Are you planning to cook up some delicious pulled pork for your next gathering or event? If so, you may be wondering what size crock pot you need to cook 6 pounds of this mouth-watering meat.
Fear not, because we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of cooking pulled pork in a crock pot and help you determine the perfect size for your needs.
From understanding how much meat to buy to figuring out cooking times, we’ll provide all the information you need to make your next pulled pork dish a success.
So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
What Size Crock Pot For 6 Pounds Cooked Pulled Pork?
When it comes to cooking 6 pounds of pulled pork in a crock pot, the size of the pot is crucial. You don’t want to overcrowd the pot, as this can lead to uneven cooking and potentially unsafe food.
A general rule of thumb is to use a crock pot that can hold at least twice the amount of meat you plan to cook. So for 6 pounds of cooked pulled pork, you’ll want a crock pot that can hold at least 12 pounds of raw meat.
This may sound like a lot, but keep in mind that the meat will shrink as it cooks. As mentioned earlier, a pound of pulled pork will feed approximately 3 people, so 6 pounds of cooked meat should be enough to feed around 18 people.
How Much Pulled Pork Do You Need?
Determining how much pulled pork you need can be a daunting task, especially when cooking for a large crowd. A good rule of thumb is to estimate about 1/3 pound of cooked pulled pork per person, but this can vary depending on a variety of factors.
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.
If you’re serving pulled pork as the main course with only 1-3 sides, then you’ll want to have half a pound of COOKED pulled pork per person. To be on the safe side, allowing for second-serves and leftovers, you’ll want to go with 1 pound of raw pork per person to end up with at least half a pound of cooked pulled pork.
If you are having pulled pork with 3+ sides then you should have one third of a pound of cooked pulled pork per person. So, you’ll want roughly 0.66 pounds of raw pork per person to get one third of a pound of cooked pulled pork.
For example, if you are expecting 60 guests and serving pulled pork as the main course with only 1-3 sides, then you’ll need approximately 20 pounds of prepared pulled pork (60 people / 3 servings per pound = 20 pounds). To get this amount, you’ll need about 40 pounds of raw pork (20 pounds of prepared pulled pork / 0.5).
It’s important to note that these estimates are based on personal experience and the consensus among pitmasters and pork fans. There will always be those who want more or less, so it’s best to have extra on hand just in case.
Understanding Crock Pot Sizes
Crock pots come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 1.5 quarts to 10 quarts. The size of the crock pot you need will depend on the amount of food you plan to cook and how many people you are feeding.
For cooking 6 pounds of pulled pork, a crock pot that can hold at least 12 pounds of raw meat is recommended. This means a 5 to 7-quart crock pot would be suitable for this amount of meat.
It’s important to note that the size of the crock pot refers to its overall capacity and not just the size of the insert that holds the food. The insert is usually made from ceramic and is placed into a heating element that cooks the food.
When choosing a crock pot size, it’s recommended to fill it at least half full and no more than two-thirds full. Over-filling can cause a recipe to take longer to cook, while under-filling can over-cook a dish.
In addition to size, it’s also important to consider the shape of the crock pot. Smaller crock pots usually only come in a round shape, which can limit the quantity of food you can cook. Larger crock pots offer more flexibility and can come in oval or rectangular shapes.
Ultimately, choosing the right size crock pot for your needs will depend on the amount of food you plan to cook and how many people you are feeding. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your pulled pork (or any other dish) is cooked evenly and safely in your crock pot.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Crock Pot Size
When choosing a crock pot size for cooking 6 pounds of pulled pork, there are several factors to consider.
First and foremost, the size of the crock pot should be based on the amount of food you plan to cook. As mentioned earlier, a general rule of thumb is to use a crock pot that can hold at least twice the amount of meat you plan to cook. This ensures that there is enough space for the meat to cook evenly and for the flavors to meld together.
Another important factor to consider is the shape of the crock pot. Most slow cookers come in either round or oval shapes. Oval-shaped pots are generally better for cooking larger cuts of meat, such as a whole chicken or ribs, while round pots are better suited for soups and stews.
