When you find yourself with leftover ribs after a backyard barbecue or restaurant meal, don’t just reheat them for boring leftovers. With a few easy steps, you can reinvent those bones into mouthwatering pulled pork that tastes like an entirely new dish.
Turning leftover ribs into pulled pork is a thrifty way to get two meals from one. The rich, smoky flavor of the ribs infuses into juicy, tender pulled pork that can be used in sandwiches, tacos, pizza, salads and beyond.
Read on to learn how to effortlessly transform leftover ribs into versatile pulled pork and make the most of your meats
Why Turn Leftover Ribs into Pulled Pork?
There are several benefits to transforming leftover ribs into pulled pork:
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Adds variety – Pulled pork offers a different texture and flavor profile from ribs.
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Uses the entire rib – Meat gets pulled off bones that would otherwise get discarded.
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Infuses flavor – Smoky rib flavor carries over into the pulled pork.
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Saves money – Get two meals out of already-cooked ribs.
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Prevents waste – Uses ribs that would go bad otherwise.
With just a little effort, you can take those leftover boney ribs and give them new life as a fresh, delicious pulled pork dish.
How to Turn Leftover Ribs into Pulled Pork
The process for turning leftover ribs into pulled pork is simple:
Ingredients:
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Leftover cooked ribs from 1-2 racks of baby back or spare ribs
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1 cup barbecue sauce
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1⁄4 cup apple cider vinegar
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1⁄4 cup chicken or veggie broth
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Favorite spices like chili powder, cumin, etc.
Instructions:
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Pick any remaining meat off the ribs and discard bones.
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Chop or shred meat into smaller pieces and place in a bowl.
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Remove any excess fat or cartilage from shredded meat.
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Add barbecue sauce, vinegar, broth and any desired spices to shredded rib meat.
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Mix well to combine and transfer mixture to a skillet or slow cooker.
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Cook over medium heat or on low, stirring occasionally until heated through and tender, about 30-60 minutes.
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Shred any larger pieces of meat with two forks until all pork is pulled.
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Serve pulled pork on buns, over rice, stuffed into tacos – get creative!
The smoky flavors from the cooked ribs get absorbed into the juicy pulled pork as it simmers. Feel free to add your favorite spices, hot sauce or other flavors to customize.
Tips for Moist, Tender Pulled Pork
To end up with ideal pulled pork texture when transforming ribs, keep these tips in mind:
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Remove any excess fat from the shredded rib meat to prevent greasiness.
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Add liquid like broth and vinegar to keep the pork moist while cooking into pullable shreds.
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Simmer the pork mixture slowly over medium or low heat to achieve tender results.
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Shred the pork with two forks right in the cooking liquid for added flavor and moisture.
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Let the pulled pork mix cook a bit after shredding to further infuse spices.
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Add more liquid if needed to prevent drying out while simmering into tender pulled pork.
Fun Ways to Use Your Leftover Rib Pulled Pork
The possibilities are endless when it comes to using your leftover rib pulled pork:
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Pile high on rolls or buns for pulled pork sandwiches.
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Mix with chili ingredients for pulled pork chili.
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Stuff into taco shells or quesadillas.
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Top pizzas instead of sausage or pepperoni.
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Toss with salad greens, veggies and vinaigrette.
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Fold into omelets, frittatas or breakfast tacos.
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Mix into mac and cheese or baked potatoes.
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Layer into nachos and top with cheese.
Get creative with recipes! Pulled pork makes those leftover ribs into a versatile ingredient.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Rib Pulled Pork
To properly store leftover pulled pork transformed from ribs:
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Refrigerate in a sealed container up to 4 days.
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Freeze pulled pork for 2-3 months. Thaw in fridge before using.
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Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth until warmed through.
Proper storage keeps pulled pork safe and tender. Handle with care to savor the flavor of those reinvented ribs.
FAQs About Turning Leftover Ribs into Pulled Pork
How can you tell when the pulled pork is done?
The pork should easily shred with two forks into stringy pieces. Simmer until no chunks remain.
Can you use a slow cooker instead of the stove?
Yes, simply prepare pulled pork mixture then cook on low setting 4-6 hours until fork tender.
Does the rib meat need to be diced finely?
Chunks are fine since pork will get shredded later. Just remove fat and cut into smaller pieces.
What barbecue sauce is best for the pulled pork?
Any flavor you like will work! Sweet, spicy, tangy – match sauce to your tastes.
Transform Tired Ribs into Delicious Pulled Pork
Put those leftover rib bones to good use by shredding them into mouthwatering pulled pork. Simmered in a flavorful sauce, the tender pork strands soak up seasoned moisture for a rib-infused delight.
With minimal effort, you can reinvent rib leftovers into a versatile ingredient for sandwiches, tacos, pasta, pizza and more. Get pulling!