How to Reheat Pork BBQ? Results May Surprise You

Reheating pork BBQ without sacrificing flavor, tenderness, and juiciness can be a challenge. Pork BBQ, especially after being refrigerated or frozen, often loses some of its original appeal if not reheated properly. The key to a successful reheat is understanding the best methods, the right temperature, and the correct timing. When reheating pork BBQ, many people make the mistake of overlooking these essential factors, leading to dry, chewy, or even overcooked meat.

But don’t worry! I’ve put together the best methods to help you reheat your pork BBQ in the most effective way. This guide will not only preserve the flavor and texture of the pork but also help you enjoy it just like the first time it was served. Let’s dive in and explore the best methods to reheat pork BBQ.

How To Reheat Pork BBQ: 9 Best Methods

Reheating pork BBQ is an art, and when done right, you can bring the meat back to life without compromising on taste or texture. Interestingly, Mang Inasal, a popular Filipino fast-food chain, has perfected the art of reheating pork BBQ to ensure it remains flavorful and juicy. I’ve taken the liberty of testing Mang Inasal’s methods myself, and I’m happy to share these valuable secrets. Whether you’re dealing with leftover pulled pork, ribs, or even pork belly, here are the top 9 methods you can use to successfully reheat your BBQ.

1. In the Toaster Oven

The toaster oven is a fantastic tool for reheating pork BBQ, especially if you’re working with a large batch of meat. It retains moisture better than the microwave, ensuring your pork remains juicy and flavorful. This method is perfect for those who want to reheat multiple portions at once without drying them out. Toaster ovens distribute heat more evenly than a microwave, giving your meat a chance to warm through without compromising texture.

Step 1: Take your leftover pork BBQ out of the fridge and spread it on a flat dish. Let it thaw if frozen. If you’re in a rush, you can microwave it briefly just to speed up the process.

Step 2: Add some of your favorite sauces like apple sauce, BBQ sauce, or a little broth to keep the meat moist. A splash of liquid will create steam, which will keep your meat tender during the reheating process.

Step 3: Cover the pork with aluminum foil to lock in moisture. Wrapping the meat helps to trap the steam and keep the pork from drying out.

Step 4: Preheat your toaster oven to 225°F (107°C), and place the dish inside. This low temperature will warm the meat slowly without turning it into a tough, overcooked mess.

Step 5: Reheat for about 30 minutes at 250°F (121°C) for pulled pork or ribs. Check the internal temperature with a food thermometer, which should reach 165°F (74°C). This step ensures your pork is fully heated and safe to eat.

Here are some cooking times for different cuts of pork BBQ:

Meat Type	Time to Reheat
Turkey	1.5 hours
Ham	1.5 hours
Ribs	1 hour
Brisket	1.5 hours
Sausage	30 to 45 minutes

2. Sous Vide

Sous vide, meaning “under vacuum” in French, is a cooking technique that uses precise temperature control to reheat food in a vacuum-sealed bag. It’s an excellent method for ensuring your pork BBQ remains tender and juicy, as sous vide is known for its ability to cook food evenly and gently without drying it out. This technique works best for pork that has been frozen, as it helps retain moisture.

Step 1: Fill a pot with water and heat it until it reaches 170°F (77°C). Use a sous vide precision cooker to control the temperature accurately.

Step 2: Seal your pork BBQ in a vacuum-sealed bag (you can also use a Ziploc bag and remove as much air as possible). The vacuum seal helps keep all the juices locked inside, ensuring the pork doesn’t dry out.

Step 3: Submerge the sealed bag in the water bath and let it heat for about 45 minutes. The low, controlled heat will gently reheat the pork, preserving its original texture and flavor.

Step 4: After removing the pork from the bag, add some sauce or seasoning to enhance the flavor. The sous vide method often enhances the meat’s natural flavors, but a little extra seasoning never hurts.

