If you’re like us, the joy of a sizzling BBQ is unparalleled. But what do you do with all the remnants when the gathering concludes? Fear not! We’ve crafted a comprehensive guide to help you maximize the potential of your BBQ leftovers. From essential storage tips to mouthwatering ways of transforming burgers, steaks, chicken, and pulled pork, this guide is your passport to a world of flavours beyond the initial feast. Discover the art of repurposing, indulge in creative recipes, and savour every delicious bite with our ultimate guide to making the most of your BBQ leftovers.
As we approach the festive season, mastering the art of storing and repurposing BBQ leftovers becomes even more crucial. With Christmas around the corner and the tendency to indulge in abundant feasts, understanding these techniques ensures that no flavorful morsel goes to waste. So, embrace the holiday spirit, savour every moment, and let the joy of creative cooking transform your BBQ leftovers into delightful dishes that add an extra touch of magic to your Christmas celebrations!
Chill or freeze within 2 hours of cooking
To avert food poisoning, it’s crucial to refrigerate or freeze your leftovers promptly post-cooking. If it’s scorching outside, deposit them in an insulated bag or container to maintain their coolness.
How long do bbq leftovers endure in the fridge?
Ideally, strive to consume your barbecue leftovers within 3-4 days. Beyond this period, the comestibles will begin to deteriorate and might pose a hazard if consumed.
For an abundance of leftovers, freezing is an excellent technique for protracting the lifespan of your barbecue remnants, enabling you to relish them at a subsequent date. Place them in a hermetic container, which will endure in the freezer for up to 2 months.
How to warm up barbecue leftovers
When reheating barbecue leftovers, ensure they attain scalding temperatures throughout before indulging. They ought to reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to exterminate any bacteria that might be present. Rely on a food thermometer for verification, as visual cues alone are inadequate.
The optimal approach to reheat barbecue is in the oven or on the grill. When reheating, the pivotal point is to abstain from overcooking and uphold moisture. Achieve this by employing a method that gradually reheats the meat without desiccating it. If deploying a microwave, cover the victuals to stave off desiccation—nothing more disheartening than parched, overcooked meat.
One method is to reheat the barbecue in a lidded dish in a low-temperature oven. Another is to gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat.
Can I reheat BBQ leftovers multiple times?
Generally, it’s inadvisable to reheat food on multiple occasions. This is due to the elevated risk of bacterial proliferation each time you reheat. If the necessity arises to reheat barbecue remnants multiple times, ensure it’s executed securely by adopting a swift and uniform reheating method.
Reinventing your BBQ leftovers
The possibilities for repurposing your barbecue remnants are boundless. Unleash your creativity and experiment with something novel! Here are a few concepts to kickstart your inspiration:
- Craft a barbecue leftover pizza by crowning a pre-made crust with barbecue sauce, shredded cheese, and your preferred toppings.
- Blend pulled pork or chicken with cooked rice, vegetables, and barbecue sauce for a swift and effortless burrito filling or quesadilla.
- Utilize surplus sausages to concoct a substantial pasta dish or stew.
- Transform leftover corn on the cob into delectable corn salad or salsa.
How to maximize the potential of your…
Remnant hamburgers
Fragment your burger patties to augment a robust chilli or introduce protein to your preferred mac and cheese. Repurpose leftover burgers for creating stuffed peppers or other time-honoured comfort dishes like cottage pie, casseroles, and pasta. Naturally, you can also reheat burgers for a swift lunch. Simply append a slice or two of bacon to sustain the succulence of your burger!
Endurance: 3-4 days in the refrigerator, 2-6 months in the freezer
Remnant sirloin
The day after a barbecue, amalgamate sirloins with lingering greens for an uncomplicated steak sandwich or salad. For a crowd-pleaser, you can’t miss steak tacos. For individuals on the keto diet, infuse steak into a cauliflower rice bowl or zucchini noodles. A quick hint: If you intend to freeze leftover steak, simplify life by slicing it before storage.
Endurance: 3-4 days in the refrigerator, 2-6 months in the freezer
Remnant barbecue chicken
There’s an abundance you can undertake with leftover chicken. The smoky essence from the barbecue is a stellar enhancement to Mexican dishes like fajitas, tacos, quesadillas, or chicken tortilla soup. Chicken is splendid in a stir-fry or gently seasoned and presented as a wrap for a swift, low-effort repast. If you’re pressed for time during the week, utilize bone-in chicken as a dinner shortcut. It’s brilliant for hectic nights or when culinary enthusiasm is lacking.
Endurance: 3-4 days in the refrigerator, 2-6 months in the freezer
Remnant pulled pork
Pulled BBQ pork is a cherished treat at BBQ’s Algarve! Employ it to elevate a grilled cheese or quesadilla. The pulled pork sandwich comes in myriad variations, all worth exploring: sweet and spicy, Italian, Cuban, Southwest, Asian, Cajun, etc. The possibilities are extensive. Integrate it into pasta or baked sweet potatoes, and sample it over nachos. The combination is exceptional.
Endurance: 3-4 days in the refrigerator, 2-6 months in the freezer
Remnant hot dogs and sausages
Whisk up a batch of homemade pizza dough and sprinkle it with sliced lingering sausages. Fashion pasta bakes or stews—or unleash the skillet and expedite a rapid sausage hash.
Endurance: 1 week in the refrigerator, 1-2 months frozen
Remnant vegetables
Linger leftover veggies can be tossed into a stew (that char from the grill will impart an additional layer of flavour) or morphed into fritters. Corn and zucchini are outstanding contenders! Present any surplus potato salad as a side dish the following night, but ensure to relish it within two or three days—freezing is not recommended.
Endurance: 1-2 days in the refrigerator, 1-2 months frozen
How to prudently preserve BBQ leftovers
Allow your barbecue remnants to cool slightly before refrigeration. Then, make sure to stow them in the refrigerator within an hour or two. Your barbecued chicken, steak, and pulled pork possess a shelf life of approximately three to four days in the fridge. In the freezer, most cooked meats will last about two to six months. Hope you find this guide useful!
Check our shop for the best-quality barbecues, refrigerators, and grilling accessories, or visit our showroom in Almancil. Be sure to share your outdoor kitchen on our Instagram account. Bom appetite, mate!