If you’re a fan of homemade pulled pork, you know that sometimes you make more than you can eat in one sitting. But fear not! Freezing pulled pork is a great way to ensure that none of that deliciousness goes to waste. And today, we’ll show you how to freeze pulled pork properly, so you never have to worry about freezer burn ruining your meal.
Pulled pork is a culinary delight – tender, juicy, and savory. It’s made by slow-cooking pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) until the meat is so tender it falls apart at the touch of a fork. While pulled pork sandwiches are an American classic, there are countless other ways to enjoy this delicious food, such as salads and buddha bowls.
One of the best things about pulled pork is its versatility and its ability to be prepared in large batches. It’s a meal prepper’s dream come true! Whether you slow-cook it on the grill, in a slow cooker, or the oven, pulled pork requires minimal effort and rewards you with a burst of flavor and nutritional value.
Did you know that a serving of pork contains an abundance of protein and provides over 100% of your daily requirement for selenium? Pulled pork truly is a luxurious protein source, and the best part is, it freezes exceptionally well. So, even if you’ve made more than you can handle, you can simply freeze it and enjoy it later without any waste.
Why You Need This Recipe
- Pulled pork only keeps for a few days in the fridge. If you have an excess amount, freezing it is the best solution to prevent spoilage.
- Freezing pulled pork is perfect for meal prepping. By freezing individual portions, you can easily whip up mid-week meals without any hassle.
- By freezing a big batch of pulled pork in individual portions, you’ll always have a versatile, low-fat protein on hand whenever you need it.
What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe
Preparing and freezing pulled pork is a straightforward process that requires a few basic items you likely have in your kitchen.
1. Resealable Plastic or Silicone Bags
Resealable bags make it easy to label and protect your frozen food items. They prevent freezer burn and keep your pulled pork safe from any potential damage caused by freezing temperatures or other foods. If you don’t have freezer bags, wrapping your pulled pork in a few layers of plastic wrap can offer additional protection.
2. Freezer Labels
If you have various types of food in your freezer, it’s best to label each item to ensure you know what they are and when they should be used. If you don’t have freezer labels, a piece of masking tape and a black marker will do the trick.
Ingredients and Substitutes
When freezing pulled pork, it’s best to do so without any sauce. This allows for more versatility when using it in other recipes after defrosting. However, if you prefer to freeze pulled pork with sauce, make sure the sauce freezes well. One thing to keep in mind is that removing a few pieces from a bag of frozen pulled pork without disturbing the entire batch is easier when it’s sauce-free. If freezing with sauce, consider freezing the sauce separately in portioned containers or even ice cube trays.
Recipe Steps
Step One
Allow your cooked pulled pork to cool down to room temperature for easier handling.
Step Two
Divide the pulled pork into portions using tongs or a serving spoon. Transfer the pork to a large resealable freezer bag or any other airtight container. If you have a vacuum sealer, it works great for storing leftover pulled pork as well.
Step Three
Press the air out of the bags and place them in the freezer for long-term storage. Remember, the less empty space in the container, the lower the risk of freezer burn.
To enjoy your pulled pork again, simply defrost it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving. Ensure that the internal temperature of the reheated pork reaches at least 145 degrees F.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I freeze pulled pork with sauce?
A: While it’s best to freeze pulled pork without sauce for versatility, freezing it with sauce is possible. Just make sure the sauce freezes well.
Q: How can I easily thaw a portion of frozen pulled pork with sauce?
A: Consider freezing the sauce separately in portioned containers, so you can defrost a portion of sauce and some pulled pork if desired.
More Pork Recipes You Might Like
- Baked Pork Meatballs
- Instant Pot Pork Chops and Rice
- Air Fryer Pork Loin
- Air Fryer Pork Chops
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