How Long Is Pulled Pork Good For?

Pulled pork is an incredibly versatile and delicious meal that can be enjoyed all year round. But if you’re wondering how long is pulled pork good for? We’ll cover the best storage methods for cooked and uncooked pulled pork so you can ensure your dinner (or lunch!) remains as tasty as possible.

From understanding expiration dates to identifying proper refrigerator temperatures, we have all the information you need to keep your food safe and extend its shelf life. Read on to learn how long pulled pork should last in your fridge or freezer!

What is Pulled Pork?

Pulled pork is a slow-cooked pork shoulder that has been cooked until very tender. The meat is then shredded by hand or with two forks and mixed with your favorite barbecue sauce to create a delicious, smoky meal. Pulled pork can be served on hamburger rolls, in tacos, on pizza, and even as an ingredient in other dishes like casseroles and salads.

Pulled Pork Nutrition Facts

– Serving size: 1/4 pound (113g)

– Calories: 300

– Total Fat: 17g

– Saturated Fat: 6.5g

– Cholesterol: 45mg

– Sodium: 320mg

– Carbohydrates: 4g

– Fiber: 0g

– Sugars 2g

– Protein: 25g

– Vitamin A: 0%

– Vitamin C: 0%

– Calcium: 2%

– Iron: 6%.

It is also a good source of potassium, with approximately 230mg per serving. Pulled pork can provide important minerals such as zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus. It also contains some B vitamins, including thiamin and riboflavin. Additionally, pulled pork is a lean protein source with a low calorie count. For those looking for an alternative to traditional proteins like chicken or beef, pulled pork can be a great option. The combination of lean protein and healthy fats allows it to fit into most diets without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

The Best Way To Transport Pulled Pork

Pulled pork can easily be transported in a slow cooker, crockpot, or even a casserole dish. If you plan on bringing the pulled pork to an event or party, make sure to bring a rack that will keep the meat warm and allow it to stay moist. It’s also important to ensure that your pulled pork is properly stored when transporting it. Make sure to store it in an insulated container with plenty of space between each piece so it stays as fresh as possible.

Additionally, if you plan on travelling with your pulled pork for more than four hours, consider freezing it (or at least part of it). This will help preserve the flavor and texture during transport. Doing this will also prevent any bacteria from forming on the meat, which can lead to foodborne illnesses.

Read more:

How Many Pounds of Pulled Pork Per Person

How Long Is Pulled Pork Good For In The Fridge?

Cooked pulled pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. As with any cooked meat, it is important to properly store it and keep it refrigerated at 40°F or below. It is also important to make sure the pulled pork is covered tightly so that it does not dry out or become contaminated by other foods in the refrigerator. To further extend its shelf life, you can place the pulled pork in an airtight container before storing it in your refrigerator.

How to Store Pulled Pork in the Fridge

– Place cooked pulled pork in an airtight container

– Store the container in the refrigerator at 40°F or below

– Use within 3-4 days

How Long Is Pulled Pork Good For In The Freezer?

Cooked pulled pork can be frozen for up to 5-6 months. It is important to properly wrap or store the pulled pork in an airtight container before freezing, as this will help prevent freezer burn and preserve its flavor and texture. To thaw the meat, it should be placed in the refrigerator overnight, or defrosted using a microwave on the defrost setting.

How to Store Pulled Pork in the Freezer

– Wrap uncooked pulled pork tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil

– Place in a vacuum sealed bag (optional)

– Label and date the package

– Store in the freezer for up to 6 months

How Long Is Pulled Pork Good For After Thawing?

Once the pulled pork has been thawed, it can remain in the refrigerator for 3-4 days before being eaten. It is important to note that thawed pulled pork is more vulnerable to bacteria growth, so it is best to consume within this time frame. Any cooked pork that has not been consumed within 4 days should be thrown away as a safety precaution.

Tips For Storing Pulled Pork

– Cooked pulled pork should be stored in an airtight container. This will help keep it from drying out and prevent contamination from other foods in the refrigerator.

– Make sure that cooked pulled pork is kept at 40°F or below. Any higher temperature can cause bacteria to grow, resulting in foodborne illnesses.

– Uncooked pulled pork should be wrapped tightly before storing it in your freezer. This will help protect it from air exposure and freezer burn.

– Label and date your packages of uncooked pulled pork so you know when it was stored and how long ago. This will help you keep track of its shelf life.

How To Tell If Pulled Pork Is Bad or Spoiled?

The easiest way to tell if pulled pork has gone bad is by its smell and texture. If the meat smells off or the texture has changed significantly, it is likely not safe for consumption. Additionally, if there are any signs of mold on the pulled pork, discard it immediately. Pulled pork that is spoiled will also have a slimy texture, so be sure to check before eating. If you’re unsure whether your pulled pork is still good or not, it is best to discard it to avoid becoming ill.

What Happens If You Eat Spoiled Pulled Pork?

