Are you tired of dry and flavorless reheated pulled pork? Look no further than your Instant Pot!
This versatile kitchen appliance can quickly and easily reheat your leftover pulled pork to perfection. Whether you prefer a slow and steady reheating process or a quick and efficient method, the Instant Pot has got you covered.
In this article, we’ll explore different techniques for reheating pulled pork in your Instant Pot, including using the Keep Warm function, the 0 minute cook time method, and even adding a little liquid and steaming it in the oven.
Plus, we’ll share some tips for thawing frozen pulled pork in your Instant Pot. Get ready to enjoy delicious and juicy pulled pork leftovers with minimal effort!
How To Reheat Pulled Pork In Instant Pot?
There are a few different methods you can use to reheat pulled pork in your Instant Pot. The first option is to use the Keep Warm function. Simply add your pulled pork and its juices to the insert pot of your Instant Pot, and select the Keep Warm function. This will slowly and gently reheat your pork over a longer period of time, ensuring that it stays moist and flavorful.
If you’re short on time, you can also use the 0 minute cook time method. This involves selecting a 0 minute cook time at high pressure, which will bring the food to a boil to achieve pressure, but won’t continue maintaining the pressure for a cook time. This method is great for quickly reheating your pulled pork, but it does require that the meat still be in its liquid (because liquid is required to achieve high pressure).
Another option for reheating pulled pork is to use your oven. Preheat your oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit, and spread your leftover pork into the bottom of a glass or ceramic baking dish. Add a splash of leftover barbecue sauce, broth, apple juice, or other flavorful liquid, then cover the pan tightly with a layer of tinfoil. Cook until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees when checked with a meat thermometer, or about 30 minutes. Before serving, peel back foil, being careful of the steam inside, give the meat a stir, and then enjoy your pulled pork leftovers.
Using The Keep Warm Function
The Keep Warm function on your Instant Pot is a great option for reheating pulled pork slowly and gently, without drying it out or overcooking it. To use this method, first add your leftover pulled pork and its juices to the insert pot of your Instant Pot. Make sure to spread it out evenly so that it heats up evenly.
Next, select the Keep Warm function on your Instant Pot. This function will keep your food at a safe temperature without cooking it further. The temperature of the Keep Warm function is around 145-155 degrees Fahrenheit, which is perfect for reheating pulled pork.
Allow the Instant Pot to do its work and reheat the pulled pork slowly. The time it takes to reheat will depend on how much you have and how cold it is to start with, but it usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour. Once the pork is heated through, you can serve it immediately or switch to a lower temperature setting to keep it warm until you’re ready to eat.
It’s important to note that while the Keep Warm function is a great way to reheat pulled pork, you should avoid leaving it on this setting for too long. After about 2 hours, bacteria can start to grow and multiply, which can lead to spoilage and foodborne illness. If you’re not planning on eating your reheated pulled pork right away, store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to eat it again.
The 0 Minute Cook Time Method
The 0 minute cook time method is a great option when you need to reheat your pulled pork quickly. This method involves using the Instant Pot to bring the food to a boil to achieve pressure, but it won’t continue maintaining the pressure for a cook time. To use this method, simply add your leftover pulled pork and its juices to the insert pot of your Instant Pot. Make sure there is enough liquid in the pot to achieve high pressure (usually about 1/2 cup for a 6-quart Instant Pot).
Next, select the manual or pressure cook function and set it to high pressure. Then, adjust the cook time to 0 minutes. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure, and then it will automatically switch off once it reaches high pressure. At this point, you can quick release the pressure by turning the valve to venting. Once all the pressure has been released, carefully open the lid and check the internal temperature of your pulled pork with a meat thermometer. It should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
The 0 minute cook time method is a great option when you’re short on time, but still want moist and flavorful pulled pork. Just make sure you have enough liquid in the pot to achieve high pressure, and be careful when quick releasing the pressure as there may be hot steam escaping from the Instant Pot.
Steaming In The Oven With Liquid
Steaming your pulled pork in the oven with liquid is another excellent option for reheating. This method is particularly useful if you want to add some extra moisture and flavor to your pork. To start, preheat your oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Place your pulled pork into a heat-safe dish and add a small amount of liquid, such as apple juice, beer, broth, or water. The liquid will help to keep the meat moist and tender while it’s reheating.
Cover the dish tightly with a layer of tinfoil, making sure that it’s completely sealed around the edges. This will help to trap the steam inside and create a moist environment for your pork to reheat in. Place the dish on the middle rack of your oven and let it cook until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the meat has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and carefully peel back the tinfoil. Give the meat a stir to distribute the juices evenly, then cover it loosely with the tinfoil again and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and ensure that it stays moist and flavorful.
Thawing Frozen Pulled Pork In Instant Pot
If you have frozen pulled pork that you want to reheat in your Instant Pot, the first step is to thaw it properly. There are a few different methods you can use to thaw frozen pulled pork, but one of the easiest is to simply place the frozen pork in the refrigerator overnight. This will allow it to thaw slowly and evenly, without any risk of bacterial growth.
To avoid leaks, it’s a good idea to place the bag of frozen pulled pork in a casserole dish or other container while it thaws. This will catch any leaks or drips that might occur as the pork thaws.
Once your pulled pork is fully thawed, you can reheat it using any of the methods described above. If you’re using the 0 minute cook time method, be sure to add some liquid to the pot along with the pulled pork. This will ensure that there is enough liquid to create steam and achieve high pressure.