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If you’re anything like us, then you love a good backyard BBQ. But what do you do with all the leftovers when the party’s over? Here’s a handy guide to help you make the most of your BBQ leftovers.
Refrigerate or freeze within 2 hours of cooking
To prevent food poisoning, it’s important to refrigerate or freeze your leftovers as soon as possible after cooking. If it’s hot outside, place them in an insulated bag or container to help keep them cool.
How long does BBQ last in the fridge?
Ideally, you should aim to eat your BBQ leftovers within 3-4 days. After this time, the food will start to deteriorate and may become unsafe to eat.
If you have a lot of leftovers, you can always freeze them for longer-term storage. Freezing is a great way to prolong the life of your BBQ leftovers so that you can enjoy them at a later date. Place them in an airtight container and they will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
How to reheat BBQ leftovers
When reheating BBQ leftovers, make sure that they’re piping hot all the way through before eating. They should reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to kill any bacteria that may be present. Use a food thermometer to check, as relying on appearances alone is not sufficient.
The best way to reheat BBQ is in the oven or on the grill. When reheating BBQ, the key is to not overcook it and to keep it moist. The best way to do this is by using a method that will slowly reheat the meat without drying it out. If you’re using a microwave, make sure to cover the food so that it doesn’t dry out– there’s nothing worse than dry, overcooked meat.
One method is to reheat the BBQ in a covered dish in a low temperature oven. Another is to gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat. Whichever method you choose, be sure to check on the meat frequently and add additional moisture if needed (a little water, broth, or even beer can work well).
Tips from Q39’s Executive Chef, Philip Thompson
How to Cook Leftover Brisket
Leave out at room temperature for 15 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F). Add 2 tablespoons of water or beef broth and wrap in aluminum foil. Open gently to allow the steam to escape, and heat for 15 minutes. Serve with Q39’s classic BBQ sauce.
How to Cook Leftover BBQ Chicken
Leave out at room temperature for 15 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F). Add 2 tablespoons of water or chicken broth and wrap in aluminum foil. Open gently to allow the steam to escape, and heat for 20 minutes. For best results, place chicken on to a hot grill or sauté pan to crisp the skin.
How to Cook Leftover Pulled Pork
Leave out at room temperature for 15 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F). Add 1 tablespoon of water or chicken broth and wrap in aluminum foil. Open gently to allow the steam to escape, and heat for 18 minutes. Serve with Q39’s zesty BBQ sauce.
How to Cook Leftover Ribs
Leave out at room temperature for 15 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F). Add 1 tablespoon of water or chicken broth and wrap in aluminum foil. Open gently to allow the steam to escape, and heat for 18 minutes. For best results, place ribs onto a hot grill or sauté pan for 30 seconds on each side. Serve with Q39’s honey BBQ sauce.
How to Cook Leftover Sausage
Leave out at room temperature for 15 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F). Add 1 tablespoon of water or chicken broth and wrap in aluminum foil. Open gently to allow the steam to escape, and heat for 15 minutes.
Can I reheat BBQ multiple times?
It’s generally not a good idea to reheat food more than once. This is because each time you reheat food, it increases the risk of bacterial growth. If you do need to reheat BBQ leftovers multiple times, make sure to do so safely by using a method that will reheat the meat quickly and evenly.
Get creative with your leftover BBQ
There are endless possibilities when it comes to what you can do with your BBQ leftovers. Get creative and try something new! Here are a few ideas to get you started
- Make a BBQ leftover pizza by topping a pre-made crust with BBQ sauce, shredded cheese, and your favorite toppings
- Mix pulled pork or chicken with some cooked rice, veggies, and BBQ sauce for a quick and easy burrito filling or quesadilla
- Use leftover sausages to make a hearty pasta dish or stew
- Transform leftover corn on the cob into yummy corn salad or salsa
- You can’t go wrong with a great pulled pork sandwich
The possibilities are endless, so get creative and enjoy your BBQ leftovers!