This method is great because it keeps the meat from drying out, and the vacuum sealing locks in all the juices. It also allows you to reheat pork to the perfect temperature without overcooking it.

3. Microwave

The microwave is a quick and convenient method for reheating pork BBQ, but it requires a little more attention to avoid drying out the meat. Many people overlook the importance of covering the pork with moisture during microwaving, which can lead to chewy, dry meat. While the microwave isn’t the best option for large portions, it works well for small servings.

Step 1: If your pork BBQ is frozen, defrost it first. You can use the microwave’s defrost setting, but make sure to check it regularly to ensure the pork doesn’t start cooking in spots.

Step 2: Place the pork in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel to trap moisture. The paper towel acts as a steamer and prevents the pork from becoming tough.

Step 3: Add sauces like apple sauce, BBQ sauce, or a bit of broth to keep the meat from drying out. Even a splash of water can help retain moisture.

Step 4: Microwave the pork on high for 2 to 3 minutes, checking every 30 seconds to ensure it doesn’t overcook. The target temperature should be 165°F (74°C).

Microwaving is best for small portions, like a quick snack of pulled pork on a sandwich. But for larger portions or delicate cuts, it’s better to use a method like the oven or stovetop.

4. Stovetop

Reheating pork BBQ on the stovetop is a simple and effective method, especially for small portions. You have more control over the heat, which prevents the meat from becoming too dry. Unlike the microwave, the stovetop allows you to adjust the temperature gradually, making it ideal for smaller cuts of pork that need gentle warming.

Step 1: Thaw the pork BBQ if frozen. Allow the pork to come to room temperature before reheating to ensure even heating.

Step 2: Heat a saucepan over low to medium heat. Avoid using high heat, as this can cause the meat to dry out.

Step 3: Add some sauce (apple, BBQ, or broth) to the pan to keep the meat moist. Adding liquid to the pan will prevent the pork from sticking and help maintain its tenderness.

Step 4: Stir the meat occasionally to ensure it heats evenly, reaching a temperature of 165°F (74°C). For pulled pork, it’s essential to stir regularly to break it up and heat it thoroughly.

This method works particularly well for pulled pork or shredded BBQ, as you can quickly reheat small batches while keeping the texture intact.

5. Air Fryer

Air fryers are incredibly popular, with nearly 40% of Americans using them for both cooking and reheating food. An air fryer is great for reheating pork BBQ while keeping the meat crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It’s perfect for items like pork belly or ribs that benefit from a little extra crispiness on the outside.

Step 1: Thaw the pork BBQ if necessary. The air fryer works best with thawed meat, as it ensures even cooking.

Step 2: Lightly coat the pork with a little oil to help retain moisture. You don’t need to drown the meat in oil, just a light coating will do.

Step 3: Place the pork in the air fryer basket. Arrange the pork so that it’s evenly distributed, allowing the air to circulate around it.

Step 4: Heat at 320°F (160°C) for about 5 to 6 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating. Air fryers are efficient, so keep an eye on the pork to avoid overcooking.

Air fryers work well for reheating pork BBQ like ribs or pork belly, where you want to retain the crispy texture without overcooking the meat.

6. Instant Pot

The Instant Pot is another efficient appliance that can reheat pork BBQ in just a few minutes. It’s a great option if you want to avoid using the stove or oven, and it can reheat meat quickly without losing its moisture.

Step 1: Add a small amount of water to the Instant Pot. You don’t need a lot, just enough to create steam.

Step 2: Place the pork BBQ on the trivet or in a microwave-safe dish that fits inside the pot. You want the meat to be elevated slightly from the water to avoid direct contact.

Step 3: Lock the lid and set the Instant Pot to heat on high pressure for 4 to 5 minutes. The pressure cooker will trap heat and moisture, making sure the pork stays juicy.

Step 4: Once the pork reaches 165°F (74°C), it’s ready to serve. Be sure to check the temperature with a food thermometer.

