How Long Does Pulled Pork Last in the Fridge

If you’re anything like me, you love the savory, smoky flavors of perfectly cooked pulled pork. But, as much as we’d like to, we can’t always eat it all in one sitting—no matter how much our taste buds beg us to.

This is where food safety comes into play, and today we’re going to talk about how to store that scrumptious pulled pork properly so that you can enjoy it to the fullest without sacrificing safety or flavor. We’ll dig into the nitty-gritty of fridge life for your pulled pork, and I’ll share some tips and facts (backed by our trusty pals at the CDC and FDA) to help keep you and your family safe. Let’s get started!

Understanding the Basics

First things first: why is proper storage so important? Well, as soon as your pork is cooked and begins to cool, it enters a temperature range known as the “danger zone.” According to the FDA, this is between 40°F and 140°F (4°C and 60°C), where bacteria can grow rapidly. To keep your pulled pork safe, you need to ensure it spends minimal time in this risky range.

How Long is Too Long?

So, how long does pulled pork last in the fridge? The USDA states that cooked pork should be eaten within three to four days when stored in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C). However, if you’ve got a mountain of pulled pork, and you’re wondering if you can stretch that timeline a bit, here’s the deal: don’t. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food safety.

Storing Pulled Pork Safely

Here’s how to store your pulled pork to maximize freshness and safety:

1. Cool it down quickly: Once cooked, let your pulled pork cool slightly, but don’t leave it out at room temperature for longer than two hours, or one hour if the temperature is above 90°F (32°C). This helps to minimize the time it spends in the danger zone.
2. Refrigerate promptly: Transfer the pulled pork to shallow containers to allow it to cool more rapidly and evenly. Cover it with a lid or plastic wrap. If you have a large amount, consider dividing it into smaller portions.
3. Keep it cold: Make sure your fridge is at the right temperature, set at or below 40°F (4°C). Use a fridge thermometer to check if you’re not sure.
4. Seal it well: If possible, vacuum sealing your pulled pork can extend its fridge life by preventing air (and bacteria) from getting to the meat. Alternatively, airtight containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer wrap are good options.

What About Freezing?

If you realize that there’s no way you’ll finish your pulled pork within four days, freezing is a fantastic option. The CDC states that frozen cooked meat should be safe indefinitely, but for quality purposes, try to use it within two to three months.

When freezing pulled pork:

• Use heavy-duty freezer bags or airtight containers.
• Label the bags or containers with the date, so you know when you froze it.
• Thaw it safely in the refrigerator when you’re ready to reheat and eat.

Reheating Like a Pro

When you’re ready to enjoy your stored pulled pork, make sure you reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), as recommended by the FDA. This will kill any potential bacteria that may have started to develop.

Use these methods for best results:

• Oven: Place the pulled pork in an oven-safe dish, add some moisture (like apple juice or broth), cover with foil, and reheat at 325°F (163°C) until it reaches the proper temperature.
• Microwave: For a quicker option, use a microwave-safe dish, cover the pork, and use the reheat setting, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Key Takeaways

• Act swiftly: Store pulled pork in the fridge within two hours of cooking.
• Keep it cool: Ensure your fridge is at or below 40°F (4°C).
• Short-term stay: Eat refrigerated pulled pork within three to four days.
• Freeze for the future: Freeze pulled pork for longer storage, ideally using it within two to three months.
• Reheat safely: Always reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).