Pork tenderloin is a lean and tender cut of meat that is delicious when cooked properly. However, you may find yourself with leftovers after cooking a whole tenderloin. Rather than throwing out the extras, consider shredding the pork to give it new life in other dishes.
Can you shred leftover pork tenderloin?
Yes, shredding leftover pork tenderloin is perfectly safe and provides a simple way to repurpose the meat. Pork tenderloin has a delicate texture that takes well to shredding once cooked. The process helps break down the muscle fibers, resulting in soft, pull-apart strands of juicy pork.
Shredded pork tenderloin is ideal for tacos, nachos, sandwiches, casseroles, soups, and more. It can also be used as a protein topper for salads or bowls. The versatile texture makes it an easy addition to any meal.
How to shred leftover pork tenderloin
Shredding leftover pork tenderloin is a simple process:
- Start with cooked pork tenderloin. It can be roasted, grilled, baked, or sautéed. Allow the meat to cool slightly.
- Use two forks to pull the tenderloin into thin strands. Start at one end and use the forks to shred the meat by pulling in opposite directions.
- Continue shredding any larger pieces until the pork is shredded uniformly.
- Chop with a knife to break up any long strands.
- Use the shredded pork right away or store it covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
The meat should shred easily if it is cooked through without being overdone. If the pork seems dry or stringy when shredding, consider adding a bit of broth, barbecue sauce, or other liquid when using it in recipes.
Tips for shredding pork tenderloin
- Allow the tenderloin to rest for 5-10 minutes before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat.
- Chill the cooked pork in the refrigerator first for even easier shredding.
- Use two forks to shred. They provide more pulling power than a single fork.
- Try shredding the pork into a large bowl. This catches any falling pieces.
- Add sauce or liquid during shredding to boost moisture, if needed.
- Avoid over-shredding into mush. Leave some larger strands for texture.
How long does shredded pork tenderloin last?
Properly stored, shredded pork tenderloin will last:
- Refrigerator: 3 to 4 days
- Freezer: 2 to 3 months
To maximize freshness and shelf life:
- Refrigerate shredded pork in an airtight container. Plastic wrap or resealable bags also work well.
- Place the shredded pork in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
- Use refrigerated shredded pork within 3 to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze shredded pork for 2 to 3 months.
- Freeze shredded pork in airtight containers or bags, pressing out excess air.
- Thaw frozen shredded pork in the refrigerator before using.
Properly stored, shredded pork tenderloin keeps well for several days in the fridge or months in the freezer. Use refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days and frozen leftovers within 2 to 3 months for best quality.
Dishes to make with shredded pork tenderloin
Shredded pork tenderloin is endlessly versatile. Try using it in these delicious recipes:
| Dish | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Tacos | Corn or flour tortillas, shredded pork, salsa, avocado |
| Nachos | Chips, shredded pork, cheese, beans, salsa |
| Sandwiches | Buns, shredded pork, barbecue sauce, coleslaw |
| Casseroles | Shredded pork, vegetables, sauce, cheese, pasta or rice |
| Soup | Chicken or vegetable broth, shredded pork, vegetables, pasta |
| Salad or bowl | Mixed greens, shredded pork, dressing, toppings like cheese, nuts, or fruit |
Get creative with globally inspired flavors too. Use Mexican spices for tacos, Asian flavored sauces for bowls, or Italian dressing for a fork-friendly salad topping.
Nutrition of shredded pork tenderloin
Shredding pork tenderloin does not significantly alter its nutritional value. Here is the nutrition profile per 3 ounces (85 grams) of cooked, shredded pork tenderloin:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 122 |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Carbs | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sodium | 56 mg |
Pork tenderloin is one of the leanest cuts of pork, with minimal marbling. It is an excellent source of high-quality protein and makes a nutritious addition to any diet.
Benefits
Here are some of the top health benefits of shredded pork tenderloin:
- High in protein – Great for building and repairing muscle. Also helps you feel full.
- Low in fat – Much less fat than other pork cuts like shoulder or bacon.
- Rich in B vitamins – Essential for energy, brain function, and nervous system health.
- Good source of selenium – Trace mineral that acts as an antioxidant for immune defense.
- Contains iron – Helps prevent anemia and aids oxygen circulation.
Downsides
Shredded pork tenderloin has relatively few downsides, but here are a couple things to keep in mind:
- Can be drier than fattier cuts of pork, like shoulder.
- Still contains saturated fat and cholesterol, though less than other cuts of pork and red meat.
- Higher in sodium if cured, smoked, or processed.
Overall, pork tenderloin is one of the healthiest and leanest ways to enjoy shredded pork. It provides an excellent nutrient profile as part of a balanced diet.
Conclusion
Shredding leftover pork tenderloin is an easy way to transform extras into a versatile ingredient for many recipes. Simply cook the pork, allow it to rest, and use two forks to shred into strands. Store shredded pork for 3-4 days in the fridge or 2-3 months in the freezer. Shredded pork tenderloin is delicious in tacos, sandwiches, salads, soups, and more while providing nutrients like protein, B vitamins, and selenium. With a little creativity, shredded pork can be used to make quick, flavorful meals from tenderloin leftovers.