Are you planning a barbecue or hosting a party and wondering how much pulled pork you need to make sandwiches for your guests?
It can be tricky to estimate, but fear not! We’ve done the research and compiled all the information you need to make sure you have enough pulled pork to go around.
From the amount of raw pork needed to the cooked weight per person, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the delicious world of pulled pork sandwiches.
How Much Pulled Pork For Sandwiches Per Person?
When it comes to pulled pork sandwiches, a good rule of thumb is to plan for about 1/3 pound of cooked pulled pork per person. This is what most BBQ experts recommend and is a sure-fire way to make sure you don’t run out of food.
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.
Of course, weights differ from boneless and bone-in pork shoulders. On average, one pound of BBQ pork will feed three people, so serve one-third pound of pulled pork per head. When pulled pork is cooked and shredded, it will lose half its weight. For example, a raw 8-pound pork shoulder will yield 4 pounds of shredded pulled pork, serving approximately 12 people.
Calculating The Raw Pork Needed
Now that we know how much cooked pulled pork we need per person, let’s figure out how much raw pork we need to buy. A good rule of thumb is to expect about half of the yield when cooking the pork. This means that if you are cooking a 20-pound slice of raw pork, you will end up preparing 10 pounds of pulled pork ready to serve.
To calculate how much raw pork you require, use this simple formula: The number of guests / number of servings per pound = pulled pork you’ll prepare (in pounds). Then, pounds of cooked pulled pork / 0.5 (50% yield) = raw pork you’ll need (in pounds).
For example, let’s say you’re expecting about 30 guests for your next event and you want to serve pulled pork sandwiches. If we use the rule of thumb of 1/3 pound per person, we’ll need 10 pounds of cooked pulled pork (30 guests x 1/3 pound per guest = 10 pounds).
To calculate the amount of raw pork needed, we can use the formula mentioned above. Let’s assume that we expect a 50% yield after cooking. So, 10 pounds of cooked pulled pork divided by 0.5 is equal to 20 pounds of raw pork needed.
It’s important to keep in mind that weights may differ depending on whether you’re using boneless or bone-in pork shoulders. Additionally, yields may vary depending on how much trimming is done and how long the meat is cooked.
The Importance Of Cooking Time And Temperature
Cooking time and temperature are crucial factors when it comes to preparing pulled pork for sandwiches. The ideal temperature for cooking pulled pork is 225°F. At this temperature, you should plan for at least 1 hour and 15 minutes per pound of cooking time. This slow cooking method allows the meat to cook evenly and become tender.
If you want to speed up the cooking process, you can increase the temperature to 325°F, which should cut out 2-3 hours of cooking time. However, keep in mind that cooking at a higher temperature may result in tougher meat and less flavor.
Another way to save time is by wrapping the pork butt. Wrapping the pork butt in foil or butcher paper can help it cook faster and retain moisture. This method is known as the Texas Crutch.
It’s important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the pork shoulder and the cooking method used. For example, smoking a bone-in pork shoulder will take longer than roasting a boneless pork shoulder.
How Much Cooked Pulled Pork Per Person?
When it comes to determining how much cooked pulled pork per person is needed, it’s important to first consider the number of guests you’re expecting and whether the pulled pork will be the main course or just one of many food choices for the meal.
If you plan on serving 1/3 pound of cooked pulled pork per person and have lots of other dishes with the pork, you can use this formula: Multiply the number of guests by 1/3, then multiply this number by 2. This will give you the weight of raw pork that is needed to feed your guests. For example, if you’re expecting 60 guests, you’ll need 40 pounds of raw pork.
On the other hand, if you plan on serving 1/2 pound of cooked pulled pork per person and have pulled pork as the center stage, you can use this formula: Multiply the number of guests by 1/2, then multiply this number by 2. This will give you the weight of raw pork that is needed to feed your guests. For example, if you’re expecting 60 guests, you’ll need 60 pounds of raw pork.
It’s important to note that these calculations are based on the cooked weight of the pulled pork, not the raw weight. So, for every one pound of raw pork, expect about half a pound of resulting pulled pork after it’s cooked.
In general, it’s always better to overestimate than underestimate when it comes to serving food at an event. And with these guidelines in mind, you can ensure that your guests will be well-fed and satisfied with their pulled pork sandwiches.
Tips For Serving Pulled Pork Sandwiches At A Party
Serving pulled pork sandwiches at a party can be a great way to feed a crowd, but it’s important to keep a few things in mind to ensure that your guests are satisfied. Here are some tips for serving pulled pork sandwiches at your next party:
1. Plan ahead: Make sure you have enough pulled pork for everyone by following the rule of thumb mentioned above. It’s always better to have extra than to run out.
2. Offer a variety of sides: While pulled pork is delicious on its own, it’s always nice to have some sides to complement the flavors. Consider serving coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, or corn on the cob alongside your sandwiches.
3. Provide different types of buns: Some people prefer their pulled pork on a soft bun, while others like it on a crusty roll. To accommodate everyone’s preferences, offer a variety of buns for your guests to choose from.
4. Keep the sauce separate: As mentioned above, it’s best to keep the sauce separate so that your guests can add it as they please. This allows them to customize their sandwich to their liking.
5. Keep the meat warm: No one likes cold pulled pork sandwiches. Keep the meat warm in a slow cooker or chafing dish so that your guests can enjoy it at the perfect temperature.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your pulled pork sandwich party is a success and that your guests leave satisfied and happy.
Leftover Pulled Pork – What To Do With It?
If you find yourself with leftover pulled pork, don’t let it go to waste! There are countless ways to transform this tender cut of meat into delicious meals. One option is to freeze the leftovers for later use. Defrost it in the refrigerator and enjoy it in beans, sandwiches, soups, casseroles, and more.
If you’re looking for new and exciting ways to use your leftover pulled pork, consider trying out some of these recipes. For a sweet and savory dish that’s perfect for fall, try making pumpkin pecan cranberry pulled pork. This recipe combines the flavors of autumn with tender pulled pork for a delicious meal that’s sure to please.
If you’re a fan of cheese or chili fries, consider using your leftover pulled pork to make loaded fries or nachos. The Pork Loaded French Fries recipe from Mashed is a great option that lets you customize your fries with your favorite toppings. Simply cook your fries, add your pulled pork tossed in barbecue sauce, top with shredded cheddar and Monterey jack cheese, and bake until melted. For nachos, toss your leftover pulled pork with cumin, paprika, and garlic powder before reheating it in the oven. Then spread tortilla chips over a sheet pan, top with your pulled pork and black beans, then cheddar and Monterey jack cheeses. Heat in the oven until the cheese melts, then top with your favorite nacho toppings.
These are just a few ideas for using up leftover pulled pork. With a little creativity, you can turn last night’s dinner into something new and delicious that your family will love. So next time you make pulled pork, don’t be afraid to make extra – you never know what delicious meal it might turn into!
