Can You Dehydrate Pulled Pork? Everything You Need to Know

Pulled pork is a classic barbecue staple loved by many. The tender juicy meat soaked in sauce makes for amazing sandwiches tacos, nachos, and more. But like any leftover, pulled pork only stays fresh for so long in the fridge. So what’s the best way to preserve this tasty meat for later? Can you dehydrate pulled pork to extend its shelf life?

The short answer is yes – you absolutely can dehydrate pulled pork! Dehydrating is an excellent way to make pulled pork more compact and shelf-stable without compromising on flavor

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about dehydrating pulled pork at home. I’ll share tips on:

Why dehydrate pulled pork and its benefits
How to prep and cook pork for dehydrating
Step-by-step instructions to dehydrate pulled pork
Proper storage and rehydration methods
Creative ways to use dehydrated pulled pork

As a food blogger and outdoor enthusiast I’ve experimented extensively with dehydrating all kinds of foods including pulled pork. With the right techniques, you can make delicious dried pulled pork to take camping, stash in your emergency pantry or enjoy anytime!

Why Dehydrate Pulled Pork?

Here are some of the biggest benefits of dehydrating pulled pork:

Long shelf life – Dehydrated pulled pork can last for months if stored properly, versus just days for fresh pulled pork.
Lightweight – Removing the moisture makes dehydrated pork about 75% lighter in weight. Perfect for backpacking trips and bug out bags.
Space saving – Dehydrated meat takes up much less storage space compared to an equivalent amount of fresh meat.
Versatile – Rehydrate and use dried pulled pork in all kinds of dishes from soups to sandwiches.
Nutritious – Dehydrating preserves most of the nutritional value like protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Economical – Make use of pork shoulder when it’s on sale or leftover roast pork from a holiday meal.

Clearly, dehydrating makes pulled pork much more portable and convenient to use later. Now let’s look at how to prepare the pork.

Prepping Pork for Dehydrating

The key to successful dehydrated pulled pork is starting with the right cut of meat. Here are some tips:

Choose lean cuts – Pork shoulder or Boston butt are ideal because they become very tender when cooked low and slow. Avoid fatty cuts like pork belly.
Trim fat – Remove excess fat before cooking to prevent the dehydrated pork from going rancid.
Season well – Rub the raw pork with spices, herbs, salt, and pepper to add flavor.
Cook fully – Slow cook or braise until fork tender and easily shredded. Cook to an internal temp of 200°F.
Shred meat – Use two forks to shred into fine pieces which will dehydrate faster.
Drain fat – Let cooked pork cool then drain and discard any rendered fat before dehydrating.

Proper prep is crucial to remove excess fat and moisture for food safety and the drying process. Now we’re ready to dehydrate!

How to Dehydrate Pulled Pork Step-By-Step

Follow these simple steps for perfect dehydrated pulled pork every time:

1. Prepare pork

Cook, shred, and drain fat as explained above. Season and flavor the meat as desired.

2. Spread on trays

Distribute shredded pork evenly in a thin layer onto dehydrator trays. Don’t overpack trays.

3. Dehydrate

Set dehydrator to 145°F. Dry for 6-12 hours, checking periodically until pork is dried thoroughly.

4. Test for doneness

Properly dehydrated pork will be hard and brittle. It should not feel moist or rubbery.

5. Store

Let pork cool completely then pack in airtight bags or jars. Add the date and pork amount.

Be sure to rotate the trays periodically and check pork often to prevent uneven drying. With the right dehydrator, you can easily make big batches of pulled pork to enjoy later!

How to Store Dehydrated Pulled Pork

Like any dehydrated food, proper storage is vital for food safety and maximum shelf life. Here are some storage tips:

Store in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags after pork has completely cooled. Exclude excess air.
Add the date and amount of pork. Use oldest pork first.
Keep in a cool, dry place like your pantry. Avoid humidity, light, and heat.
For long-term storage of more than 1 month, freeze dried pork.
Look for signs of moisture, sliminess, or funky smells before eating. Discard if pork has spoiled.
For best quality and food safety, use within 1 year.

With proper storage, dehydrated pulled pork can easily last 6-12 months at room temperature. Freezing extends shelf life even longer.

Rehydrating and Using Dehydrated Pulled Pork

The great thing about dehydrated pork is that it can be rehydrated for use in all sorts of dishes. Here are some easy ways to rehydrate and use your pork:

For sandwiches, rehydrate by adding boiling water or chicken broth until pork is softened. Drain then mix with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Make pulled pork tacos by rehydrating with a salsa or taco sauce of your choice.
Add rehydrated pork to soups, chilis, casseroles, omelets, pasta dishes, and more!
Soak in apple cider or juice then mix with spices and maple syrup and stuff into bell peppers or cabbage.
Pour hot chili sauce over dried pork and let sit for 10-15 minutes to make spicy carnitas for taco night.
For backpacking, pre-measure portions of dried pork into ziplocks then add boiling water in camp.

Get creative with spices, sauces, and seasonings when rehydrating to make delicious pulled pork meals with minimal effort. With endless possibilities, you’ll never tire of your dehydrated pork stash!

Tips for Dehydrating Pulled Pork

Here are some top tips to take your pulled pork dehydrating skills to the next level:

Use a thermometer to monitor internal temp when cooking pork. Go for 200-205°F.
Let pork cool before dehydrating so moisture condenses on the surface. Blot with paper towels.
Cut pork across the grain before shredding for shorter muscle fibers.
A dehydrator with an adjustable thermostat and rear-mounted fan works best.
Rotate trays and stir pork frequently for even drying.
Add spices, vinegar, or sugar to bump up flavor since dehydrating dulls taste.
Check pork every few hours until completely dried and brittle with no moist spots.
Let pork cool completely before transferring to storage containers to avoid condensation.
Use freezer bags to portion pork for individual meals or camping trips.

With some trial and error, you’ll get the hang of dehydrating pulled pork. Adjust seasonings and drying times to suit your taste.

Enjoy Delectable Dehydrated Pork!

Dehydrating is a simple, budget-friendly way to preserve flavorful pulled pork to have on hand anytime. Proper preparation, dehydrating, storage, and rehydrating techniques allow you to make tender, tasty pulled pork that’s lightweight and shelf-stable.

How I Dehydrate and Store Ground Meats

FAQ

Is it safe to dehydrate pork?

As well, there are a few things you need to take care of in order to safely dehydrate pork jerky. The temperature of the dehydrator must be high enough (around 165 degrees F) to kill all germs, bacteria, and pathogens that are present in the meat.

Can you dry out pulled pork?

A lot can happen in the hours of cooking time required to properly prepare pork, and the chaos of the kitchen can cause overcooking that leads to a dried-out dish.

How to make dried shredded pork?

Boil a pork sirloin or tenderloin in a salted pot of water for a couple hours, and once the pieces of meat are fork-tender, remove them from the liquid and shred. Then, toss in a handful of spices, and slowly stir-fry the shreds in a pan with a thin layer of oil until they’re crispy and dry.

How long will dehydrated meat last?

Ensure the container is fully sealed and store it in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or refrigerator. Using this method, your meat can last for up to 2 months. It is also a good idea to put the date of dehydration on the container so you can keep track of how long you have left to consume your product.