Expiration & Storage Tips
When does Pork Stir Fry expire?
Freshly bought pork stir fry at the supermarket does not have a long shelf life. It should be prepared and consumed ideally within 1-2 days of purchasing, though it may hold out for 3 days if kept in a cold fridge. The use by date on the package should guide you, but it can sometimes be misleading; your senses are often the best judges. Once it's been cooked, leftovers should be eaten within 2-3 days if stored correctly in the fridge. Freezing is a good option for longer preservation - uncooked pork stir fry can last up to 3 months in the freezer while cooked items can extend up to 2-3 months.
How do you tell if Pork Stir Fry is bad?
To identify spoiled pork, trust your senses. Initially, smell it. Fresh pork should have a slight or no odor. If it has a strong, sour, or unpleasant smell, it's doubtless rancid. The color can also give you clues. Fresh pork is typically pink to light reddish-white. If it's gray, green, or brown, steer clear! Lastly, the texture can be a good indicator. Spoiled pork feels slimy or tacky to the touch.
Tips for storing Pork Stir Fry to extend shelf life
• Always store your pork stir fry in a refrigerator set at 40°F or below, or in the freezer set at 0°F or below.
• For an extra layer of protection, you can wrap the meat in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating or freezing.
• If freezing, press any air out of the package to avoid freezer burn.
• Leftover cooked stir fry should be cooled as quickly as possible - within 2 hours of cooking. Store them in shallow, airtight containers in the fridge.
• Thaw frozen pork in the fridge. This keeps the pork at a safe temperature, preventing potential bacterial growth.