Is It Safe to Reheat Pork?

Pork is a versatile and delicious meat that can be used in all sorts of dishes. From pork chops to pulled pork, ham to bacon, pork makes an excellent addition to many meals. However, like all meats, pork needs to be handled carefully to prevent foodborne illness. This includes proper storage and reheating. So is it safe to reheat pork?

The short answer is yes, you can safely reheat pork as long as you follow a few guidelines Reheating pork correctly will kill any potential bacteria and ensure you don’t get sick from eating leftovers or precooked pork

How to Store Pork Safely Before Reheating

Before you even think about reheating pork, it’s important to store it properly after cooking. This helps prevent bacterial growth.

• Refrigerate pork within 2 hours of cooking. Don’t leave cooked pork out at room temperature.
• Store pork in shallow airtight containers so it cools quickly.
• Cooked pork can be kept refrigerated for 3-4 days.
• Freeze pork if you won’t use it within 3-4 days.
• Frozen pork lasts 3-4 months in a freezer at 0°F or below.
• Thaw frozen pork in the refrigerator, not on the counter.
• Don’t refreeze thawed pork. Cook it within 1-2 days.

Follow these storage guidelines, and pork should be safe to reheat when you’re ready to eat it.

How to Reheat Pork Safely

When reheating pork, the most important rule is to reheat it thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This kills any harmful bacteria that may be present.

Here are some safe methods for reheating pork

On the Stovetop

Reheating pork in a pan on the stovetop allows you to easily monitor it and bring it up to a safe internal temperature.

• Choose a skillet or sauté pan that can evenly distribute heat. Nonstick pans work well to prevent sticking.

• Heat the pan over medium heat and add a bit of oil, butter, or other cooking fat

• Add the sliced, chopped or shredded pork in an even layer.

• Use a food thermometer to monitor the internal temperature. Cook until it reaches 165°F throughout.

• Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Be careful not to overcook or dry out the pork.

In the Oven

The oven provides a hands-off way to safely reheat pork. Use this method for larger cuts of meat.

• Pre-heat oven to 350°F.

• Place pork in an oven-safe dish or wrap in foil.

• Insert a food thermometer into the thickest part of the pork before covering the dish or sealing the foil.

• Heat until internal temperature hits 165°F, checking temperature periodically.

• Allow at least 15 minutes of heating time once it reaches 165°F to ensure even cooking.

In the Microwave

The microwave provides a quick method for reheating pork in small quantities.

• Place pork in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely with a paper towel or vented lid.

• Microwave in short intervals, checking temperature in between. Go slowly to prevent overcooking.

• Heat until pork reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

• Allow pork to rest for a few minutes before serving.

• Stir and rotate pork halfway through for even heating.

On the Grill

You can also reheat cooked pork safely on an outdoor grill, though this works best for larger cuts of meat or thick pork chops.

• Clean grill grates thoroughly before use.

• Preheat grill on medium-high heat.

• Place pork directly on grill grates and cook uncovered with the lid closed.

• Flip pork halfway through grilling.

• Heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, checking with a grill-safe thermometer.

• Allow 5-10 minutes of resting time before slicing and serving reheated grilled pork.

Safety Tips for Reheating Pork

Keep these important safety tips in mind when reheating pork:

• Only reheat pork once. Don’t reheat leftovers more than once.

• Bring pork to 165°F internal temperature within 2 hours of taking it from the refrigerator or freezer.

• Stir and rotate pork to ensure even heating. Look for cold spots.

• Never microwave pork straight from the freezer. Thaw first.

• Heat gravy, sauce or reheating liquid to a rolling boil when reheating.

• Don’t eat reheated pork that smells bad or has an off color. When in doubt, throw it out!

What Happens If Pork Is Reheated Improperly?

Eating undercooked or improperly reheated pork can cause foodborne illness. This occurs because pork can contain harmful bacteria and parasites if not fully cooked.

Potential risks of undercooked pork include:

• Salmonella – Causes diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps starting 12-72 hours after eating. Lasts 4-7 days.

• E. coli – Causes severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, vomiting and fever within 2-8 days of eating tainted food.

• Trichinosis – Caused by a parasitic worm in pork. Causes diarrhea, muscle soreness, fever, fatigue. Symptoms appear 1-2 days after infection.

• Listeria – Causes fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. Pregnant women are especially at risk.

Properly cooking and reheating pork destroys these bacteria and parasites, making the pork safe to eat. Following food safety guidelines reduces your risk of getting sick.

The Bottom Line

Yes, you can safely reheat pork, but special care should be taken to prevent foodborne illness. Be sure to fully reheat pork to 165°F internal temperature. Store pork properly after cooking and don’t leave it sitting out before reheating. Use one of the recommended reheating methods and monitor temperature carefully.

Reheating pork just once is ideal, and don’t eat it if it smells or looks questionable. Follow these simple guidelines for enjoying delicious leftover pork without worry. Pork makes fantastic leftovers, so get creative with adding it into fried rice, tacos, pasta, soups and more!