Pulled pork is a classic barbecue dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd. The tender, flavorful meat shreds easily and goes great in sandwiches, tacos, nachos, and more. Leftover pulled pork can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. However, reheating it properly is key to maintaining its texture and taste. Using an Instant Pot is an easy, convenient way to reheat pulled pork without drying it out or making it tough.
Can You Reheat Pulled Pork in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can absolutely reheat pulled pork in an Instant Pot! The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function steams food gently and evenly, preventing it from drying out. It’s perfect for reheating pulled pork to make it tender again without overcooking it. The moist heat environment helps preserve the flavor and texture of the leftover pork. Other benefits of using an Instant Pot include:
- Saves time – the pressure cooking function reheats food much faster than conventional methods
- Adds moisture – the closed environment traps steam so the pork stays moist
- Prevents drying out – pressure cooking is gentler than other high-heat methods like broiling or grilling
- Retains taste – the pork won’t get overcooked and rubbery, so it stays juicy and flavorful
- Kills bacteria – the high heat eliminates any harmful bacteria that may be present
- Makes cleanup easy – there’s minimal mess since you don’t have to dirty extra pans
So if you have leftover pulled pork stored in the fridge or freezer, your Instant Pot can revive it back to its original delicious state in no time.
How to Reheat Pulled Pork in an Instant Pot
Reheating pulled pork in an Instant Pot is simple and takes just a few easy steps:
- Prepare the pulled pork: Remove the pork from the refrigerator or thaw if frozen. Break up any large chunks so it reheats evenly. Add a tablespoon or two of barbecue sauce or broth to add extra moisture.
- Place pork in Instant Pot: Transfer the pork to the Instant Pot inner pot. Spread into an even layer.
- Set Instant Pot: Secure the lid and set the Pressure Valve to Sealing. Select the Manual/Pressure Cook mode and set time for 5 minutes.
- Let pressure release: Once cooking is complete, allow pressure to release naturally for at least 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, you can quick release any remaining pressure.
- Uncover and serve: Carefully remove the lid. The pork should be hot, moist, and fork-tender again. Give it a taste and add more sauce if desired. Use immediately or let cool slightly and refrigerate.
It’s that easy! The short 5-minute pressure cook time is enough to reheat the pork thoroughly without overdoing it. Letting the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes ensures the meat cooks gently. Be careful when removing the lid as there will be hot steam built up inside.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips for perfectly reheated pulled pork using your Instant Pot:
- Cut the pork into smaller pieces so it reheats evenly. Larger chunks may end up overcooked on the outside.
- Add a bit of liquid like broth, water, or sauce to prevent the pork from drying out.
- Don’t overload the Instant Pot with too much pork. For reference, around 3 cups of shredded pork fills a 6-quart Instant Pot halfway.
- Stir the pork halfway through if reheating a large batch to ensure even heating.
- Adjust cooking time as needed. Cook frozen pork 1-2 minutes longer and cook smaller amounts of pork for less time.
- Use Natural Pressure Release for at least 10 minutes for the best results. Quick pressure release may cause the pork to dry out.
How Long Does Pulled Pork Last in the Fridge?
Properly stored, leftover pulled pork will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. To maximize freshness:
- Refrigerate pork within 2 hours of cooking. Don’t leave at room temperature.
- Store in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
- Make sure pork is completely cooled before refrigerating.
- Keep refrigerator at 40°F or below.
- Use reheated pork within 3-4 days.
If you won’t use the pork within 4 days, freeze it for longer storage. Frozen pulled pork keeps well for 3-4 months.
Can You Reheat Already Shredded Pulled Pork?
Yes, pre-shredded or pre-pulled pork purchased from the store can also be reheated in the Instant Pot. Follow the same steps listed above. Since the pork is already shredded into smaller pieces, it will reheat faster. Reduce pressure cooking time to 2-3 minutes.
Pre-shredded pork often has preservatives added to extend its shelf life. Make sure to check expiration or sell-by dates and use within 3-5 days of opening the package. The high temperature reached during pressure cooking will help kill any bacteria for food safety.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Pulled Pork
Use these methods to store and reheat any leftover pulled pork:
Refrigerating
- Let pork cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in a sealed container for 3-4 days.
- Reheat refrigerated pork in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven until hot, 165°F.
Freezing
- Cool pork completely then freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for 3-4 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating again in the Instant Pot or oven.
Instant Pot
- Break pork into smaller pieces so it reheats evenly.
- Add 1-2 Tbsp broth or sauce for moisture.
- Pressure cook frozen pork for 1-2 minutes longer.
Troubleshooting Reheated Pulled Pork
If your reheated pulled pork turns out dry or loses its flavor, try these troubleshooting tips:
Pork is dry and stringy
- Cook for less time under pressure (reduce to 2-3 minutes).
- Use Natural Pressure Release instead of Quick Release.
- Add more liquid to the pork before reheating.
Pork loses flavor
- Stir in reserved barbecue sauce after reheating.
- Coat pork in sauce before reheating to seal in moisture.
- Season again with salt, pepper, spices, or barbecue rub.
Pork has an off or sour flavor
- Don’t reheat pork past 4 days refrigerated.
- Discard pork left out too long at room temperature.
- Store pork in smaller portions to limit air exposure.
Getting the reheating time and technique right for your specific amount of pulled pork helps avoid these issues. Don’t be afraid to experiment to find what works best!
Alternative Ways to Reheat Pulled Pork
While the Instant Pot is great for reheating pulled pork, you can also use these alternative methods if you don’t have one:
On the Stovetop
- Heat pork and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Add 1-2 Tbsp of broth, water or sauce to prevent sticking.
- Cook until heated through, about 10 minutes.
In the Oven
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Place pork in a baking dish and cover tightly with foil.
- Heat for 15-20 minutes until hot, 165°F.
In the Microwave
- Put pork in a microwave-safe bowl and cover.
- Microwave in 30 second intervals until hot, stirring between each.
- Take care not to overcook and dry out the pork.
Monitor the pork closely when reheating and check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety. All reheating methods should heat the pork to at least 165°F.
Serving Ideas for Reheated Pulled Pork
Once you’ve reheated leftover pulled pork, you can use it in all sorts of delicious ways. Get creative with these serving ideas:
Sandwiches
- Piled high on burger buns or rolls
- Served Memphis style with slaw on a bun
- Topped with pickles, cheese, and sauce
- On brioche buns for pulled pork sandwiches
Tacos and Bowls
- In soft tortillas or taco shells
- Topped with salsa, avocado, lime
- On rice bowls or nachos
- Stuffed into quesadillas
Meals
- Mixed into mac and cheese or baked potatoes
- Over cheese grits for breakfast
- In omelets, fried rice, or ramen
- On pizza, flatbreads, and pasta
Appetizers
- Served slider-style on mini buns
- On cornbread muffins
- Stuffed into mini tacos or egg rolls
- Toppings for bruschetta
You really can’t go wrong when using pulled pork. It’s endlessly versatile and super easy to incorporate into any type of dish.
Conclusion
Reheating pulled pork in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious leftover barbecue. The moist heat environment prevent the pork from drying out, so it stays juicy and flavorful. Follow the simple steps to reheat pulled pork in just 5 minutes. Use the reheated pork right away to build amazing sandwiches, tacos, pizzas, and more. With the proper storage and reheating, you can enjoy tender leftover pulled pork for up to 4 days after cooking.