How To Reheat Pulled Pork? Varied Techniques You Need To Know
Planning to reheat pulled pork but you don’t have no idea how? Well, upon reading this article, you will learn some of the best techniques on how to reheat pulled pork.
Are you familiar with pulled pork? Based on regional recipes, pulled pork might differ in flavor. However, the basic concept is universal, and that is slow-cooked, smoked and seasoned pork that is pulled from the bone or the boneless roast and shredded. But, are you familiar on how to reheat pulled pork?
Indeed, reheating pulled pork could be a bit tricky as it could dry out and get tough, or it might be too rubbery or soft once not done properly. Nice to know that there are varied ways to consider once into reheating pulled pork.
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How To Reheat Pulled Pork? Different Techniques To Consider
Take note that the proper means of reheating the meat will begin once you are done initially smoking it. With that, you have various options on how to reheat pulled pork. Below are some of these options, along with the items needed and the step by step instructions that will guide you all throughout:
Items Needed
For all the techniques we will consider, here are the needed items:
1. Pulled Pork: For pulled pork, the shoulder cut is ideal since its fat content could generate juicy and tender meat. Cooking might usually be done in a conventional oven or a meat smoker. Frozen or refrigerated pulled pork is advised.
Via sweetphi.com
2. Pulled Pork Drippings: Catch the drippings as you cook the pulled pork for you to use as you plan to reheat the leftovers the next day. Apple juice might be combined with drippings.
Via epicurious.com
3. Apple Juice: So, you also need an apple juice. Why? Apple juice will make the pulled pork remains tender and juicy once reheated.
4. Broth: Adding some meat broth such as chicken broth can also moisten the leftovers. And mixing this with apple juice could also be considered.
5. Meat Thermometer: This one will be used to measure the temperature of the meat to know if it is already done.
These are the essential items needed for almost all the techniques. But take note, that other item might be required for every method. No worry as I will mention it later.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Again, there are different options on how to reheat pulled pork. Here, I will be providing you four of these options. Instructions and additional items needed will be included in each technique.
Option 1: Reheat Pulled Pork In A Water Bath
Though boiling meat might not be a good idea at all times, some people believe that there are health benefits in doing so. In fact, it could retain the juicy goodness and smoky flavor of the pulled pork dish. And this technique will help in reducing the possibilities of meat to get burnt or dry out.
Additional Items Needed:
Stove, Crock Pot or pot, vacuum sealed bag and tongs.
Via chewtheworld.com
Step 1. Vacuum Seal The Pulled Pork Dish.
Once you plan to reheat using this technique, there is a need to place the leftovers in a vacuum-sealed bag. You have to flatten the bag and put it in the refrigerator to store in just a few days and for storing more than weeks, put it in the freezer.
As a tip, you must not forget to add pork drippings in the bag before you put it in the refrigerator to make sure of the meat’s juiciness.
Step 2. Prepare The Water Bath.
Pour the water into the pot or a crock pot instead. You have to make sure that the amount is enough to cover the entire bag of meat. Put the pot over medium-high heat or only set the crockpot to the highest setting as for bringing the water to a boil.
Step 3. Put The Bag Of Meat In The Water.
After turning off the heat, submerge the bag of meat in the boiling water. You have to cover the pot and cook for around 45 minutes to an hour or up until the meat already reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit internal temperature.
Step 4. Remove Now The Bag And Serve.
With the use of tongs, remove the bag right from the boiling water and its contents too. Finally, serve!
Option 2: Reheat Pulled Pork In The Oven
This technique is preferred by the majority due to being one of the healthiest methods. And it is also great concerning reheating big batches of pulled pork.
Additional Items Needed:
Oven, tin foil, and baking tray
Step 1. Prepare The Pulled Pork
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit before you prepare the pulled pork. As you wait for it to heat, you have to put the pulled pork on a baking tray. Now, pour mopping sauce over the top to keep it juicy and evenly spread the mixture across the tray. Cover this tray using the tin foil.
Step 2. Reheat The Pulled Pork
Put the baking tray in the oven then set it to reheat for around half an hour. If properly reheated, remove the foil from the tray and stir the mixture using a fork as for distributing the heat evenly.
You should know when the meat is thoroughly heated once it reaches a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Check it by sticking the meat thermometer in the middle of the mixture.
Step 3. Serve And Enjoy!
Finally, let the mixture cool down and serve it on a bun or over plain rice.
Option 3: Reheat Pulled Pork In The Crockpot
Though this method might take a bit longer compared to other techniques, it is still a good choice if you thoroughly want a heated and flavorful pulled pork.
Additional Items Needed:
Slow cooker or crock pot
Via thekitchn.com
Step 1. Put The Meat In The CrockPot And Reheat
Place the pulled meat in a slow cooker, or a crock pot then pour a dripping sauce on top. You have to turn the cooker on and set to warm setting only. Reheat the meat for around 2 to 4 hours.
Step 2. Check The Temperature
You might check the doneness of the dish by the temperature. Stick a meat thermometer in the middle of the mixture, and if the temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit, this means that the dish is now fully reheated.
Step 3. Serve!
You have to remove the dish from the crock pot then transfer to the serving platter and serve.
Option 4: Reheat Pulled Pork On The Stove Top
This one is a go-to method for many because it is the most common, the most convenient and the easiest way on how to reheat pulled pork.
Additional Items Needed:
Stove, cooking spray, and skillet.
Step 1. Prepare The Skillet
Coat the skillet with dripping sauce and cooking spray on it. There is a need for the dripping sauce to be enough to cover the mixture or must at least reach a height of two inches from the bottom of the pan.
Step 2. Begin Reheating
Put the skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the liquid to boil for a few minutes. If bubbles are forming in the liquid, you now have to add the pulled pork mixture. And reheat the pulled pork for around 5 minutes.
You have to make sure that you absolutely immerse the pulled pork in the liquid for the purpose of even sauce distribution.
Step 3. Turn Off The Heat
Right after 5 minutes, you have to shut down the heat then cover the skillet. You have to let the pulled meat continue cooking but in its heat for another 5 minutes. As you stick the meat thermometer in the middle, the temperature should hit 145 degrees Fahrenheit. And finally, serve it!
These are the steps you need to follow to guide you when it comes to reheating pulled pork.
Final Thought
Indeed, pulled pork is considered as a culinary masterpiece, so it has a superior taste than any other meaty dishes out there. However, the process of making it might be quite complicated and tedious. Knowing that you might have leftovers of this dish, knowing how to reheat pulled pork properly must also be considered. The techniques mentioned above are the best options you might consider once you plan to reheat your favorite pulled pork.
We will be pleased if you will take some time to give us a feedback on the comment section below. Happy reading everyone!
