Leftover Pork Chops Can Be Great The Next Day
We had some leftover pan roasted pork chops that needed to be used up and because of the heat I wanted to keep it simple. So, I thought a simple sauce served with rice pilaf and some grilled eggplant would work.
Since the meat was already cooked, all I had to do was reheat it. I had several choices but opted for the easiest by using my microwave. I can just hear the purists out there saying, “You used a microwave? What’s wrong with you? Don’t you know a good cook doesn’t use a microwave?”
Well my answer to those of you who think that way is NO. I have no problem using a microwave for reheating cooked food, defrosting stuff, making popcorn and a whole bunch of other helpful, time saving chores.
I’m not one for cooking whole meals in a “nuker,” and I usually cook everything on the stove, in the oven, or on a grill, but if the microwave fits the use it was intended for, so be it. In fact, with two young kids, I don’t know how I would get by without one.
By the way, I would be happy to hear your arguments for and against using microwaves in the reply section below. Please keep it civil.
More Ways To Serve Leftover Pork Chops
There are so many ways to use up leftover pork chops, but here are just a few suggestions. Please leave some of your own suggestions in the comments section below.
Dice and Serve
My mother used to dice up the previous night’s pork chops to make a Danish dish called Biksemad, which was basically a hash made with pork, potatoes, and onions. We knew if we were having pork one night, we most likely were having Biksemad the following night.
You could also use diced pork in a fried rice dish or stir fry. I’m thinking pork fried rice here.
How about doctoring up a can of baked beans—or any beans, for that matter—with some diced pork? Or how about using it in a jambalaya?
If you have leftover rice, beans, and pork, you can make an incredible rice and beans dish.
Cut it into a small dice and you can serve it in scrambled eggs or add it to home fries to serve with your scrambled eggs.
I like the sound of adding it to my homemade chili recipes.
Slice and Serve
A great way to add some extra protein to a greens salad is to add thinly sliced leftover pork. Or you can slice it and add it to chicken broth or any of your favorite soups, for that matter.
We’ve added sliced leftover pork to tacos and quesadillas. I’m thinking of a sliced pork sandwich like a Cuban or Banh Mi. Or how about a Cuban grilled cheese sandwich?
Shredded and Serve
If the pork is not too rare, it will be easy to shred, especially if you have a food processor with a shedding blade, but if not, a box shredder should do the trick. Now, you can find various ways to use the shredded pork in some of your favorite dishes.
Pork tamale pie, taco filling, topping for pizza to name few. Or how about adding some shredded pork to stuff an avocado? Yum!
It would make an incredible filling for Shepherd’s Pie, stuffed sweet potatoes, or stuffed portobello mushrooms. There’s not much you could stuff that would taste great with shredded pork.
Burrito bowls are popular now. My kids are ordering them all the time now but now I can try to make one at home with leftovers.
Some of My Favorite Pork Recipes
17 Responses
God Bless The Microwave!!!! I have three kids, so let me tell you the time and energy it saves!!! Just to warm things mind you, and defrost, I never cook meals in the microwave, but for the prep part, absolutely!!!!
Hey, I have three kids who were raised that exact way(nuking to reheat, etc.). Two are seniors, and one is a junior. NONE of them GLOW!!! Who has the time to boil water on the stove, anyhow???LOL
I do not have a microwave in my home kitchen, but there is one in the RV and my hubby’s work truck and the garage and my office. 😉 As a culinary professional, microwaves are used in virtually all foodservice operations for exactly the same reasons you use one. I had one until my four babies grew up though! Now a cup of tea is made with an old fashion kettle.
Yes, microwave ovens are quick and easy. But…do some research! Just google “microwaved food” and see what comes up. Read enough to get a consensus. Also consider the source. If you trust the FDA (Food and Drug Administration” you’re more trusting than I am.
Just some food for thought: Water a seed with nuked water and water a seed with UN-nuked water, the seed that was watered with the nuked water will NOT grow or will grow poorly. Try it.
yes the nuked water bit. Well if you are getting the majority of your nutrients from WATER, then it may be a bad idea. Since I eat lots of different foods, prepared all different ways, i don’t think a little microwaving is going to do any harm.
I tried the Shepherd’s Pie with leftover pork chops and it was delicious. Thanks for the suggestion. I would have never thought of it on my own.
You are welcome. Thanks for reaching out.
If you don’t like a microwave, get a toaster oven amazing Appliance, Cook’s,reheats, and also has a rotisserie. And the shepherd’s pie was delicious,thank you
Thank you for the great ideas with my leftover pork chops!
I do not have a microwave. My kitchen is small and I want more counter space…. My husband timed how long it took to heat a kettle of water on the stove vs. the microwave and it only saved about 30 seconds. Funny thing, I only miss it about twice a year. We had one in the camper and donated it to a campground half way through our trip. Once again, just wasn’t worth the space.
I like to put my leftover grilled pork chops in my homemade baby bella cream of mushroom soup.in my large cast iron skillet inch or so of soup add chops med-low heat till hot.the soup thickens into a wonderful gravy.served with smashed potatoes and steamed spinach..
ENJOY
I had 3 leftover small boneless pork chops. Sliced them ,put in crockpot,with onions,minced garlic,veg.
broth, diced hatch green chilis, added chosen spices,for 2 hours smells oh so good. Added diced potatoes and leftover corn cooked another hr. Served with small,warm flour tortillas. Great use of leftovers and was so good.
Love this article! Got a little idea. I love tuna sandwiches, and your idea of shredding the pork (which I did this morning to include in scrambled eggs), gave me an idea to combine shredded pork with mayo, onions dill pickle and diced tomatoes for Tuna salad sandwiches. May put a hard boiled egg or two in there. Pepperonis too!
Hi Susan, great ideas. Thanks for sharing.
I’m covering with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese and warming in the oven for a repurposed dish
Great idea Tom. Thanks for sharing.