Do you have leftover pork tenderloin sitting in your fridge, but you’re not sure what to do with it? Don’t let it go to waste!
With a few simple steps, you can transform that tenderloin into mouth-watering pulled pork. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a crowd-pleasing dinner, pulled pork is always a great option.
And the best part? You don’t need to start from scratch. In this article, we’ll show you how to turn your leftover pork tenderloin into delicious pulled pork in no time.
So, grab your forks and let’s get started!
How To Turn Leftover Pork Tenderloin Into Pulled Pork?
Step 1: Shred the Pork Tenderloin
The first step to turning your leftover pork tenderloin into pulled pork is to shred it. You can do this easily with a fork or two. Simply hold the pork tenderloin with one fork and use the other fork to pull the meat apart.
Make sure to shred the pork into small pieces, as this will help it cook evenly and absorb more flavor.
Step 2: Add Flavorful Ingredients
Once you have shredded the pork tenderloin, it’s time to add some flavorful ingredients. You can use your favorite BBQ sauce or make your own by mixing together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Mix the sauce with the shredded pork in a bowl until the meat is evenly coated.
Step 3: Cook the Pulled Pork
Now that your shredded pork is coated in a delicious sauce, it’s time to cook it. You can do this on the stove or in a slow cooker.
If you’re cooking on the stove, simply heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the pork mixture. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is heated through and the sauce has thickened.
If you’re using a slow cooker, transfer the pork mixture to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Once your pulled pork is cooked, it’s time to serve and enjoy! You can serve it on buns as a sandwich or use it as a topping for nachos, tacos, or pizza.
Garnish with your favorite toppings like coleslaw, pickles, or cheese. And don’t forget to enjoy every delicious bite of your leftover pork tenderloin turned into pulled pork!
Preparing The Leftover Pork Tenderloin
Before you can turn your leftover pork tenderloin into pulled pork, you need to prepare it properly. Start by removing any excess fat or gristle from the meat. Then, cut the tenderloin into smaller pieces that will be easier to shred later on.
Next, you can either reheat the leftover pork tenderloin in the microwave or oven, or you can use it cold. If you choose to reheat it, be careful not to overcook it as this can dry out the meat and make it tough.
Once your leftover pork tenderloin is warm and ready to use, you can proceed with shredding it and adding your favorite ingredients to make delicious pulled pork.
Shredding The Pork Tenderloin
Shredding the pork tenderloin is the first and most important step in turning it into pulled pork. To shred the pork, you can use a fork or two. Hold the pork tenderloin with one fork and use the other fork to pull the meat apart. Make sure to shred the pork into small pieces, as this will help it cook evenly and absorb more flavor.
It’s important to note that the pork tenderloin should be slightly overcooked before shredding it. This can be achieved by using a slow cooker or crockpot, which will help to make the meat tender and easy to shred.
Once you have shredded the pork, you can add some flavorful ingredients to it. You can use your favorite BBQ sauce or make your own by mixing together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Mix the sauce with the shredded pork in a bowl until the meat is evenly coated. This will help to infuse the meat with flavor and make it even more delicious.
After adding the sauce, you can cook the pulled pork on the stove or in a slow cooker. If you’re cooking on the stove, simply heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the pork mixture. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is heated through and the sauce has thickened.
If you’re using a slow cooker, transfer the pork mixture to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. This will allow the flavors to meld together and make the meat even more tender.
Once your pulled pork is cooked, it’s time to serve and enjoy! You can serve it on buns as a sandwich or use it as a topping for nachos, tacos, or pizza. Garnish with your favorite toppings like coleslaw, pickles, or cheese. And don’t forget to enjoy every delicious bite of your leftover pork tenderloin turned into pulled pork!
Adding Flavor To The Pulled Pork
To add even more flavor to your pulled pork, there are a few things you can do. First, consider adding a dry rub to the pork before cooking. A good dry rub can really enhance the flavor of the meat and make it more delicious.
To make a simple dry rub, mix together brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. Rub this mixture all over the pork before cooking and let it sit for at least an hour (or even overnight) to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Another way to add flavor to your pulled pork is to use wood chips when cooking. If you’re using a smoker or a grill, try using wood chips like hickory or mesquite to give the meat a smoky flavor.
Finally, consider using a flavorful liquid when cooking your pulled pork. Some people like to use beer or apple cider vinegar to add extra flavor to the meat. You can also use chicken or beef broth for a richer taste.
By following these tips, you can take your pulled pork to the next level and create a dish that is truly unforgettable.
Serving Suggestions For Pulled Pork
Now that you have your delicious pulled pork, it’s time to decide what to serve with it. Here are some serving suggestions that will complement the flavors of your pulled pork:
1. Coleslaw: A classic side dish for pulled pork, coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch and tangy flavor to your meal.
2. Baked Beans: Another BBQ classic, baked beans are a sweet and savory side dish that pairs perfectly with pulled pork.
3. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled, corn on the cob is a summer staple that adds a sweet and buttery flavor to your meal.
4. Potato Salad: Creamy and tangy, potato salad is a filling and satisfying side dish that goes great with pulled pork.
5. Mac and Cheese: Who doesn’t love mac and cheese? This cheesy comfort food is the perfect complement to the smoky flavors of pulled pork.
6. Garlic Toast: Crispy and garlicky, garlic toast is a simple but delicious side dish that can be made easily with sliced bread and garlic butter.
7. Grilled Veggies: Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions add a healthy and flavorful touch to your meal.
8. Fruit Salad: A refreshing and light side dish, fruit salad is a great option for those who want something sweet but not too heavy.
9. Cornbread: A southern staple, cornbread adds a touch of sweetness to your meal and can be made even more delicious with the addition of jalapenos or cheddar cheese.
10. Rice: Whether it’s fluffy basmati rice or Spanish-style black beans and rice, rice is a versatile side dish that can be flavored in many different ways to complement your pulled pork.
With these serving suggestions, you can create an amazing menu centered around your delicious pulled pork. Experiment with different flavors and combinations to find the perfect match for your taste buds!
Storing And Reheating Pulled Pork
If you have leftover pulled pork, it’s important to store it properly to maintain its flavor and texture. The first step is to let the pork cool down to room temperature before storing it. Once it has cooled, you can store it in airtight containers or plastic bags in the refrigerator for up to four days.
If you want to store your pulled pork for longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. To freeze the pork, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the container with the date and contents before placing it in the freezer.
When it comes to reheating pulled pork, there are several methods you can use depending on your preferences. One of the most popular methods is using a sous vide machine to reheat the pork in a vacuum-sealed bag. This method helps retain the moisture and flavor of the meat.
Another popular method is reheating the pork in the oven. Preheat your oven to 225°F and place the pulled pork in an ovenproof dish with some liquid like apple juice, broth, or BBQ sauce to replace lost moisture. Cover the dish with foil and bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
You can also reheat pulled pork on the stove by placing it in a saucepan with some liquid and heating it over medium heat until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a slow cooker on low heat for a few hours.
Lastly, if you’re short on time, you can reheat pulled pork in the microwave. Place the pork in a microwave-safe dish with some liquid and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Microwave on high for about two minutes or until heated through.
No matter which method you choose, make sure to stir the pulled pork occasionally while reheating to ensure even heating throughout. And always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F before serving.
