How soon should pork be refrigerated after cooking?

Here's why:

* Food Safety: Bacteria grow rapidly at room temperature, and cooked pork is particularly vulnerable. Refrigerating it promptly helps to slow down the growth of bacteria and reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

* Quality: Leaving cooked pork out for too long can cause it to dry out and lose flavor.

Here's a breakdown of how to cool cooked pork quickly:

1. Divide into smaller portions: This allows the pork to cool faster.

2. Place in shallow containers: This promotes quicker cooling.

3. Use an ice bath: Submerge the containers in an ice bath to rapidly cool the pork.

4. Refrigerate immediately: Once the pork has cooled to room temperature, place it in the refrigerator.

Remember: Always use a food thermometer to ensure that the pork has reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) before serving.