Leftover pork tenderloin presents a tasty opportunity to get creative in the kitchen While delicious on its own, pork tenderloin’s lean nature makes it prone to drying out and overcooking Reimagining those leftovers as succulent pulled pork solves this problem and gives the meat a delicious second life.
With the right technique, you can easily turn pork tenderloin into fork-tender pulled pork bursting with flavor. Read on to learn how.
Why Turn Tenderloin into Pulled Pork?
There are several advantages to shredding up leftover pork tenderloin rather than reheating it in its original form
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Keeps the pork moist – Pulling allows it to soak up flavorful liquid.
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Infuses big flavor – Spicy, tangy barbecue sauce punches up mild pork.
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Changes up the texture – Shredding gives a new pulled consistency.
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Stretches your meals – A little pork makes a lot pulled pork when shredded.
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Adds menu versatility – Use pulled pork in sandwiches, tacos, pizza, salads, and more!
With minimal effort, you can take leftover pork in a tired direction and make it taste like an entirely new dish. Let’s get pulling!
How to Transform Leftover Tenderloin into Pulled Pork
The process involves just a few simple steps:
Ingredients:
- 1-2 lbs leftover cooked pork tenderloin, cut into chunks
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1⁄4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1⁄4 cup chicken or veggie broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Cut the cooked pork tenderloin into large chunks.
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In a medium pot, stir together the barbecue sauce, vinegar, broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Add the pork chunks to the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
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Cover and cook for 20-30 minutes, until pork is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
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Shred the pork right in the pot using two forks. Stir to coat in the sauce.
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Let simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to reduce the sauce and allow flavors to blend.
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Serve pulled pork on buns, over baked potatoes, rice, or cauliflower rice, stuffed into tacos or empanadas, or enjoy it on its own!
And just like that, your leftover pork tenderloin is magically transformed into delicious pulled pork! The flavorful sauce tenderizes the lean meat and gives it a tangy bite.
Tips for Moist, Tender Pulled Pork
To end up with optimal texture and moisture when transforming tenderloin into pulled pork, keep these tips in mind:
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Cut pork into large 1-2 inch chunks to expose more surface area to sauce.
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Simmer low and slow once pork is added to allow time for meat to become fall-apart tender.
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Shred pork with two forks right in the pot to soak up savory cooking liquid.
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Let pulled pork simmer in sauce after shredding to fully absorb flavors.
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Add more broth/sauce if needed to keep pork moist (it will absorb a lot!)
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Don’t over-reduce the sauce or pork may dry out. Aim for a thin coating.
Fun Ways to Use Leftover Pulled Pork
The possibilities are endless when it comes to using leftover pulled pork transformed from tenderloin. Here are some fun ideas:
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Pile high on rolls for pulled pork sandwiches
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Stuff into tacos or burritos
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Top pizza instead of sausage
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Fold into omelets or frittatas
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Toss with veggies and pasta for a protein-packed pasta salad
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Mix with beans and rice for a Tex-Mex bowl
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Add to mac and cheese or baked potatoes
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Layer into nachos or quesadillas
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Fill empanadas or hand pies
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Mix with mayo and stuff into tomatoes
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Toss with shredded cabbage for pork slaw
Get creative! Pulled pork makes leftover pork tenderloin exciting again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my pork tenderloin is dry?
Dry, overcooked pork will hydrate and soften when simmered in the flavorful sauce. Go low and slow to restore moisture.
Can I use a slow cooker instead of the stove?
Absolutely! After browning pork chunks, combine with sauce in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
What about the leftover sauce?
Strain any leftover sauce and refrigerate to use later as a sandwich topping or cooking sauce.
Can I freeze pulled pork?
Yes, freeze pulled pork in an airtight container for up to 4 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
Breathe New Life into Leftover Pork
With a few basic ingredients and a little creativity, you can easily reinvent leftover pork tenderloin into delicious pulled pork. Simmering the pork in a homemade barbecue sauce infuses flavor and moisture for tender, juicy meat. Make the most of leftovers by shredding up tenderloin. Pulled pork offers versatility to use pork in new ways. Get pulling!