Pulled pork is a quintessential barbecue meal. Moist and tender pork shoulder or butt is slowly smoked or roasted until fall-apart tender, then shredded or “pulled” into bite-size pieces and tossed in your favorite barbecue sauce. The succulent pulled pork can then be enjoyed in a multitude of ways. This versatile meal has many delicious uses beyond the traditional barbecue sandwich.
Enjoy Pulled Pork as a Main Dish
Pulled pork makes for a hearty and comforting main course. Here are some ways to serve up pulled pork as an entree:
Traditional Pulled Pork Sandwiches
The classic way to enjoy pulled pork is on a sandwich. Pile the juicy, sauced meat onto a burger bun, hoagie roll, or other bread. Top with coleslaw and sliced pickles. The cool crunch of the slaw and pickles pairs perfectly with the rich pork.
Pulled Pork Tacos or Burritos
Stuff pulled pork into warm corn or flour tortillas for easy handheld tacos and burritos. Top with shredded cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and other taco toppings. The pork pairs especially well with the fresh flavors of pico de gallo or pineapple salsa.
Pulled Pork Nachos
Pile crispy tortilla chips high with pulled pork, melted cheese, beans, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and jalapeños for mouthwatering nachos. The hot and cold textures and temperatures combine for an explosion of flavors and textures.
Pulled Pork Pizza
Top pizza crust with pulled pork, barbecue sauce, cheese, and other toppings like red onion and cilantro for a delicious barbecue-style pizza. The sweet and tangy pork is excellent with the melted cheese.
Pulled Pork Salad
Mix pulled pork into leafy green salads, grain bowls, or pasta salads. The juicy pork pairs well with crisp vegetables, fruits like mango or apple, nuts, and tangy dressings. Enjoy a filling and nutrient-packed meal.
Pulled Pork Hash
Cook potatoes, onions, and other vegetables like bell peppers until lightly browned. Then stir in pulled pork and heat through. Top with a poached egg for an easy and savory hash.
Pulled Pork Stir-Fry
Toss pulled pork with noodles or rice and sliced vegetables like snap peas, broccoli, or bok choy. The pork’s sweet and tangy sauce coats each component. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Pulled Pork Flatbread
Build an easy flatbread by topping flatbread or naan with pulled pork, caramelized onions, cheese, and barbecue sauce. Broil until the cheese melts for an easy weeknight meal.
Pulled Pork Stuffed Potatoes
Bake potatoes, cut in half, and top with pulled pork, butter, cheese, bacon bits, scallions, or other stuffings. Enjoy this hearty meal in a bowl for less mess. The pork’s richness balances the starchy potato perfectly.
Pulled Pork Casserole
In a casserole dish, layer pulled pork, cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, or other ingredients of your choice. Top with cheese and bake until bubbly and browned. Use this as a full meal or a savory side.
Use Pulled Pork as an Ingredient
Beyond main dishes, pulled pork can be used as an ingredient in a variety of dishes:
Pulled Pork Chili
Cook up a pot of chili and stir in shredded pulled pork just before serving. The tender pork boosts the heartiness of the dish. Serve with cornbread, cheese, and sour cream.
Pulled Pork Soup
Add pulled pork to soups like minestrone, potato soup, or lentil soup. The pork adds richness and a contrasting texture.
Pulled Pork Pasta Sauce
For a BBQ-style pasta, toss hot cooked pasta with pulled pork and barbecue sauce. The sauce coats each strand. Sprinkle with parsley and parmesan.
Pulled Pork Fried Rice
Stir pulled pork into fried rice with vegetables, eggs, and soy sauce. The sweet and salty pork offers lots of flavor.
Pulled Pork Quesadillas
Fill quesadillas with pulled pork, cheese, and pickled jalapenos for a quick and easy tex-mex inspired meal.
Pulled Pork Egg Rolls
Wrap pulled pork and vegetables like cabbage and carrot in egg roll wrappers. Fry until crispy for delicious barbecue egg rolls.
Pulled Pork Empanadas
Fill empanada dough with pulled pork, onions, garlic, and cheese. Bake or fry until golden brown. Enjoy these hand pies as an appetizer or main.
Pulled Pork Wontons
For an Asian-inspired bite, fill wonton wrappers with pulled pork and green onions. Steam, boil, or fry the filled wontons until the wrappers are tender.
Pulled Pork Enchiladas
Roll pulled pork, cheese, and roasted vegetables up in corn tortillas. Top with enchilada sauce and more cheese, then bake until bubbly.
Pulled Pork Hand Pies
Mix pulled pork with mashed potatoes, cheese, or other fillings and stuff into rounds of pie dough. Crimp the edges to seal, then bake until golden brown.
Pulled Pork Pot Pie
Make a savory pot pie by pouring pulled pork stew into pie shells. Top with flaky pie dough and bake until the crust is cooked through.
Pulled Pork Stuffing
For a barbecue twist, add shredded pulled pork to bread, rice, or cornbread stuffing mixtures. Use to stuff poultry, pork roasts, or mushrooms.
Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
Stir saucy pulled pork into cheesy baked macaroni and cheese. Top with crispy baked breadcrumbs for added texture.