It’s also important to consider the number of people you will be serving. As mentioned earlier, a pound of pulled pork will feed approximately 3 people. So for 6 pounds of cooked meat, you’ll need to plan for around 18 people. If you plan on having leftovers or want to freeze some for later use, you may want to consider using a larger crock pot.
Finally, it’s important to consider the storage space you have available for the crock pot. Slow cookers come in a range of sizes, from 1 quart up to 8 quarts. If you have limited storage space, you may want to opt for a smaller crock pot that can still accommodate your needs.
Cooking Times For Pulled Pork In A Crock Pot
When cooking pulled pork in a crock pot, it’s important to remember that the key to tender and juicy meat is low and slow cooking. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the pork and the temperature of your crock pot.
For a 3-4 pound pork shoulder, it should take around 7-9 hours on low heat or 4-5 hours on high heat. If you’re cooking a larger piece of meat, like a 6-pound pork shoulder, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
A good rule of thumb is to cook the meat for 1 hour per pound on low heat or 30 minutes per pound on high heat. So for a 6-pound pork shoulder, you’ll need to cook it for around 12 hours on low heat or 6 hours on high heat.
It’s important to note that slow cookers can vary in temperature, so it’s always best to check the internal temperature of the meat with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached at least 200F before shredding.
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before shredding with a fork. You can then add any desired sauce or seasoning, and return the meat to the crock pot to keep warm until serving.
Tips For Perfectly Cooked Pulled Pork
Now that you know what size crock pot to use for your 6 pounds of cooked pulled pork, let’s talk about how to cook it perfectly. Here are some tips to ensure your pulled pork comes out tender, juicy and flavorful:
1. Trim excess fat: Before seasoning your pork, make sure to trim off any excess fat. This will not only make your pulled pork healthier, but it will also prevent the meat from becoming greasy and overcooked.
2. Season well: A simple seasoning of salt and pepper is all you really need for great pulled pork, but if you want to add some extra flavor, try adding some red pepper flakes or brown sugar. Rub the seasoning all over the meat, making sure to get it into all the crevices.
3. Cook low and slow: Pulled pork is best cooked on a low heat for a long time. The cookery team recommends cooking your meat for two hours per kilogram on a super-low heat, around 140C or gas mark 2-3. This will ensure that the meat becomes tender and falls apart easily.
4. Use a thermometer: To ensure that your pulled pork is cooked through, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature. The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
5. Let it rest: Once your pulled pork is cooked, let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before shredding it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more tender and flavorful.
By following these tips, you can be sure that your 6 pounds of cooked pulled pork will turn out perfectly every time. And with the right size crock pot, you can easily feed a crowd without any stress or hassle.
Serving Suggestions And Leftover Ideas.
Now that you have your delicious 6 pounds of pulled pork, it’s time to think about serving suggestions and leftover ideas. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Pulled Pork Sandwiches: This classic option is always a crowd-pleaser. Toast up some buns, add a scoop of pulled pork, and top with your favorite BBQ sauce and coleslaw.
2. Pulled Pork Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with pulled pork, cheese, beans, and any other toppings you like. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Pulled Pork Tacos: Serve your pulled pork in taco shells, topped with salsa, avocado, and cilantro.
4. Pulled Pork Pizza: Top a pizza crust with BBQ sauce, pulled pork, red onion, and cheese. Bake in the oven until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.
5. Pulled Pork Quesadillas: Fill a tortilla with pulled pork and cheese, then cook in a skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
As for leftover ideas, there are plenty of ways to use up any extra pulled pork:
1. Pulled Pork Hash: Fry up some diced potatoes and onions in a skillet, then add in your leftover pulled pork. Cook until everything is crispy and golden brown.
2. Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese: Add some pulled pork to your favorite mac and cheese recipe for an extra protein boost.
3. Pulled Pork Shepherd’s Pie: Layer leftover pulled pork with mashed potatoes and veggies for a hearty casserole.
4. Pulled Pork Omelet: Whisk some eggs with your leftover pulled pork and any veggies you have on hand for a tasty breakfast option.
No matter how you serve it or use it up, this 6 pounds of cooked pulled pork will be sure to satisfy any hungry crowd or provide delicious leftovers for days to come.