Yes, you can freeze pulled pork, and it freezes better than most barbecue meats. Because it is already shredded and has some fat running through it, pulled pork holds its moisture well in the freezer and reheats quickly. It is a good way to save leftovers or keep a few meals ready to go.
Before You Freeze
Cool the pork and get it into the fridge or freezer within two hours of cooking. That is the USDA guideline for cooked food left at room temperature.
Save the juices. A spoonful of the cooking juices, a little broth or a splash of barbecue sauce mixed into each package helps the pork stay moist in the freezer and when it is reheated.
How to Package It
Air causes freezer burn, so the goal is to keep as much air away from the pork as you can.
- Vacuum sealing is the best option because it removes nearly all of the air.
- Freezer bags also work well. Fill them, press out the air and lay them flat to freeze. Flat bags stack easily and thaw faster.
- Portion it into amounts you will use for one meal, so you only thaw what you need.
Label each package with the date and the amount.
How Long Pulled Pork Keeps
The USDA advises using frozen cooked meat within two to three months for the best quality. Food kept frozen at 0 degrees stays safe longer than that, but the texture and flavor slowly decline over time.
In the fridge, cooked leftovers should be eaten within three to four days. Vacuum-sealed smoked meat from our Heat & Eat line keeps in the fridge for up to two months, as long as it stays at or below 36 degrees.
How to Thaw It
Thaw frozen pulled pork in the refrigerator, usually overnight. Keep it sealed and set it on a plate to catch any condensation. Do not thaw it on the counter.
How to Reheat It
A water bath is the easiest way to reheat sealed pulled pork.
- Submerge the sealed bag in a large pot of water.
- Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium high heat.
- Allow 15 to 20 minutes per pound once the water is at a gentle boil.
- Let it rest for about 5 minutes, then open the bag and stir.
A sealed bag can also go straight from the freezer into the water. It will take longer, so check that the pork is hot all the way through. The USDA recommends reheating leftovers to 165 degrees.
For pork that is not sealed, warm it in a covered dish in the oven or in a covered skillet over low heat with a little liquid. Our guide on how to reheat pulled pork covers every method in more detail.
Pulled Pork From Stampede
Our pulled pork is sold by the pound at our restaurant in Mohnton and our food truck at Ludwig’s Corner in Glenmoore. Reheating times for every cut are on our Heat & Eat page.