Steaming To Reheat: Pulled Pork Perfection

There are several ways to reheat pulled pork without drying it out. One way is to use a covered dish in the oven. Set the oven to 225 degrees F, add your pulled pork to a glass or metal baking dish, and pour in about 1/4 cup of liquid per pound of meat. You can use chicken or beef broth, apple juice, or barbecue sauce mixed with broth or water. Cover the dish and bake for 20 to 45 minutes, or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees F. If you want some crispiness, uncover the dish and give the meat 15 minutes of open warming.

Another option is to use a stovetop, which will add extra flavor and a crisper texture to the pulled pork. Use a large cast-iron skillet and load the pulled pork into it, being careful not to pack too much in. Place a quarter of a stick of butter on top of the meat and pour in 1/4 cup of flavorful liquid. Cover with aluminum foil or a lid and heat over low heat for about 20 to 30 minutes. Uncover and stir the meat after 15 minutes, heating the rest of the way uncovered.

You can also reheat pulled pork in a slow cooker by adding the meat and about 1/4 cup of liquid per two pounds of meat. Set the slow cooker to low heat and add a quarter to half a stick of butter. Heat the pulled pork for about an hour on low, then stir and check the temperature. Bring the meat up to 140 degrees F and keep it there until you’re ready to serve.

If you're looking for maximum crispy bits, the air fryer method is a good option. Load about 1/2 pound of pulled pork into your air fryer at a time, as it has enough fat to keep itself from sticking. Give it just a few minutes of heat before taking it out, as it will heat quickly and may stick or darken if left too long.

Another way to reheat pulled pork is by steaming it. However, it is important to note that this method is best suited for smaller quantities of meat.

Reheating pulled pork in the oven

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to a low temperature of around 225-250°Fahrenheit. Keeping the temperature low is important to prevent the meat from drying out.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spread your leftover pulled pork into a glass or ceramic baking dish. If you're reheating a large amount, use a bigger dish. For smaller portions, a toaster oven can be used instead.

Step 3: Add Liquid

Add a splash of liquid to the baking dish to keep the pork moist. You can use leftover meat juices, broth, barbecue sauce, apple juice, or any other flavorful liquid. This step is crucial to prevent the meat from drying out.

Step 4: Cover with Foil

Cover the baking dish tightly with a layer of foil. This helps trap the moisture and steam the pork.

Step 5: Bake

Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake until the meat is warmed through. This usually takes around 30 minutes, but the time may vary depending on the amount of meat you're reheating. Remember, you're just reheating, not cooking the meat, so it won't take too long.

Step 6: Check the Temperature

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the pork has reached 165°Fahrenheit. This is the recommended safe temperature for consuming leftover meats.

Step 7: Stir and Serve

Once the desired temperature is reached, carefully remove the foil, being mindful of the hot steam. Give the meat a good stir to distribute the heat evenly, and then it's ready to serve!

Tips:

• If you like your pulled pork crispy, you can uncover the dish and place it under the broiler for a few minutes after it's heated through.
• If you're reheating a frozen block of pulled pork, it's best to thaw it first before placing it in the oven. You can speed up the thawing process by defrosting it in the microwave or oven at a low-medium setting.
• You can also add a stick of butter on top of the meat before reheating for extra juiciness.

Reheating pulled pork in the microwave

Step 1:

First, if your pulled pork is frozen, make sure to thaw it. You can do this by leaving it in the fridge overnight or using the defrost setting on your microwave.

Step 2:

Place the pulled pork in a microwave-safe container. If you have any leftover fats from cooking, add a small amount to the container—this will help keep the meat juicy. Alternatively, you can add a splash of broth or apple juice. This step is crucial to ensuring your pulled pork stays moist and tender.

Step 3:

Cover the container and microwave on medium to low heat for about two minutes. Then, remove the container from the microwave and give the meat a good stir. If it's not warm enough, continue heating in 30-second intervals until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Tips:

• Many plastic wrappings and vacuum bags contain chemicals like bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalates, which can be harmful. Look for BPA or phthalate-free storage bags, or use an FDA-regulated microwave-safe container or glass dish.
• Always use a food thermometer to check that your meat has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
• If you notice the meat drying out, simply add a splash more liquid.

Reheating pulled pork on the stovetop

First, thaw your pork if it is frozen. Next, add the pulled pork to your pan, along with a splash of leftover juice, barbecue sauce, broth, apple juice, or another type of flavorful liquid. Cover the pan with its lid.

Turn the burner on low-to-medium heat. Occasionally take the lid off and stir the pulled pork. Keep cooking until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This should take around 12 to 15 minutes. If the meat starts to dry out, simply add another splash of liquid.

And that's it! Your pulled pork is now ready to be enjoyed.

Reheating pulled pork in a slow cooker

To reheat your pulled pork, place it in the slow cooker and add some liquid. You can use the pan drippings from when you cooked the pork, or, if you skimmed the fat, use water or stock instead. Then, simply press the "warm" button on your slow cooker and leave it alone for a couple of hours, or until your meat thermometer shows you've reached the safety zone of 165°F.

If you're in a hurry, you can reheat your pulled pork on the stovetop. Place your meat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, and once the pork reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, it's ready to serve.

Another option is to reheat your pulled pork in the oven. Preheat your oven to 225°F, and place your pork and drippings in a Dutch oven or appropriately-sized roasting pan. Add half a cup of water, stock, or juice, cover the pan with a double layer of foil, and cook for about 30 minutes, or until your meat thermometer reaches 165°F.

If you're reheating a small portion of pulled pork, the microwave is a quick and easy option. Place your meat in a microwave-safe dish and add a splash of liquid—barbecue sauce, broth, apple juice, or water. Cover the dish and nuke on high for about two minutes, or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Reheating pulled pork in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Pulled Pork

If your pulled pork is frozen, make sure to thaw it before reheating. Place one portion of the pulled pork into a ceramic ramekin or small baking dish.

Step 2: Add Liquid

Add a small amount of liquid to the pulled pork to keep it moist. You can use barbecue sauce, broth, apple juice, or another savoury liquid of your choice. Avoid adding too much liquid as steam can damage your air fryer. Just a few drops or a tablespoon should be enough.

Step 3: Cook in the Air Fryer

Place the ramekin or baking dish into the air fryer and cook for 5-6 minutes at 320 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius). The exact time may vary depending on the amount of pulled pork and the model of your air fryer, so adjust as needed.

Step 4: Drain Excess Liquid

After cooking, carefully remove the ramekin or baking dish from the air fryer and drain any excess liquid that has accumulated.

Step 5: Add BBQ Sauce (Optional)

If desired, you can add some barbecue sauce to the pulled pork at this point and return it to the air fryer for an additional minute or so.

Step 6: Let it Rest

Before serving, let the pulled pork rest for 3-4 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure that it is nice and hot throughout.

Tips:

• If you are reheating a larger amount of pulled pork, you may need to cook it in batches or adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• For best results, stir the pulled pork halfway through the cooking process to ensure even heating.
• Always be careful when handling hot dishes and appliances to avoid burns.

Frequently asked questions