Pork tenderloin is a lean, tender cut of meat that can be used in everything from weeknight dinners to fancy restaurant dishes. It cooks up quickly since it’s so lean making it an ideal choice for busy home cooks.
The problem many home cooks run into is figuring out what to do with leftover pork tenderloin Unlike chicken or beef, pork tenderloin doesn’t readily shred into strings or chunks for tacos, sandwiches, casseroles and the like That’s because pork tenderloin is a solid, compact cut of meat without a lot of marbling or connective tissue.
But don’t despair! With a few simple tricks, you can transform leftover pork tenderloin into delicious shredded pork for tacos, sandwiches, pasta dishes and more. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to shred leftover pork tenderloin.
How to Shred Leftover Pork Tenderloin
Step 1: Start with Completely Cooled Pork
The first step is making sure your leftover pork tenderloin is completely cooled. If the meat is still warm, it won’t shred properly and will turn mushy.
Place the cooked pork tenderloin in the refrigerator and allow it to cool completely, ideally overnight. The cooler temperature helps firm up the meat so it holds its shape better when shredding.
Step 2: Cut the Tenderloin into Smaller Pieces
Take the cooled pork tenderloin and cut it into 1-inch chunks. Try to cut across the grain of the meat, as this will make it easier to shred later.
Step 3: Use Two Forks to Shred the Meat
Now comes the fun part! Take two forks and hold a piece of pork tenderloin in place with one fork. Use the tines of the other fork to pull and shred the meat, working across the grain.
The pork should shred into long, stringy pieces. Repeat this process until all the chunks are shredded.
You can also use your fingers to break the meat apart into smaller pieces if desired. Just be sure to have clean hands!
Step 4: Chop and Mix the Shredded Pork
Once all the pork tenderloin pieces are shredded into strings, take a chef’s knife and roughly chop the meat into smaller bits. The shreds can be left long or cut into 1⁄2 to 1-inch pieces.
Transfer the shredded pork to a bowl and mix it together with your hands, separating any clumps. Season with salt and pepper or any other seasonings you’d like.
Now you have deliciously shredded pork ready to be used in any recipe!
Tips for Shredding Leftover Pork Tenderloin
Here are some handy tips to help make shredding pork tenderloin even easier:
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Use forks with longer, sturdier tines – The thicker and stronger the tines, the easier they’ll shred the meat. Avoid using plastic forks, which can bend.
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Let it cool completely – Don’t be tempted to skip this step! Hot or warm pork doesn’t shred well. Chilling firms it up.
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Cut across the grain – Slicing perpendicular to the muscle fibers makes the meat easier to shred with forks.
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Work in small batches – Shred just a few ounces at a time for best control and to prevent meat from drying out.
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Moisten if needed – If the pork seems dry, add a splash of broth, water or oil to help moisten it.
How to Use Shredded Pork Tenderloin
The possibilities are endless when it comes to using shredded pork tenderloin! Here are just a few ideas:
Tacos and Burritos
Shredded pork makes an amazing taco or burrito filling. Simply heat it up with taco seasoning and pile into warm tortillas along with all your favorite toppings.
Sandwiches
For easy pulled pork sandwiches, mix the shredded pork with barbecue sauce and serve on buns. Or make tasty hoagies by piling it on rolls with melted provolone cheese.
Pasta Dishes
Toss the shredded pork with tomato sauce and pasta for a quick spaghetti dinner. You can also make delicious ravioli or lasagna fillings with the shredded meat.
Casseroles
Mix shredded pork with rice, beans, salsa and cheese to make a tasty burrito casserole. Or combine it with potatoes, corn and veggies for a hearty shredded pork hash.
Soups and Chilis
Shredded pork adds protein and heartiness to soups and chilis. Try it in posole, ramen bowls, vegetarian chili and more.
Breakfast Dishes
Make a yummy breakfast hash with shredded pork, potatoes, peppers, onions and eggs. You can also wrap it in tortillas for easy breakfast burritos.
Salads
Toss shredded pork into fresh greens, slaws or grain-based salads for a protein punch. It pairs especially well with Asian noodle salads.
Stir-Fries
Quick-cooking shredded pork is ideal for fast weeknight stir-fries. Simply heat it up with your favorite veggies and serve over rice.
As you can see, the possibilities are endless for giving leftover pork tenderloin new life! With just a little bit of effort you can transform it into amazing shredded pork meals.
FAQs About Shredding Pork Tenderloin
How long does cooked pork tenderloin last in the fridge?
Cooked pork tenderloin will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Can you freeze shredded pork tenderloin?
Yes, shredded pork freezes very well for later use. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers. It will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer.
What’s the best way to reheat shredded pork?
For serving shredded pork right away, heat it up gently in a skillet with a bit of broth or sauce to keep it moist. For later use, thaw frozen shredded pork overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Is pork tenderloin the same as pork loin?
Pork tenderloin and pork loin come from different parts of the pig. Pork tenderloin is a small, elongated cut that’s very tender. Pork loin is much larger and usually needs moist cooking methods.
Can you shred pork shoulder or butt instead?
Yes, pork shoulder (also called Boston butt) can be shredded in the same way after cooking it low and slow until very tender. It has more fat so the texture will be slightly different.
What’s the best way to cook pork tenderloin?
Quick-cooking methods like grilling, broiling, sautéing, or roasting at high heat work best to keep pork tenderloin juicy. Cook to an internal temperature of 145°F.
Get Creative with Leftover Pork Tenderloin
Don’t let leftover pork tenderloin go to waste! With a simple shredding technique, you can give it delicious second life in tacos, pasta, sandwiches, casseroles and more.
The key is letting the cooked pork chill completely before using two forks to shred it into bite-size pieces or strings. Then get creative mixing the shredded pork into your favorite recipes for easy, tasty weeknight meals.