So you’ve just finished off some delicious pulled pork in the slow cooker.
But you cooked your whole shoulder cut, and you’ve realized you’re not going to finish it within a few days.
Don’t worry. You can freeze pulled pork.
Want the best part? Instructions for freezing and storage periods are exactly the same for jackfruit pulled pork, the vegan alternative!
Below, we’ll cover the potential dangers of freezing pulled pork, how to freeze pulled pork, and give you an idea of how long you can expect your pork to last in the freezer.
We’ll even go into other storage methods, so you can feel confident you’re choosing the right one.
Here’s the lowdown if you want the main details fast: Frozen pulled pork lasts around 2-3 months (six months if vacuum sealed!). You only need to watch out for your pork drying out, which you can prevent by limiting your pork’s contact with the air.
Should You Freeze Pulled Pork?
First thing first: is freezing pulled pork even a good idea?
The answer is yes.
Although your pulled pork runs a higher risk of drying out when you freeze and thaw it, there are plenty of tips to avoid freezer burn, which is the root cause of this dryness.
Specifically, vacuum sealing or double wrapping your pork will stop your meat from getting into contact with that cold freezer air.
Freeze pulled pork only within three days after cooking to prevent the spread of bacteria.
For the same reason, don’t refreeze pulled pork after it’s been thawed.
How To Freeze Pulled Pork
Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to freeze pulled pork:
- Completely cook your pulled pork as usual.
- Allow the pulled pork to cool fully in the refrigerator.
- Once cooled, portion your pulled pork out into batches.
- Now for packaging. Wrap each batch up in cling film – a freezer bag works just as well – then cover again in silver foil. Make sure you wrap it up tightly and squeeze all the air out of the freezer bag.
- Label each batch with the recommended best-by date.
For Step 4, if you have a vacuum sealer, that works even better! However, if you don’t, vacuum sealer machines are pretty expensive, and you can still extend your pulled pork’s storage life significantly without them!
However you package your pork, just remember, it needs to be waterproof, food-grade, and freezer-safe.
How To Thaw Pulled Pork
For best results, thaw pulled pork overnight in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help to prevent it from drying out.
If you’re in a hurry, you can also thaw pulled pork on the kitchen counter. Just make sure you keep it covered, as this method will dry your pork out a little more.
How Long Pulled Pork Will Last In The Freezer
Here’s the great news. Pulled pork lasts 2-3 months in the freezer.
Now: if you double-wrap your pulled pork (cling film or a freezer bag and aluminum foil on top), your frozen pork will last 3-4 months.
Ready for even better news . . . if you own a vacuum sealer? Vacuum-sealed pulled pork will last up to six months in the freezer.
Other Storage Methods For Pulled Pork
Freezing pulled pork is a really good shout if you have too much, as pulled pork only lasts four days in the refrigerator.
However, if you only have a bit of pulled pork to use up, go ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Simply transfer your cooked pulled pork to an airtight container and place it in the fridge.
The Round-Up On Freezing Pulled Pork
Now you know exactly how to freeze pulled pork, how long it will last, and if it’s the right option for you. Here’s the round-up if you need it:
- Pulled pork lasts 2-3 months in the freezer and up to six months if vacuum-sealed.
- Pulled pork only lasts four days in the refrigerator.
- Freeze pulled pork in cling film, double-wrapped in aluminum foil.
- Make sure your pulled pork is completely cooked and fully cooled before freezing.
