Reheating leftover barbecued pork to make it tasty again takes a little care, but it’s easy to do. With the right technique, you can enjoy delicious pulled pork, ribs, or other barbecue favorites a second time. Follow these simple steps for bbq pork that tastes like it just came off the smoker.
Ingredients
- Leftover bbq pork (pulled pork, ribs, etc.)
- Bbq sauce, broth, or apple juice/cider (optional)
Equipment
- Oven, microwave, or stovetop
- Baking sheet, oven-safe dish, or skillet
- Aluminum foil
Steps to Reheat BBQ Pork in the Oven
1. Prep the pork
- If the pork is sauced, scrape off any excess or thickened sauce.
- For pulled or chopped pork, fluff it with a fork to break up chunks.
- For ribs, lightly coat or brush with bbq sauce or broth.
2. Heat the oven & dish
- Preheat oven to 300°F.
- Place pork in an oven-safe baking dish or directly on a baking sheet.
3. Cover & cook
- Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, until heated through.
4. Uncover & sauce
- Remove foil and brush ribs or chopped pork with more sauce.
- Cook uncovered 5 more minutes to caramelize.
The low gentle oven heat prevents the pork from drying out. For added moisture, you can add a splash of broth, apple juice, or water to the dish before covering with foil.
Microwaving Leftover Pulled Pork
Microwaving is the fastest way to reheat bbq pork, but can make it a bit drier. Use these tips:
- Place pork in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of broth or sauce.
- Cover with a paper towel or vented plastic wrap.
- Microwave on High in 30 second intervals until hot, 1-2 minutes.
- Let rest 2 minutes before serving. Fluff and add sauce as needed.
Microwaving ribs isn’t recommended. The pork will likely dry out.
Reheating on the Stovetop
You can also reheat bbq pork in a skillet on the stovetop:
- Add a bit of broth, bbq sauce, or apple juice/cider to a nonstick skillet.
- Heat on medium until simmering.
- Add pork and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 5 minutes.
This allows you to re-sauce the pork as it reheats for added flavor.
Maintaining Quality
To make sure leftover bbq pork retains moisture and flavor:
- Let pork cool completely before refrigerating.
- Store in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
- Use within 3-4 days for best quality.
- Freeze for longer storage (up to 4 months).
Serving Reheated Pork
Once reheated, pair your bbq pork with:
- Buns or bread for sandwiches
- Baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad
- Mac and cheese, cornbread, fries
- Pickles, onions, jalapeños
- Extra bbq sauce for dipping
With the right reheating method and a little TLC, you can enjoy tasty pulled pork, fall-off-the-bone ribs, or other bbq pork leftovers again and again. Just fire up the oven, microwave, or stove to reheat and serve for a quick and delicious meal.
FAQ
How long does bbq pork last in the fridge?
Properly stored, leftover pulled pork or ribs will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to cool the pork thoroughly first. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Can you reheat bbq pork in a slow cooker?
Yes, placing leftover pork in a slow cooker with bbq sauce or broth allows you to reheat it low and slow, keeping it moist. Cook on low, stirring occasionally, until heated through, 2-3 hours. Shred or chop the pork before adding to the slow cooker.
What is the best way to reheat ribs?
The oven is ideal for reheating bbq ribs to keep them from drying out. Place in an oven-safe dish, brush with sauce, cover with foil, and bake at 300°F for 15-20 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
Can you reheat pulled pork in an instant pot?
An instant pot or pressure cooker can help pork retain moisture when reheating. Add a bit of liquid, cook on high pressure for 5-10 minutes, then quick or natural release. Fluff with a fork and add sauce.
How do you keep bbq meat from drying out when reheating?
Use gentle heat, add a bit of liquid, and cover the dish with foil or a lid to help retain moisture. Oven heating or microwaving on a lower power setting work best. Avoid direct high heat on the stovetop. Slice or shred meat instead of reheating big chunks.
In Summary
Reheating bbq pork is simple with the right technique. The oven, microwave, or stovetop can all work well to gently reheat without drying out your pulled pork, ribs, or other pork. Maintain moisture by adding some liquid, covering, and using lower heat. Letting the pork rest afterward and adding sauce gives you tender, juicy, flavorful leftovers you’ll look forward to eating again. With TLC, reheated bbq pork can be just as delicious as the day it was first cooked.