pork and sauerkraut can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Anything that you don’t finish after that can be frozen and preserved for up to a year in the freezer.

Does pickle juice need to be refrigerated?

Pickle juice does not need to be refrigerated, but most people find that the drink tastes much better chilled than at room temperature. It must be stored away from excessive heat in a cool, dry place. Pickle juice remains safe and stable at room temperature as long as it is still sealed. Once unsealed, you will need to refrigerate it.

How long does pickled pork last in the freezer?

Properly stored, uncooked pickled pork can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Wrap the pickled pork in plastic bags and place it in a zip-freezer bag. Check the smell and color of the pickled pork to determine if they’re still in good condition. Discard pork with a foul odor, slimy texture, or dull stain.

Can pickled pork be refrigerated?

Refrigerating Let the pickled pork with its juices cool to room temperature. Wrap in a plastic wrapper in portions (For easier reheating), and place them in the fridge. Leftover pickled pork should last up to 4 days in the refrigerator if properly stored.