Can You Freeze Pulled Pork?

Yes, you can freeze pulled pork with or without sauce for 3 - 6 months and still maintain a high quality. Simply cool it, portion it, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and toss it in the freezer.

How to Freeze Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is a tender and moisture rich barbecue dish made typically from shredded pork. It is usually made from pork shoulder that is slowly cooked either in a slow cooker or smoker.

Due to the fact that pork shoulder is typically used to make pulled pork, you typically end up with a very large portion once you've made it.

Pulled pork is commonly served a sandwiches or at large get togethers such as barbecues.

Whether store-bought or homemade pulled pork it only lasts about 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. So, it can be difficult to eat it up in that time frame. Given this, you may be looking to extend its shelf life.

Fortunately, pulled pork freezes exceptionally well and only takes a few minutes to get packaged up. It is similar to freezing spaghetti, freezing coleslaw or freezing risotto.

Simply follow these steps.

Cool it

Before you get started, do make sure that it is completely cooled. Otherwise condensation can develop in your packaging which will lead to freezer burn.

Portion it

Determine what size portions you would like to use when you saw it. And portion it out appropriately. This way, you can just defrost the amount you need.

Portioning it out is particularly important if you already added sauce to your pulled pork. Because it will freeze together in a solid block.

Package it

Scoop your portions into individual freezer bags or airtight containers. If using a container try to ensure that it only has 1 to 2 in between the pork and the lid to minimize air flow.

Seal and Label

Zip your bag closed only after squeezing any excess air from the bag. Or, place the lid on top of your airtight container and secure it.

Don't forget to drop the date on the outside of the bag or container as well.

Freeze it

Toss your package into the freezer.

Tips for Successful Freezing

Make sure to follow these tips to have the most successful freezing experience.

• Do it fresh. Make sure to package and freeze your pulled pork as soon as possible this way you can seal in maximum taste, texture and quality.
• Don't do it warm. If you package your pulled pork before it has completely cooled you will develop condensation in the package which can lead the freezer burn. Additionally, placing warm food into your freezer can raise the overall temperature of the freezer and destroy some of your foods already frozen.
• Test your sauce. Well you can certainly freeze pulled pork with sauce already on it, different sauces freeze better than others. So, make sure you test your sauce out in the freezer before going all in.

Supplies/Equipment Needed:

• Ziploc Bags
• Marker or Pen
• Airtight Freezer Container

How to Defrost Pulled Pork

To defrost the pulled pork, remove the package from the freezer and place it into the refrigerator overnight. If you packaged a very large amount together, it may still be a little icy in the morning.

Once it is thawed, you can reheat it in whatever your favorite manner is: microwave, stove top, crock pot or microwave. The key is to keep it from drying out. You can do this by adding a little butter, water, or other liquid such as broth. Also, be sure not to heat it too long or it can add more dryness.

Freezing Pulled Pork FAQ

Do you freeze pulled pork with or without sauce?

You can freeze pulled pork with or without sauce. Freezing with sauce, you just need to make sure that the sauce you use will freeze and defrost well.

How long is pulled pork good in the fridge?

Pulled pork only stays good in the fridge for 3 - 5 days.

How long does pulled pork stay good frozen?

Pulled pork stays good frozen for 3 - 6 months as long as it is packaged well.