Are you planning a big gathering and wondering how much pulled pork you need to feed 50 people?
It can be a daunting task to figure out the right amount of raw pork to buy and how much it will yield once cooked. But fear not, we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we’ll break down the calculations and give you some helpful tips on how to make sure you have enough delicious pulled pork for your guests.
So grab a pen and paper, and let’s get started!
How Many Pounds Of Cooked Pulled Pork For 50?
When it comes to feeding 50 people, the general rule of thumb is to estimate about 1/3 pound of cooked pulled pork per person. This means you’ll need at least 16.6 pounds of cooked pulled pork to feed your guests.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that during the cooking process, the meat will shrink about 40-50%, losing about half of its weight in moisture and fat as it cooks. This applies to all cooking methods, including smoking, grilling, roasting the meat, and even in a slow cooker.
If you’re using bone-in pork, you’ll need to add some extra weight to account for the weight of the bone. Generally speaking, you lose about 40% of the raw weight of a pork butt or shoulder once it is cooked and the bone removed. So to get what you need in raw weight, you need to divide by 0.6.
For example, if you want 16.6 pounds of cooked pulled pork to serve 50 people, you will need approximately 27.7 pounds of raw bone-in pork butt or shoulder. When cooked and bone removed, you will then have approximately 16.6 pounds to serve.
Calculating The Amount Of Cooked Pulled Pork Needed
To calculate the amount of cooked pulled pork needed for 50 people, you can follow these simple steps:
1. Estimate 1/3 pound of cooked pulled pork per person: 50 people x 1/3 pound = 16.6 pounds of cooked pulled pork needed.
2. Take into account the meat shrinkage during cooking: The meat will shrink about 40-50% during cooking, losing about half of its weight in moisture and fat. This means you’ll need to double the amount of cooked pulled pork needed to get the raw weight.
3. Adjust for bone-in pork: If you’re using bone-in pork, you’ll need to add some extra weight to account for the weight of the bone. Generally speaking, you lose about 40% of the raw weight of a pork butt or shoulder once it is cooked and the bone removed. So to get what you need in raw weight, you need to divide by 0.6.
Using these calculations, if you want 16.6 pounds of cooked pulled pork to serve 50 people, you will need approximately 27.7 pounds of raw bone-in pork butt or shoulder. When cooked and bone removed, you will then have approximately 16.6 pounds to serve.
Keep in mind that these calculations are a general guideline and may vary depending on factors such as portion size, the event type, time of day, and menu. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and cook a little extra to ensure that everyone is well-fed and satisfied.
Factors To Consider When Planning For A Pulled Pork Feast
There are several factors to consider when planning for a pulled pork feast for 50 guests. These include the age and gender of your guests, the mealtime, the type of occasion, and the side dishes on the menu.
Firstly, it’s important to evaluate the demographics of your guest list. Different groups of people will consume different amounts of food, and this applies to pulled pork as well. Some guests may prefer more vegetables on their plate, while others may want more protein. Additionally, if your guests are mostly children or adults, this can also affect how much pulled pork you will need.
Secondly, the time of day plays a role in determining the amount of pulled pork you will need. Most people consume smaller meals for lunch or brunch and enjoy larger meals at dinner time. So if your event is closer to dinner time, you will need more pulled pork than if it was a lunchtime event.
The type of occasion also affects how much pulled pork you will need. For instance, weddings or events that take longer will require more pulled pork than shorter events. This is because guests tend to eat more when they are at an event for a longer period.
Finally, the amount of other food on your menu will determine how much pulled pork you need. If you plan to have many other dishes, from appetizers to sides to desserts, then you will need less pulled pork. However, if you have side or main dishes that are heavy on the stomach, such as hamburgers or sausages, then you will need less pulled pork. On the other hand, if you are serving lighter dishes like chicken or fish, then you will need more pulled pork for groups of 50 people.
These are just guidelines and may not effectively work in determining the actual amount of pulled pork you need for 50 guests. The best and most effective way of determining the amount is by hiring a caterer for the job. They have catered many events of your size so they know the exact amount of pulled pork you will need. You do not want to spend so much of your money only to be left with a lot of leftovers or have some guests go hungry because you did not make enough pulled pork. Therefore, consider working with a caterer to determine the amount of pulled pork you will need to keep your guests happy.
How To Estimate The Amount Of Raw Pork To Purchase
Estimating the amount of raw pork to purchase for 50 people can seem overwhelming, but with a few simple calculations, you can ensure that you have enough meat to feed your guests. First, you’ll need to determine how much cooked pulled pork you’ll need. As mentioned earlier, the general rule of thumb is to estimate about 1/3 pound of cooked pulled pork per person. So for 50 people, you’ll need at least 16.6 pounds of cooked pulled pork.
