One of the best parts about barbecuing is having delicious leftover meat to enjoy later. However, reheating barbecued meats like brisket, pulled pork, and ribs can be tricky. If you don’t do it right, you run the risk of ending up with dried out, flavorless BBQ. Fortunately, there are some simple techniques you can use to reheat BBQ and have it tasting fresh and juicy again.
Should You Refrigerate or Freeze BBQ Leftovers?
Before you reheat those leftovers, you’ll need to properly store them first. Here are your options for keeping barbecue meat tasting great:
Refrigerating BBQ
For short term storage of just 2-3 days, putting BBQ leftovers in the fridge is fine. Be sure to store the meat in an airtight container or sealed bag to prevent it from drying out. Refrigeration will maintain moisture and preserve flavors longer than leaving leftovers out at room temperature.
Freezing BBQ for Later
For storing meat for longer periods of time, like several weeks or months, freeze your barbecue leftovers. Use freezer bags, plastic wrap, or airtight containers. Frozen meats will keep for 4-6 months before the quality starts to diminish. Be sure to label with the type of meat and date before freezing.
Should You Refrigerate or Freeze Sauces?
Barbecue sauces and juices can typically be kept in the fridge for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container for 2-3 months. The acidity helps prevent bacterial growth. Just be aware that some separation may occur with oil-based sauces when thawed.
Choosing the Best Reheating Method for BBQ
The reheating method you use can make all the difference in whether your BBQ turns out succulent or dry. Here are some of the best techniques:
Oven or Toaster Oven
Using your oven or toaster oven to reheat barbecue allows the meat to heat gradually and evenly throughout. Place the BBQ on a baking sheet or pan and cover it loosely with foil to keep it from drying out. Preheat your oven to 300-325°F and warm the meat for 10-20 minutes until hot and steamed.
Microwave
Because microwaves cook so quickly, they can often leave BBQ dried out. If using the microwave, heat the meat at 50% power in 30 second intervals until warm. Keep it covered to retain moisture and stir periodically. Microwaving works best for chopped or shredded meats.
Stovetop
Cooking BBQ leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a little butter, oil, or sauce allows you to reheat it gently. Use a nonstick skillet and keep the meat covered as it warms up. Stir occasionally for even heating. Adding a splash of water or broth helps add moisture.
Smoker or Grill
If you happen to have any leftover barbecue still on the bone, you can reheat it on your grill or smoker to add delicious smoky flavor. Cook over indirect heat at a low temperature until warmed through. This works great for ribs, brisket, pulled pork, or chicken.
Slow Cooker
Using a slow cooker is an ideal way to reheat large batches of pulled pork, brisket, or other shredded meats. Add your BBQ, a little liquid like broth or sauce, and set on low for 2-3 hours until heated through completely. The meat will become fall-apart tender again.
Handy Tips for Reheating Moist, Juicy BBQ
Follow these useful tips for reheating leftover barbecue of all kinds to help it stay tender and packed with smoky flavor:
- Add a splash of liquid like water, sauce, broth or beer when reheating to replenish moisture lost through the first cooking.
- Keep the meat covered as it reheats to lock in steam and prevent drying out.
- Shred or chop meat before reheating to allow it to heat faster and more evenly.
- Cook at lower temperatures (200-300°F) to gently warm meat without toughening it up.
- If meat seems dry, continue reheating with added liquid to bring back juiciness.
- Don’t overcook previously cooked meats or they will get tough. Just heat until warm throughout.
- Stir meat mixtures periodically as they reheat and check for doneness to prevent overcooking.
- Slice across the grain after reheating so the meat fibers are shorter and more tender.
How to Reheat Various Types of Barbecue
The best way to reheat barbecue can vary somewhat depending on the cut of meat. Here are some tips for reheating popular BBQ meats:
Reheating Pulled Pork
Pulled pork reheats beautifully and gains more flavor when you:
- Moisten it with barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, beer or broth before reheating.
- Use the oven, slow cooker or microwave to reheat, stirring occasionally.
- If needed, crisp it up after reheating by sautéing briefly in a hot skillet.
Reheating Brisket
To reheat smokey brisket slices and keep them tender:
- Place them overlapping in a baking dish with a little sauce or au jus from cooking.
- Cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- For whole briskets, reheat similarly in the oven at 250°F until a thermometer reads 140°F.
Reheating Ribs
For leftover ribs, the oven or grill are your best bets:
- Place the ribs meaty side up on a baking sheet and cover with foil.
- Heat at 250-300°F in the oven for 15-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Or grill indirectly over low heat for 10-15 minutes until hot, brushing with sauce during the last few minutes.
Reheating Chicken
Use these tips for reheating barbecued chicken so it stays juicy and saucy:
- Pull or shred chicken before reheating so it heats evenly.
- Moisten shredded chicken with reserved juices, butter or olive oil when reheating.
- Reheat pulled chicken in the oven at 300°F for 15-20 minutes until piping hot.
- Or reheat in the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring between.
How Long Does Reheated BBQ Last in the Fridge?
When reheating leftover barbecue, you don’t want it hanging around in the fridge too long after. Follow these guidelines:
- Eat reheated BBQ within 3-4 days for optimal flavor and quality.
- Store reheated meats in the fridge in airtight containers to preserve freshness as long as possible.
- Discard any reheated barbecue that smells or looks bad even if within the 4 day timeframe.
- Frozen reheated BBQ can last in the freezer for 2-3 months before losing quality.
With the right storage and reheating, you can enjoy your favorite barbecue for days after without sacrifice. Now that you know how to properly reheat BBQ of all types, get ready for quick and delicious leftovers anytime. Just bring that smoky flavor back to life with some moisture and gentle heat for finger-licking, fall-off-the bone meats again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reheating BBQ
How do you reheat bbq brisket?
The best way to reheat bbq brisket is to place slices or chunks of the brisket overlapping in an oven-safe dish. Add a few tablespoons of the juices or barbecue sauce from the original cooking. Cover the dish tightly with foil and reheat in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Check for doneness and re-cover and heat longer if needed.
How do you reheat pulled pork?
Shred or chop leftover pulled pork before reheating to allow it to heat faster and more evenly. Moisten it with a bit of barbecue sauce, broth or apple cider vinegar first. Then reheat in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes or in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours. You can also use the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring between. Add sauce after reheating and stir again to coat.
What is the best way to reheat ribs?
The oven and the grill are two great options for reheating ribs. For the oven, place the ribs meaty side up on a sheet pan, cover with foil and reheat at 250-300°F for 15-25 minutes until hot. For the grill, cook over indirect low heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, basting with sauce in the last few minutes.
How do you keep BBQ moist when reheating?
- Slice or shred meat before reheating for faster, more even heating.
- Add a little liquid like broth, sauce, vinegar or water before warming it up.
- Keep the meat covered as it reheats to hold in steam and moisture.
- Reheat at lower temperatures, around 250-300°F to prevent meat from drying out.
- If meat seems dry, add more liquid and continue reheating until juicy.
Can you reheat BBQ in the microwave?
Yes, you can reheat BBQ in the microwave but use care to prevent drying it out. Heat the meat at 50% power in 30 second intervals until warmed through. Keep it covered, stir between heating cycles and add a splash of liquid to help retain moisture. Microwaving works best for chopped, shredded or sliced meats rather than large pieces.
How many times can you reheat BBQ?
It’s best to limit reheating barbecue leftovers to once or twice at the most. The more times meat is repeatedly cooked, cooled and reheated, the more moisture is lost. Reheated meats also spoil quicker with multiple reheatings. For food safety and quality, only reheat BBQ once or twice before discarding.