How to Reheat a Pork Loin
on May 27, 2024, Updated Jun 09, 2024
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It is difficult to reheat pork while retaining the original peak juiciness and flavor, but this guide for How to Reheat a Pork Loin gives you all the juicy secrets and tips! We will help you revive your pork loin leftovers to ensure that they are almost as delicious as they were fresh off the grill. This guide walks you through four foolproof methods that promise to turn your leftovers into a delicious meal.
Don’t settle for dried-out, tough pork ever again. Just pull up this guide and bookmark it for later so that next time you cook way too much pork, you have a surefire method to put your smoked pork loin recipe leftovers to good use.
🤔 Why Worry About Reheating Pork Loin?
Pork loin is a lean cut of meat, and it lacks the high-fat content that naturally keeps some cuts tender and moist during cooking and reheating. When reheating pork loin, the proteins will further contract and force more juices and moisture out of the meat.
We can help to keep the meat moist and juicy with a couple of special tricks.
🔥 Methods to Reheat a Pork Loin
Deciding how to reheat pork loin can be difficult, especially if you aim to preserve the deliciousness of a perfectly cooked pork loin. This section offers a curated selection of methods tailored to suit any cook. From the gentle precision of sous vide to the smoky touch of a grill. If your pork loin is frozen, place it in the fridge overnight to let it thaw before reheating it. Read more in our post that answers the question, can you freeze cooked pork loin?
Sous Vide
My favorite method for reheating a pork loin. The sous vide ensures perfect internal temperatures when reheating and locks in all the juices and flavor. Sous vide is phenomenal for reheating ribs – read more about pork loin back ribs vs St. Louis.
- Preheat the sous vide bath to 145°F. This temperature ensures a perfect internal temperature without additionally cooking the pork.
- Place the pork loin in a vacuum-sealed bag and remove as much air as possible. If the pork loin is sliced, arrange them in the bag like shingles to expedite the reheating. You can add a splash of chicken broth to the bag to help keep plenty of moisture in the meat.
- Submerge the bag in the sous vide bath, making sure the meat is fully submerged. Reheat the pork loin for 1-2 hours. The time needed will vary depending on the size of the pork loin and whether it is whole or sliced.
- Remove the pork loin from the sous vide and take it out of the bag. Check the internal temperature of the meat to make sure it reaches 145°F. If not, return it to the sous vide.
- For the perfect finishing touch, quickly sear the pork loin in a hot pan or on the Blackstone with a little oil for 1-2 minutes on each side to develop a flavorful crust. Slice and enjoy!
On the Grill
The grill is a perfectly delicious option to reheat pork loin while adding a touch of smokiness. You can easily add moisture to the pork while it cooks and then quickly sear it off for the perfect texture. Follow the steps below if you have a whole pork loin.
If you have sliced pork loin, you can simply set your grill to med-high heat or set your Traeger to 400°F and throw on the slices. It will only take a couple 1 or 2 minutes on each side.
- Preheat the grill to 250°F and set it up for indirect heating. This is the perfect time to use your smoker or Traeger grill.
- Wrap the pork loin loosely in aluminum foil. You can also add a splash of chicken broth or apple juice to the foil before sealing it up. This will enhance the juiciness and keep the pork from drying out.
- Place it on the grill and cook for about 30 minutes, depending on the size of the pork loin. Check the internal temperature and make sure it reaches 145°F.
- If you like, you can now sear the pork loin on the grill over direct heat. Crank up the temperature of your grill or Traeger and sear for 1-2 minutes on each side.
- Remove the pork loin from the grill and rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
In the Air Fryer
Reheating pork loin in an air fryer is a quick and efficient method to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist.
- Prepare the pork loin by slicing it into ½-inch slices. Arrange the pork loin in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded.
- Place a small amount of chicken broth at the bottom of the air fryer basket to maintain moisture in the pork as it reheats. You can also spray or brush the pork with oil.
- Air fry the pork loin at 360°F for 3-4 minutes or until heated through. Adjust the cooking time as necessary.
- Remove the pork from the air fryer and serve immediately. Repeat the process for additional servings.
In the Microwave
As a last resort and if time is of the essence, you can use a microwave to reheat your pork. Follow these steps to get the best result possible when reheating with this quick method.
- Slice the pork loin into ½-inch slices and arrange the pork in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate.
- Add a splash of chicken broth to the plate and drizzle it over the slices of pork to add moisture.
- Place a microwave-safe lid or drape a damp paper towel over the plate to help retain the moisture as it cooks.
- Cook in 30-second bursts at 50% power. Check the pork after each burst and continue to heat the pork until it reaches the desired temperature.
👊 Add a Punch of Juiciness
Elevating your reheated pork loin with a sauce is a simple yet transformative step, infusing each bite with an extra layer of flavor while adding extra moisture.
Try something as simple as brushing the pork loin with a Kansas City-style BBQ sauce or serve the sliced pork loin alongside a delicious chimichurri. For a unique spin, try this reader’s favorite blue cheese compound butter melted on top, or this classic chipotle lime crema sauce.
🔪 Time for Dinner
Reheating your pork loin properly can turn the often-overlooked leftovers into a delicious meal. If you don’t take care to reheat your pork, you can be left with a dry disappointment. By choosing the right reheating technique, you ensure that every slice of pork loin is tender, juicy, and brimming with flavor.
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