7. Slow Cooker

The slow cooker, or crockpot, is perfect for reheating large batches of pork BBQ, especially when you have several hours to spare. The low and slow heat helps retain moisture, making it ideal for tougher cuts like shoulder or brisket. This method is great for when you want to reheat BBQ without keeping a constant eye on it.

Step 1: Place your pork BBQ into the slow cooker. If it’s frozen, let it thaw first.

Step 2: Add some sauce, broth, or a bit of water to prevent the meat from drying out. The liquid will create steam and keep the pork tender.

Step 3: Set the slow cooker to low heat, and cook for 1 to 2 hours until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

The slow cooker is an excellent choice for when you plan to leave your pork reheating unattended for an extended period.

8. Grill

Grilling your leftover pork BBQ can add a nice smoky flavor and restore its juicy texture. The grill gives the meat an opportunity to develop a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.

Step 1: Wrap the pork BBQ in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. This helps to trap the moisture inside.

Step 2: Preheat the grill to low to medium heat. A moderate temperature is important to avoid burning the outside before the inside is properly heated.

Step 3: Place the wrapped pork on the grill and close the lid. Let it cook for about 40 to 45 minutes, flipping the pork halfway through.

Step 4: Check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). Once it’s hot enough, remove it from the grill.

Grilling works best for larger cuts of pork like ribs or pork shoulder, as the heat can penetrate deeply without overcooking the outside.

Great Methods to Store Pulled Pork

Before we go further into the reheating methods, it’s important to address how to store your pulled pork so that it stays fresh and flavorful. Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality of your BBQ. Here are the best storage methods:

Storing Pulled Pork in the Fridge

Step 1: Place your leftover pulled pork in a vacuum-sealed bag or a heavy-duty aluminum foil or storage container.

Step 2: Squeeze out all the air from the container or bag to prevent bacterial growth.

Step 3: Store the pork in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.

Storing Pulled Pork in the Freezer

If you want to store your pork for a longer period, freezing it is your best option.

Step 1: Wrap your pulled pork tightly in freezer paper, aluminum foil, or a vacuum-sealed bag.

Step 2: Ensure that as much air as possible is removed from the container or bag.

Step 3: Store in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months.

Storing Pulled Pork at Serving Temperature

If you need to keep your pork warm for serving, follow these steps:

Step 1: Wrap the pork in foil and place it in a cooler with towels for insulation.

Step 2: Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and ensure it stays around 140°F (60°C).

Step 3: This method is ideal if you need to keep the pork warm for up to 3 to 4 hours.

The Worst Way to Reheat BBQ

Microwaves, while convenient, are one of the worst ways to reheat pork BBQ. The high heat tends to dry out the meat, making it chewy and rubbery. It’s especially problematic when reheating frozen pork because the microwave unevenly heats the meat, leading to poor texture and flavor. The microwave should be a last resort, used only for small portions when you’re in a hurry.

How Many Times Can You Reheat Pulled Pork?

While it’s possible to reheat pork multiple times, it’s best to do it only once. Repeated reheating can degrade the quality of the pork, especially in terms of texture and taste. More importantly, reheating multiple times can expose the pork to bacteria, particularly if it’s not stored at the proper temperature between reheats. Always make sure the meat reaches a safe temperature (165°F or 74°C) during reheating.

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, reheating pork BBQ doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience. By following the right techniques and using the appropriate tools, you can preserve the juiciness, tenderness, and flavor of your BBQ, whether it’s pulled pork, ribs, or brisket. The key is to slow down the reheating process, add moisture, and avoid high, direct heat that can dry out the meat.

While methods like the toaster oven, sous vide, and stovetop are excellent for keeping your pork BBQ flavorful, it’s also important to store your meat properly. Vacuum-sealing and freezing are the best options for long-term storage, while techniques like the Wozniak method can also keep your meat fresh for several days. Remember, the secret to good reheating is taking your time and following the right steps. Enjoy your reheated pork BBQ just as much as you did on the first day!