Eating spoiled pulled pork can lead to food poisoning, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Additionally, it may also lead to more severe symptoms such as fever, headache, and blurred vision. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating pulled pork that has gone bad, seek medical attention immediately. It is always best to be safe rather than sorry when dealing with food safety. Make sure to check the expiration date on your pulled pork before consuming it and never consume food that looks or smells off or has been out of the fridge for too long.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Store Pulled Pork

1. Storing pulled pork at too high a temperature – Pulled pork should always be stored in the refrigerator or freezer at 40°F or below to prevent bacteria from growing.

2. Not storing pulled pork in an airtight container – Uncooked and cooked pulled pork should be wrapped or stored in an airtight container to prevent exposure to air and ensure that it stays fresh for longer.

3. Not labeling packages of uncooked pulled pork with date – Freezing uncooked pulled pork without labeling it with its date of storage can lead to confusion as to how long ago you purchased this food item, which could result in eating spoiled food and potential illness.

4. Keeping cooked pulled pork for more than 4 days – Cooked pulled pork should be consumed within 4 days of cooking, otherwise it could become contaminated with bacteria and lead to illness.

5. Eating pulled pork that looks or smells off – Pulled pork that has a foul smell or slimy texture is likely spoiled and should not be eaten. Discard it immediately as a safety precaution.

6. Not checking the expiration date – Make sure to check the expiration date on any food item before consuming it to ensure freshness and avoid potential foodborne illnesses.

7. Not throwing away leftovers – Any leftover pulled pork should be discarded after four days in the refrigerator to prevent contamination from bacteria growth. It is better to throw away any remaining food than risk becoming ill.

Some Pulled Pork Recipes:

1. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

2. Instant Pot Pulled Pork

3. Classic Barbecue Pulled Pork

4. Baked Pulled Pork Sandwiches

5. Mexican-Style Pulled Pork Tacos

6. Grilled Jerk-Spiced Pulled Pork Sandwiches

7. Jamaican-Style Curried Pulled Pork Wraps

8. Sweet and Sour Korean Pulled Pork Bowls

9. Pulled Pork Sliders with Apple Fennel Slaw

10. Grilled Pineapple and Pulled Pork Pizza

11. Pulled Pork Egg Roll Bowls

12. Baked Chili Cheese Pulled Pork Dip

13. Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Pulled Pork Sandwiches

14. Sweet Potato Hash with Pulled Pork and Poached Eggs

15. Hawaiian-Style Kalua Pig Nachos with Pineapple Salsa  ​

These are just a few of the many easy and delicious recipes you can make with pulled pork. With so much versatility, there’s sure to be something that everyone in your family will enjoy!  ​

FAQs:

How should I store pulled pork?

Pulled pork should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer at 40°F or below. Uncooked pulled pork should be wrapped tightly and labeled with its date of storage before being placed in the freezer, while cooked pulled pork should only stay in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Is it safe to eat leftovers of pulled pork?

Leftover pulled pork should not be kept any longer than four days as bacteria can start to grow and contaminate the food. Make sure to discard any leftover food after four days in order to avoid becoming ill.

What are the signs of spoiled pulled pork?

Spoiled pulled pork will usually have an off-smell, a slimy texture, or visible mold growth. Do not consume this food if you notice any of these signs. Discard it immediately and avoid the risk of becoming ill from eating contaminated food.

How long does cooked pulled pork last in the fridge?

Cooked pulled pork should be consumed within four days of cooking to ensure freshness and avoid contamination from bacteria growth. Make sure to discard any cooked leftovers after four days in order to prevent potential illnesses.

Can I eat week old pulled pork?

No, it is not recommended to eat pulled pork that has been in the refrigerator for more than four days as bacteria growth can occur and lead to foodborne illnesses. Make sure to check the expiration date on any food item before consuming it and discard anything that looks or smells off. It is better to be safe than sorry when dealing with food safety.

How long can you keep pulled pork out of the fridge?

Pulled pork should not be left out of the fridge for more than two hours as bacteria can start to grow and contaminate the food. To ensure freshness, store pulled pork in the refrigerator or freezer at 40°F or below.

How long is pulled pork good for at room temperature?

Pulled pork should not be left out at room temperature for longer than two hours. Bacteria can start to grow quickly on any food item that is left outside of the refrigerator, so make sure to store pulled pork in the fridge or freezer as soon as possible after cooking or purchasing it.

How long does pulled pork take to cook?

Cooking time for pulled pork can vary depending on the type of meat used and the cooking method. Generally, it takes about two hours to slowly cook pulled pork in an oven set to 225°F or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165°F. Be sure to check the internal temperature of your food with a thermometer before serving.

Conclusion

Pulled pork is an incredibly versatile meal that can be enjoyed all year round. With proper storage, cooked pulled pork can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, while uncooked pulled pork can stay safe in the freezer for up to 6 months. Be sure to store it correctly and check expiration dates to ensure your food remains fresh and safe for consumption! By following these guidelines, you can enjoy delicious meals made with pulled pork any time of the year.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulled_pork