Are you planning a taco party for 50 guests and wondering how much pulled pork you’ll need?
Look no further! We’ve gathered information from BBQ experts and online sources to help you calculate the perfect amount of raw pork to buy.
From understanding the principles of cooked vs. raw weight to factoring in outside considerations, we’ve got you covered.
So grab a pen and paper, and let’s get started on planning the ultimate taco feast!
How Much Pulled Pork For Tacos For 50 Guests?
When it comes to planning a taco party for 50 guests, it’s important to know how much pulled pork you’ll need to buy. The general rule of thumb is to plan for 1/3 pound of cooked pulled pork per person.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that cooked pork weighs less than raw pork. During the cooking process, moisture and fat are lost, causing the meat to shrink by about 40-50%. This applies to all cooking methods, including smoking, grilling, roasting, and even using a slow cooker.
So, how much raw pork do you need to buy for 50 guests? If you’re serving pulled pork as the main dish with a few sides, you’ll need approximately 50 pounds of raw pork to serve at least 25 pounds of cooked pulled pork. If you’re serving three or more sides, you can plan for 33.33 pounds of raw pork to serve at least 16.66 pounds of cooked pulled pork.
If you’re using leftovers to make tacos, you’ll need approximately 33.5 pounds of raw pork to serve 50 people at 1/3 pound servings each.
It’s important to keep in mind that these are just estimates and can vary depending on factors such as how hungry your guests are, if there are children present, and what other dishes you’re serving alongside the pulled pork.
Understanding Cooked Vs. Raw Weight
It’s important to understand the difference between cooked and raw weight when planning how much pulled pork to buy for your taco party. As mentioned earlier, cooked pork weighs less than raw pork due to the loss of moisture and fat during the cooking process.
To calculate how much raw pork you need to buy, you’ll need to use a conversion factor of approximately 2:1. This means that for every pound of cooked pulled pork, you’ll need approximately 2 pounds of raw pork.
For example, if you plan on serving 25 pounds of cooked pulled pork for your party, you’ll need to purchase approximately 50 pounds of raw pork. This will ensure that you have enough meat to serve all your guests without running out.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the amount of meat needed may vary depending on individual appetites and whether or not there are children present. For children, plan on serving approximately 1/4 pound of cooked pulled pork per child.
By understanding the difference between cooked and raw weight and using the appropriate conversion factor, you can ensure that you have enough pulled pork to satisfy all your guests at your taco party.
How Much Pulled Pork Per Taco?
Now that we know how much pulled pork we need for 50 guests, let’s break it down to how much pulled pork per taco. A typical taco can hold about 2.5 ounces of pulled pork. This means that for 50 guests, you’ll need approximately 125 ounces or 7.8 pounds of cooked pulled pork.
To get this amount of cooked pulled pork, you’ll need to start with about 15.6 pounds of raw pork (7.8 pounds x 2). Remember that this is just an estimate and can vary depending on the size of your tacos and how much other toppings you plan to add.
It’s also worth noting that if you’re serving other main dishes alongside the pulled pork tacos, you can reduce the amount of pulled pork per taco to about 1.5 ounces or less. This will help ensure that there’s enough food to go around without overdoing it on the pulled pork.
Factoring In Outside Considerations
When planning how much pulled pork to buy for your taco party, there are a few outside considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, if you’re serving other dishes alongside the pulled pork, you can plan for slightly less pork per person. On the other hand, if you’re only serving pulled pork as the main dish, you may want to plan for slightly more pork per person.
Secondly, if there are children present, you can plan for less pulled pork per child than per adult. As a general rule of thumb, plan for 1/4 pound of cooked pulled pork per child. This would round up to about 1/2 pound of raw pork per child.
Lastly, consider the time of day and the appetite of your guests. If your taco party is held during the day or if there are a lot of children on the guest list, you may be able to get away with serving slightly less pulled pork per person. However, if your guests are big eaters or if your party is held during dinner time, you may want to plan for slightly more pulled pork per person.
By factoring in these outside considerations, you can ensure that you have enough pulled pork to satisfy all of your guests without ending up with too many leftovers.
Tips For Preparing Pulled Pork For Tacos
Preparing pulled pork for tacos can be a daunting task, especially when you’re cooking for a large group. Here are some tips to help make the process smoother:
1. Trim excess fat: Before cooking, make sure to trim off any excess fat from the pork. This will not only make the meat healthier, but it will also prevent the meat from becoming too greasy.
2. Use a slow cooker: Slow cookers are a great way to cook pulled pork for tacos. They allow the meat to cook low and slow, resulting in tender and juicy meat that falls apart easily.
3. Season well: Seasoning is key when it comes to pulled pork. Make sure to use a good mix of spices and seasonings to give the meat flavor. Some popular spices include cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic.
4. Shred the meat: Once the meat is cooked, it’s important to shred it properly. Use two forks to pull the meat apart into bite-sized shreds. This will ensure that the meat is evenly shredded and easy to eat.
5. Serve with fresh toppings: Tacos are all about the toppings! Make sure to provide a variety of fresh toppings such as diced onions, cilantro, avocado, and lime wedges. These will add flavor and texture to your tacos.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to prepare delicious pulled pork tacos that your guests will love!
Other Taco Party Planning Considerations
In addition to knowing how much pulled pork to buy, there are other considerations to keep in mind when planning a taco party for 50 guests. First and foremost, it’s important to consider any dietary restrictions or allergies that your guests may have. Make sure to have vegetarian and gluten-free options available for those who need them.
Another thing to consider is the type of tortillas you’ll be serving. Corn tortillas are traditional for tacos, but some people prefer flour tortillas. Plan for at least two tortillas per person, and consider offering both corn and flour options to accommodate everyone’s preferences.
When it comes to toppings, it’s important to provide a variety of options to suit everyone’s tastes. Cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, salsa, and guacamole are all popular choices. Plan for at least 1/4 cup of each topping per person.
If you’re serving other dishes alongside the tacos, such as rice and beans or chips and dip, make sure to factor those into your calculations as well. It’s better to have too much food than not enough, so don’t be afraid to err on the side of caution and buy a little extra.
Finally, make sure to have plenty of serving utensils, plates, napkins, and cutlery available. You don’t want your guests to be scrambling for a fork or a napkin when it’s time to eat.
By keeping these considerations in mind, you can ensure that your taco party for 50 guests is a success and that everyone leaves happy and satisfied.
