How Long Can Pulled Pork Stay In the Fridge? Maximise Freshness
Whipping up some tasty pulled pork is a breeze and super versatile. You can make it in a slow cooker or right on the stove, no sweat.
It tastes best when served with slaw or a side salad, but leftovers make for an equally tasty lunch or dinner.
However, you may be wondering if pulled pork will stay good for long after being cooked. So how long can pulled pork stay in the fridge? Read on for the answer.
How Long Can You Keep Pulled Pork in the Fridge?
You can refrigerate pulled pork in an airtight container for 2-4 days. It’s important to keep the meat cold, so store it in the refrigerator’s coldest part and avoid storing it near raw meat or fish.
Be careful, though! If the pulled pork is exposed to raw meat, cross-contamination might occur. [1]
If you’re not going to use your pulled pork within four days, freeze it. You can freeze this dish for up to 6 months if stored properly at 0° F.
Factors To Consider
Temperature
The temperature of your fridge will also affect how long your pulled pork stays good for warmer temperatures, speed up bacterial growth, and cause spoilage more quickly than cooler ones.
Keep your refrigerated food at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below and check its expiration date.
Storage
Aluminum Foil
If you don’t have any handy airtight containers, wrap your meat in aluminum foil and seal the package with a twist tie or another type of plastic wrap.
“Food is really and truly the most effective medicine.”
– Joel Fuhrman, American Celebrity Doctor
Aluminum foil can help maintain and spread the cold evenly on the stored pulled pork inside the fridge.
Airtight Plastic Bag
Plastic wrap is also handy when storing your pulled pork tightly. Any airtight seal is helpful as long as there are no holes that could expose the food to the air.
Airtight Container
Ensure that your pulled pork is stored in an airtight container, so it doesn’t pick up smells from other foods.
| Check out: What To Do With Pork Fat Trimmings? |
How To Properly Store Pulled Pork In The Fridge
To properly store and keep pulled pork, you will need to store it in an airtight container, airtight plastic wrap, or aluminum foil.
This will keep the meat from drying out and becoming less flavorful. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
You can freeze your pulled pork to keep it longer than 3 days.
| Related: How Long Does Pork Belly Last in the Fridge? |
Can You Freeze Pulled Pork?
You can freeze pulled pork for up to a few months. This will allow you to store it for longer and ensure that it stays fresh and safe to eat until you’re ready to use it again.
To freeze the meat, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic and put it in an airtight container or bag before putting it back into the freezer.
How To Tell If Pulled Pork Has Gone Bad
1. Smell
If there is a bad odor coming from the container, then this could mean that bacteria has begun growing on top of your food item, which could lead to food poisoning if consumed.
2. Texture
If the pulled pork has gone bad, the texture will be slimy, mushy, or dry. Eating this food in this state might make you sick.
3. Appearance
If the pulled pork has gone bad, you will first notice the build-up of molds and a change in color.
The mold makes the outer part meat appear darker green or bluish-green.
How to Maximise Freshness of Pulled Pork In the Fridge
To maximize the freshness of pulled pork in the fridge, proper storage is key. After cooking, allow the pork to cool to room temperature before refrigerating it. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess. Store the pulled pork in an airtight container or tightly sealed plastic bag to lock in flavor and prevent moisture loss.
For optimal results, divide large portions into smaller servings. This helps the pork cool faster and ensures you only heat what you need, preserving the rest for later. If you plan to keep the pulled pork for more than a few days, consider freezing the extra portions. When stored properly, pulled pork can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge, while frozen pork stays good for 2-3 months.
To avoid spoilage, always check for signs like an off smell or slimy texture before reheating. Proper storage ensures your pulled pork stays fresh, tasty, and safe to eat for days to come.
Tips & Tricks When Storing Pulled Pork in the Fridge
- Store it in the fridge in an airtight container.
- Do not leave it out for long periods.
- Do not freeze it without a proper cover. The freezer burn will damage the texture and taste.
- If you have doubts about whether your pulled pork has gone bad, throw it out.
- Store it in the coldest part of the fridge and away from raw meat.
FAQs on Pulled Pork Stay In the Fridge
How do you reheat pulled pork stored in the fridge?
To reheat pulled pork stored in the fridge, spread it at the bottom of the slow cooker or place it in the oven. Add barbecue sauce or other flavorful liquid and reheat it for up to 30 minutes in the oven and about an hour in the slow cooker.
How long is pulled pork good after thawing?
Thawed pulled pork is good for up to 4 days in the fridge before cooking. You can refreeze it again if you don’t want to cook it yet.
What is the best way to store pulled pork in the fridge?
The best way to store pulled pork in the fridge is to put it inside an airtight container, place it in the coldest part, and keep it away from raw meat.
What happens if you eat bad pulled pork?
If you eat bad pulled pork, there’s a big chance of getting sick because of the bad bacteria like salmonella that develop in its meat.
Where can you use leftover pulled pork?
You can use leftover cooked pulled pork to make a crunchy slaw, Cuban-inspired sandwich, and BBQ pulled pork pizza, and many more.
Can you freeze already-cooked pulled pork?
Yes, you can freeze cooked pulled pork as long as it is properly stored in an airtight container and the fridge is at the lowest temperature.
Final Verdict
Generally, pulled pork can be stored for 2-4 days in the fridge as long as it is:
- Stored in an airtight container, plastic wrap, or aluminum foil with a labeled date.
- Stored in the coldest part of the fridge and away from raw meat products.
- Stored safely with no damages or holes in the packaging.
- It will be consumed within 4 days upon refrigerating.
References:
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/food-safety-and-storage
