How Long Does Pork Belly Last In Fridge? Answered

Last Updated on September 12, 2024 by Shari Mason

Pork belly, often used in the making of bacon, is a unique type of fresh pork. It is commonly sold in large pieces and can be bought with or without bones.

But how long does pork belly last in the fridge? Read on to find out.

How Long Is Pork Belly Good For In The Fridge?

When properly stored, pork belly will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days.

For best results, wrap the pork belly in butcher paper or place it in a resealable bag before storing it in the coldest part of the fridge.

When ready to cook, pork belly can be pan-fried, grilled, or roasted. It is also a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes.

Whether you are planning to make bacon or another delicious dish, knowing how to store pork belly correctly will help ensure that your meat is fresh and flavorful every time.

Read:

• How Long Is Pork Loin Good in The Fridge?
• How Long Can Pulled Pork Stay In The Fridge?
• How Much Is A Pound Of Pulled Pork?
• How To Get Rid Of Pork Smell?
• Why Are Pork Ribs Pink When Cooked?

How Long Can You Freeze It?

Generally speaking, pork belly can be frozen for up to six months without significantly affecting its quality. However, it’s important to note that the longer pork belly is frozen, the more likely it is to suffer from freezer burn.

Freezer burn occurs when meat is exposed to air for too long, causing it to dry and become tough. To prevent freezer burn, wrap the pork belly tightly in plastic or aluminum foil.

When thawing pork belly, always do so in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature. This will help to prevent bacterial growth.

” I always use my Holy Trinity, which is salt, olive oil, and bacon. My motto is, ‘bacon always makes it better.’ I try to use bacon and pork products whenever it can. ”

– Anne Burrell, American Chef

Once thawed, cooked pork belly can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.

So there you have it – with proper storage techniques, you can enjoy delicious pork belly all year.

Read: How Long Are Pork Chops Good In The Freezer?

Can You Leave Pork Belly At Room Temperature?

No. Pork belly must be kept cool, below 40°F, at all times. If it is left at room temperature for more than 2 hours, it becomes a food safety risk.

When bacteria multiply on pork belly, they can produce toxins that cause food poisoning. The symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

In severe cases, it can also lead to dehydration and death. So, it’s important to keep pork belly refrigerated or frozen until you’re ready to cook it.

If you accidentally leave pork belly out at room temperature, it’s best to throw it away. Although you may be tempted to salvage it by cooking it immediately, the risk of food poisoning is too high.

Read: How Long Do Cooked Ribs Last In The Fridge?

How To Tell If Pork Belly Is Bad

First, check the color of the meat. It is probably time to throw it out if it has turned an unhealthy green or brown.

Second, smell the pork belly. It is probably bad if it has a strong, unpleasant odor.

Finally, touch the pork belly. If it feels slimy or sticky, it has probably gone bad and should not be eaten.

Read: How Long Can Spam Last In The Fridge?

Tips On Storing It

Knowing how to store pork belly [1] properly is important to ensure that it stays fresh and flavorful. Here are a few tips on how to store pork belly.

1. Wrap the pork belly tightly in plastic wrap or butcher paper. This will help to keep the meat from drying out.
2. Store the wrapped pork belly in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
3. For longer-term storage, you can also freeze pork belly. Wrapped tightly, it will retain its quality for up to six months.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Pork belly can last in the fridge for up to 5 days, although it is best consumed within three days.

If you have cooked pork belly, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Pork bellies should always be wrapped tightly in plastic or aluminum foil before being placed in the fridge.

When cooked properly, pork belly is a delicious and versatile meat that can be used in various dishes.

Reference:

1. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/240136/crispy-pork-belly/