Pulled Pork Breakfast Hash
Sauté pulled pork with potatoes, onions, peppers, and eggs for a hearty breakfast hash. Season with smoked paprika.
Pulled Pork Omelet or Breakfast Burrito Filling
Chopped pulled pork makes for a flavorful addition to omelets, breakfast burritos, or breakfast bowls.
Pulled Pork Cornbread
Fold shredded pulled pork into cornbread batter before baking. Enjoy slices of the savory bread as a snack or side dish.
Pulled Pork Deviled Eggs
Mix pulled pork into the filling for deviled eggs along with mustard, mayo, and spices. Top the stuffed eggs with barbecue sauce.
Pulled Pork Cupcakes
Shredded pulled pork baked into sweet cornbread cupcakes makes for a fun play on flavors. Top with barbecue frosting.
Transform Leftover Pulled Pork into New Dishes
Leftover pulled pork can be repurposed into quick meals all week long. Follow these tips:
- Store pulled pork covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freeze pulled pork in an airtight container for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
- Add to sauteed vegetables like a hash.
- Toss with cubed potatoes and roast for pulled pork roasted potatoes.
- Mix with mayo, mustard, or hummus for an easy sandwich spread.
- Pile onto nachos and bake until the cheese melts.
- Fill omelets, frittatas, and crustless quiches for easy breakfasts.
- Layer in grilled cheese sandwiches for a barbecue version.
- Add to macaroni and cheese or baked potatoes.
- Quickly make tacos, tostadas, enchiladas, or empanadas.
- Use as a topping for salads, grain bowls, and pizzas.
- Stir into pasta dishes or stuff pastas like ravioli.
- Mix with beans, broth, and vegetables for an easy soup.
- Fold into cornbread batter to bake savory cornbread muffins.
What to Do with Lots of Leftover Pulled Pork
For larger amounts of leftover pulled pork, consider these options:
Pulled Pork Meal Prep Bowls
Portion pulled pork into meal prep containers along with vegetables, grains, cheese, etc. Refrigerate and enjoy throughout the week.
Pulled Pork Freezer Meals
Make double batches of pulled pork recipes like casseroles, soups, chilis, and stuffed vegetables. Freeze half for quick meals later.
Pulled Pork Pot Pies
Fill ramekins with pulled pork stew. Top with pie dough and freeze unbaked. When ready to eat, bake until golden.
Pulled Pork Burritos
Fill tortillas with pulled pork and freeze. Microwave to reheat for quick meals.
Pulled Pork Casserole
Combine pulled pork with macaroni, rice, or potatoes. Top with cheese and freeze. Bake when ready to eat.
Pulled Pork Soup
Simmer pulled pork in broth with veggies. Cool and freeze in portions. Reheat on the stovetop to enjoy.
Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Spread buns with sauce. Fill with pulled pork and wrap individually to freeze. Thaw and reheat in the oven.
Pulled Pork Chili
Cook up a big pot of chili with the pork stirred in. Divide into containers and freeze.
Pulled Pork Bolognese Sauce
Use pulled pork in place of ground meat when making a big batch of bolognese or meat sauce. Freeze in portions to toss with pasta later.
Pulled Pork Sloppy Joes
Heat pulled pork in barbecue sauce. Portion sloppy joe mixture into containers and freeze. Serve on buns.
Answering Common Questions about Pulled Pork
How long does pulled pork last in the fridge?
Properly stored pulled pork will last 3-4 days refrigerated. Be sure to store it in an airtight container.
Can you freeze pulled pork?
Yes, pulled pork freezes very well for 2-3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
What’s the best way to reheat pulled pork?
Gently reheat pulled pork in the microwave, on the stovetop over low, or in a 300°F oven. Add barbecue sauce or broth to prevent drying out.
How do you make pulled pork more moist?
Cook pork low and slow, pull when very tender, rest before pulling, mix with sauce, and avoid over-cooking when reheating to keep it moist.
How long does it take to smoke a pork shoulder?
Smoking times can vary, but expect 1-1.5 hours per pound at 225-275°F. A 6-8 lb pork shoulder usually takes 10-12 hours.
What temp is pulled pork done?
Cook pulled pork to an internal temperature of 203°F. The connective tissue breaks down at this temp, allowing the meat to shred easily.
Can you use a pork loin for pulled pork?
Pork shoulder or butt is best since it has more fat and connective tissue. Lean loin can dry out and won’t shred as easily after cooking low and slow.
What kind of wood is best for pulled pork?
Apple, cherry, hickory, pecan, and oak are all good wood types for smoking pulled pork. Go milder to avoid overpowering the pork’s flavor.
Is pulled pork better the next day?
Yes, letting pulled pork rest overnight allows the flavors to develop. Gently reheat just until warmed through. Add more sauce as needed.
Conclusion
Pulled pork is endlessly versatile, with uses far beyond just barbecue sandwiches. Leftovers can be effortlessly transformed into tacos, pizza, casseroles, sandwiches, salads, soups, pastas, and more. With proper storage, pulled pork will keep for several days refrigerated or months frozen. The next time you smoke or roast a pork shoulder, embrace the leftovers and get creative with the many possibilities this tasty shredded meat offers. With so many quick and delicious options, you’ll look forward to pulled pork for days.