Next, you’ll need to take into account the amount of shrinkage that occurs during the cooking process. On average, pork will shrink about 40-50% during cooking, losing about half of its weight in moisture and fat. This means that if you want 16.6 pounds of cooked pulled pork, you’ll need approximately 33.2 pounds of raw pork.
It’s important to note that bone-in pork will require a bit more weight to account for the weight of the bone. Generally speaking, you lose about 40% of the raw weight of a pork butt or shoulder once it is cooked and the bone removed. To get the amount of raw weight you need, divide your desired cooked weight by 0.6.
Using our earlier example, if you want 16.6 pounds of cooked pulled pork for 50 people, you’ll need approximately 27.7 pounds of raw bone-in pork butt or shoulder. Once cooked and the bone removed, you will then have approximately 16.6 pounds to serve.
It’s also important to consider any other factors that may affect how much meat you need to purchase. For example, if there will be children present, they may require less meat than adults. Additionally, the type of event and time of day can also impact how much food your guests will consume.
By following these guidelines and taking into account any additional factors, you can estimate the amount of raw pork needed to make enough cooked pulled pork for your event.
Preparing And Cooking The Pulled Pork For Optimal Results
To prepare the pulled pork for optimal results, there are a few key steps to follow. First, it’s important to trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into smaller pieces. This will allow for more even cooking and better flavor absorption.
Next, create a spice rub by combining your favorite spices in a small bowl and rubbing them all over the pork. This can be done the night before to allow for maximum flavor infusion.
When it comes to cooking the pork, there are several methods to choose from including smoking, grilling, roasting in the oven, or using a slow cooker. Regardless of the method chosen, it’s important to cook the pork low and slow over a consistent temperature. This will allow for the protein to break down properly, resulting in more flavorful and tender pulled pork.
For oven pulled pork, preheat the oven to 300 degrees F and pour coke around the pork in a Dutch oven pot. Cover with a lid and cook for 3 hours before removing the lid and cooking for an additional 1-2 hours until tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
For slow cooker pulled pork, place the pork in a slow cooker and pour coke around it. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until tender and shreds easily with a fork.
For instant pot pulled pork, place the pork in an instant pot and pour coke around it. Cook on manual/high pressure for 70 minutes before allowing the pot to naturally release pressure for about 15 minutes longer.
Once the pork is cooked to perfection, shred it using two forks or your fingers, cutting up any crackling too. Add any remaining seasoning or meat juices from the cooking process and stir in. For even better flavor, let the meat soak for 24 hours before reheating in a warm oven to serve.
By following these steps for preparing and cooking pulled pork, you’ll be sure to impress your guests with perfectly tender and flavorful meat that they won’t soon forget.
Tips For Serving And Storing Leftover Pulled Pork
After your event, you may find yourself with leftover pulled pork. Don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to store and enjoy it later on. Here are some tips for serving and storing leftover pulled pork:
1. Refrigerate or Freeze: If you’re planning to eat the remainder of your pulled pork within three or four days, the fridge is a great option. To most effectively lock in flavor, use sealed plastic bags or storage containers like tupperware. Be sure to compress as much air out of the storage container as possible, so that the meat doesn’t spoil. When it comes to freezing leftover pulled pork, you’ll want to use a vacuum-sealed bag or a sealable plastic freezer bag. It’s a good idea to wrap the meat in plastic foil, then place it in the sealed bag, again compressing the air out in order to avoid spoilage and loss of flavor.
2. Vacuum Seal: If you have an overabundance of already pulled pork, your best option is to vacuum seal it in individual portions. Vacuum sealing preserves the food and saves space in your freezer. As soon as you get food home from shopping, portion it out, vacuum seal it and freeze it.
3. Reheat Properly: When you’re ready to heat up your leftover pulled pork for another meal, simply defrost it in an airtight bag in cool water in the sink, or overnight in the fridge, and reheat over low heat on the stove. Using the microwave is also an option, but make sure to cover loosely with plastic wrap or wax paper or heat right in the Ziploc or FoodSaver bag (just open the bag slightly to vent). Heat for 2 minutes at 20-30% power setting. Check the meat temperature and repeat in 1-2 minute increments until warmed to your liking. Meat in sealed FoodSaver bags can also be reheated in boiling water.
4. Store Properly: To properly store pulled pork for long-term freezer storage, divide leftovers into serving portions and package using a FoodSaver vacuum sealing machine to avoid freezer burn. If you don’t have a FoodSaver, wrap portions tightly in aluminum foil or freezer paper first, then place in a Ziploc freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing.
By following these tips for serving and storing leftover pulled pork, you can ensure that your delicious meal can be enjoyed again and again without losing its flavor or quality.