Is pork OK if left out overnight?

If you’re like me, you often have leftover cooked pork because you want to make sure everyone gets their fill. But then you might wonder just how long pork can sit out before it becomes unsafe to eat?

You should refrigerate or freeze any leftover cooked pork as quickly as possible and not let it sit out for more than two hours. When cooked pork sits in the temperature danger zone between 40°F and 140°F, dangerous bacteria grow exponentially and can cause foodborne illness when consumed.

Let’s take a closer look at handling cooked pork and things you can do to help keep you and your dinner guests safe.

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How Long Can Cooked Pork Sit Out Before It Goes Bad?

You can leave cooked pork sitting out for up to two hours and up to 4 days in the refrigerator, depending on the cut, before it is no longer safe to consume, according to the USDA.

Keep in mind that these times will shorten drastically if it’s left sitting out on a hot day or in a warm kitchen.

The temperature danger zone applies to all cooked meats and is something you should be aware of. When the temperature of your food is lower than 40°F or higher than 140°F, bacteria growth is slowed but not stopped.

Between those two temperatures is the sweet spot where dangerous bacteria can flourish and cause your pork to go bad.

It’s also important to be aware that bacteria grow quicker and in larger numbers when the surface area they are growing on is larger.

This means that ground pork is more likely to go bad and have more bacteria growing than a whole roast, or pork chops, because each piece of ground pork can be covered, whereas a roast only has so much space on the outside of it. Cooked ground pork should be used up within two days.

Can Cooked Pork Be Left Out Overnight?

The two-hour rule also implies that cooked pork can not be left out overnight and consumed safely, even if it looks and smells fine.

I get it. You got busy and either left it in the oven or just forgot to wrap it up on the countertop. But you can make somebody seriously ill by eating it the following day.

And no amount of cooking can make it safe again.

Will I Be Sick If I Ate Cooked Pork Left Out Overnight?

If you have eaten cooked pork that was left out overnight, you could experience food poisoning that could lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and a fever.

These are the symptoms of foodborne illness caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, or Clostridium perfringens. All three of these bacteria can survive the cooking process and make you very ill if ingested.

Freeze Cooked Pork If Your Fridge Is Full

Try the freezer if your fridge is full of food and you have nowhere to store your cooked pork. Freezing cooked pork isn’t ideal, but if you want to save it, you may have no other choice.

The problem with frozen cooked pork is that when it’s thawed and reheated, is that it can become extremely dry and stringy.

If you’re using previously frozen cooked pork, adding gravy or another sauce can help make it more palatable.

I’ll often reheat it in gravy and break it up as it’s heating up. It’s important that the internal temperature of your cooked pork reaches at least 145ºF before serving.

How Long Can Pork Sit Out After Thawing

You should always thaw frozen cooked pork in the fridge and never let it sit out. It will take some time to thaw in the refrigerator, so it’s best to start the process the night before.

If you leave frozen cooked pork on the counter, the outside of your pork can thaw quickly while the center remains frozen. Bacteria colonies that have already grown will use the opportunity to expand further. By the time it’s completely thawed, it may not be safe to consume.

You notice platters of pulled pork and smoked pork butt are left sitting on the table and already making lands to reheat the pork later in the week.

However, how long has that pork been sitting at room temperature? How long will cooked pork last at room temperature?

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Can Cooked Pork Be Left Out Overnight?

No, pork cannot be left out overnight. You don’t want to risk your succulent pork getting contaminated with bacteria.

It’s best to store your cooked pork since bacteria can develop at room temperature at excessive rates.

How To Store Cooked Pork

There are several ways you can store cooked pork. The easiest way is to place it into an airtight container and place it in the fridge.

Do not place the cooked pork in the door or at the front of the fridge.

The temperature in these areas fluctuates and is not cold enough to keep the pork at a safe temperature. Store the cooked pork at the back of the fridge.

Cook pork stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

You can also ensure your pork stays fresher longer by using a vacuum sealer to package your leftovers.

You can place your cooked pork into the freezer and freeze it for up to 2-3 months.

You can use the leftover cooked pork for sandwiches or add it to your mac and cheese.

How To Defrost Cooked Pork 

To defrost pork, you must place it into a baking dish. The baking dish will catch any juices released by the pork.

Place your cooked pork into the fridge and let it thaw overnight.

Alternatively, you can also place the pork into a vat of cold water to thaw it.

However, you must make sure the pork is sealed well and free of any tears or perforations. If water gets into the frozen cooked pork, it could dilute its flavor and texture.

In addition to this, make sure you drain the water and replace it every 30 minutes.

You can also thaw frozen cooked pork in the microwave, but you must proceed with caution as the microwave is notorious for drying foods out.

Moreover, you cannot place cooked pork that has been thawed in cold water or the microwave back into the fridge or refreeze it.

It must be consumed immediately or discarded.

Cooking Temperature

If you are dealing with raw pork, it should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F.

Lean cuts such as pork tenderloin should never be cooked passed 145°F.

On the other hand, pork butt contains a healthy portion of fat and connective tissues so it can handle being cooked to 195°F.

Whether you are reheating pork chops or reheating pork tenderloin, pork should be cooked to 165°F.

You can test the pork with an infrared thermometer to determine if it is at the correct temperature.

With an infrared thermometer, you won’t have to stick the probe into the thickest part of the meat.

Simply point the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat and wait for a reading.

How Long Can Cooked Pork Sit Out 

I understand not wanting to throw an entire platter of leftovers into the trash. No one enjoys wasting food.

While the leftover pork may still look appetizing, it could be riddled with bacteria.

Unfortunately, pork can only sit out for 2 hours at room temperature. This is due to the temperature danger zone.

In short, the temperature danger zone is the range of temperatures between 40°F and 140°F.

In the danger zone, bacteria can double in as little time as 20 minutes.

After 2 hours, can you imagine how many bacteria will be on your cooked pork after 2 hours?

It is best to discard any leftover cooked pork that has been sitting out for more than 2 hours.

If you live in a humid climate, its best to discard your food after 1 hour since it can become contaminated with bacteria in half the time.

You can avoid your food becoming contaminated with bacteria by storing all leftovers within hours after they were cooked.

If you know you are not going to eat the leftover cooked pork within 4 days, freeze it.

How To Tell If Cooked Pork Is Bad

Knowing if cooked pork is just as essential as knowing how long pork lasts in the fridge.

Luckily you can use your senses to determine if your cooked pork is bad.

Rotten pork will have visible signs of mold. Discard your pork if there is mold on it.

In addition to this, if your pork has a rancid smell, it is a sign that it is spoiled.

If your pork has a slimy texture, it means it is rotten and should be tossed in the trash.

If you perform the touch test, wash your hands as well as all kitchen surfaces and tools the pork came into contact with warm water.

What Happens If You Eat Bad Cooked Pork?

If you consume bad pork, expect to develop a case of food poisoning.

Although many people rebound from food poisoning, I don’t know anyone who has enjoyed dealing with vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, fever, or other gastrointestinal issues.

In addition to this, certain groups of people like the elderly and children under for are at higher risk for developing food poisoning.

Save yourself the trouble and discard rotten cooked pork.

Final Thoughts

Pork tastes irresistibly delicious as long as it is cooked the right way.

You can find it at most parties and events because everyone wants to get delicious succulent pork.

However, do not leave your pork sitting at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Once it has been sitting at room temperature for more than 2 hours has to be discarded. Store your cooked pork in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as dinner is over.

Is cooked pork OK if left out overnight?

How Long Can pork be left out overnight?