Pigs are one of the most popular sources of meat in the world. Pork is very versatile, easy to cook, and it’s a great source of protein. It can be cooked in many ways: roasted, grilled, fried or even smoked.
What’s more important for you to know about pork is how long it lasts in the fridge. Let’s find out how long cooked pork lasts after cooking and how to store it properly!
How Long Does Cooked Pork Last In The Fridge?
Cooked pork is safe to eat for 3-5 days. It should be stored in the refrigerator and kept covered at all times. Never leave cooked pork out on the counter for more than 2 hours—always throw away any leftovers after that time period expires.
How Long Does Cooked Pork Last at Room Temperature?
Cooked pork lasts only a few hours at room temperature. If it’s extremely warm, expect cooked pork to not last longer than an hour.
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service recommend that cooked pork be refrigerated within two hours after cooking — and not left out for more than four hours total.
If you are planning on storing your cooked pork for longer than four hours, make sure it is stored properly in a refrigerator at 40 degrees F or below until ready to eat.
How to Tell if Cooked Pork Has Gone Bad
There are several ways to tell if cooked pork has gone bad. The first and most obvious sign is the smell. If you notice a rancid or sour odor, then it’s probably time to toss your cooked pork in the trash.
Another way to determine if cooked pork has gone bad is by its color. When raw pork is fresh and unspoiled, it will have a pinkish color to it. However, once cooked, this pinkish color turns into a grayish-brown color. If your cooked pork looks grayish without any signs of pink, then chances are that it’s spoiled.
A third way of determining whether or not your cooked pork has gone bad is by checking its texture. Spoiled cooked pork will feel squishy when touched and will have an unpleasant odor coming from it as well.
Finally, you can also check the expiration date on your package of cooked pork before using it in any recipe. If the expiration date has passed, then throw out that package immediately because it could make you sick if you consume it.
How To Store Cooked Pork In The Fridge
It’s not just a matter of using the right temperature but also making sure you don’t let it sit out for too long.
Cooked pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. It’s important to remember that bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit (4 and 60 Celsius).
The best way to store cooked pork is in an airtight container with a lid. If reheating is necessary, use a microwave or heat in a skillet on the stove.
If you’re storing cooked pork in the fridge, make sure it’s covered so no moisture can get into the meat. This will help prevent mold from growing on your pork roast or chops.
Can You Freeze Cooked Pork?
You can freeze cooked pork for up to three months. This is because when you cook pork, it loses some of its water content and becomes drier. This means that it freezes better than uncooked pork, which stays moist and doesn’t hold up well in the freezer.
When you’re ready to use your frozen cooked pork, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using it in recipes or serving it as.
Once thawed, cook the meat immediately since freezing causes changes in taste and texture that cannot be undone by cooking again after thawing.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you to understand how long cooked pork lasts in the refrigerator, as well as how to properly store them in the fridge or freezer.
Kate has been in the food business for over 20 years. Worked as a cook at several buffets which include Old Country Buffet, Five Star Buffet, and Ichiban Buffet. Now, I’m mostly at home cooking for my family, caring for chickens and ducks, and tending the garden.
