When planning a barbecue, one of the most important things to consider is how much food you’ll need. For example, if you’re serving pulled pork, you’ll need to know how much to make per person. In this blog post, we’ll break down how much pulled pork per person, depending on the type of barbecue you’re hosting. We’ll also give some tips on storing and reheating pulled pork.
This guide will tell you how much to buy per person to feed your guests (and yourself) with plenty of delicious pork. Remember that this is an estimate, so feel free to adjust accordingly. Ready to get barbecuing? Let’s go!
What is Pulled Pork?
Pulled pork is a type of barbecue where pork is slow-cooked until it’s tender and shreddable. It’s then mixed with a barbecue sauce of your choice. Pulled pork is typically served on a sandwich, but it can also be eaten alone or with sides like coleslaw or potato salad.
How Much Pulled Pork Per Person?
The amount of pulled pork you’ll need per person depends on the type of barbecue you’re having. For example, if you’re hosting a backyard barbecue for family and friends, you’ll likely need less meat than if you’re catering an event. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
For the Adults:
- For a casual backyard barbecue: 1/3 pound per person.
- For a more formal event: 2/3 pound per person.
- For a large party or event: 1 1/3 pounds per person.
| Number of Adults | Pork Required (pounds) | Raw Pork to Buy (pounds) |
| 1 | 1/3 | 2/3 |
| 2 | 2/3 | 1 1/3 |
| 4 | 1 1/3 | 2 2/3 |
| 10 | 3 1/3 | 6 2/3 |
| 20 | 6 2/3 | 13 1/3 |
And for the Children:
- For a casual backyard barbecue: 1/4 pound per person.
- For a more formal event: 1/2 pound per person.
- For a large party or event: 1 pound per person.
| Number of Children | Pork Required (pounds) | Raw Pork to Buy (pounds) |
| 1 | 1/4 | 1/2 |
| 2 | 1/2 | 1 |
| 4 | 1 | 2 |
| 10 | 2 1/2 | 5 |
| 20 | 5 | 10 |
How To Calculate
Remember that the cooked pork will weigh only about half as much as the raw pork. This is due to the fact that during cooking, the majority of the moisture will evaporate.
So, if you buy a pork shoulder that weighs 8 pounds (3.6 kg), you’ll end up with about 4 pounds (1.8 kg) of cooked meat. If you’re following the guidelines above, this is enough to feed eight people.
Let’s try a scenario out. Assume you’ve invited four couples to your home, and they have seven children between them. That makes night persons and seven children, according to our formula. We get:
[(8 × 1/3) + (7 × 1/4)] x 2 = 8.833 pounds of raw pork.
Other Things to Consider
You’ll also need to consider what else you’re serving when serving pulled pork.
What Else is on the Menu
If you’re planning on serving other meats, like chicken or hamburgers, you’ll likely need less pork per person. Conversely, if you’re only doing sides and no other main dish, you might want to make more pork.
Age of the Guests
If you’re catering to a group of adults, they’ll likely eat more than if you’re serving children. This is especially true if the event is more formal, like a corporate function. In this case, you might want to make 1 1/3 pounds per person instead of 2/3 pounds.
When the guest list includes a lot of youngsters under the age of ten, we suggest limiting each kid to 1/4 pound.
Time of Event
The time of day also influences how much pork you’ll need. For example, if the barbecue is happening in the early afternoon, people will likely eat less than if it’s happening in the evening.
If you’re having a morning or daytime barbecue, aim for 1/3 pound per person. If it’s an evening event, go for 2/3 pounds per person.
Leftovers
While leftovers are always welcome, they’re not always necessary. If you have a lot of other food on the menu, you might not need to make as much pork. Alternatively, if you know your guests love pulled pork sandwiches and would be happy to take some home, feel free to create a bit extra.
The Type of Event
As Kihei Dynasty mentioned before, the type of barbecue you’re having will affect how much pork you need. If it’s a casual get-together, you won’t need as much pork as if it’s a more significant event, like a wedding reception.
How to Make Pulled Pork?
Making pulled pork is relatively simple. All you need is a slow cooker and some patience.
- First, rub your pork with a spice rub of your choice.
- Then, place the pork in the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is cooked through and tender. Once the pork is cooked, shred it with a fork or chop it into small pieces.
- Finally, mix the shredded pork with barbecue sauce. That’s it! Your pulled pork is now ready to serve.
Which Cut Of Pork To Use For Pulled Pork
The pork shoulder is the best cut of pork to use for pulled pork. This cut of meat is well-marbled, meaning it has a higher fat content. This fat helps to keep the meat moist and flavorful during cooking.
Other cuts of pork that can be used for pulled pork include the pork butt (also known as the Boston butt) and the picnic shoulder. These cuts of meat are also well-marbled and will produce tender, flavorful pulled pork.
How to Keep Pulled Pork Warm for a Big Crowd
If you’re cooking pulled pork for a large group of people, you’ll need to keep it warm until it’s time to serve. The best way to do this is to place the pulled pork in a slow cooker set on the “warm” setting. This will ensure that the pork stays warm and moist without drying out.
You can also place the pulled pork in an oven-safe dish and keep it warm in a preheated 200°F oven. However, this method is not as effective as a slow cooker and can cause the pork to dry.
The most straightforward and dependable technique to keep your pulled pork warm while preparing for a crowd is to slow-cook it in a crockpot. This appliance will hold the heat and moisture in, so your pork will be tender, juicy, and ready to serve when needed.
If you’re looking for a pulled pork recipe that’s sure to please a crowd, try this Slow Cooker Pulled Pork from Allrecipes.com. This recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results.
How to Store Pulled Pork Leftovers?
If you have pulled pork leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be suitable for 3-4 days.
You can also freeze pulled pork for up to 3 months. Place the leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag and store them in the freezer.
When you’re ready to eat the frozen pork, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Ideas for Leftovers
If you find leftover pulled pork, there are plenty of ways to use it up. Here are a few ideas:
- Make pulled pork sandwiches.
- Mix the pork with eggs and make a frittata or quiche.
- Use the pork as a topping for nachos or a baked potato.
- Add the pork to a soup or chili.
- Make pulled pork enchiladas.
See more:
FAQs
Q. Can I Freeze Pulled Pork?
A. Yes! Just place the pork in a freezer-safe container or bag and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the pork overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q. What goes Well With Pulled Pork?
A. Plenty of sides go well with pulled pork sandwiches, including coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, cornbread, and more.
Q. How Long does It Take to Cook Pulled Pork?
A. It takes about 8-10 hours to cook pulled pork in a slow cooker. However, the exact time will depend on the size of your pork roast.
Q. What is the Best Cut of Pork for Pulled Pork?
A. The best cut of pork for pulled pork is the shoulder, also known as the Boston butt or pork butt. This cut is well-marbled with fat, which gives it lots of flavours. It’s also relatively inexpensive, making it an excellent option for large gatherings.
Q. How Much Pulled Pork for 5 People?
A. For five people, you’ll need about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds (0.7 to 0.9 kg) of pork. This will give you enough pork for sandwiches and some leftovers.
Q. How Much Pulled Pork for 20 People?
A. For 20 people, you’ll need about 6-8 pounds (2.7-3.6 kg) of pork. This will give you plenty of pork for sandwiches and some leftovers.
Q. What is the Best Way to Serve Pulled Pork?
A. The best way to serve pulled pork is on a sandwich with coleslaw and pickles. You can also serve it with sides like baked beans, potato salad, or cornbread.
How Much Pulled Pork Per Person – Final Thoughts
When it comes to how much pulled pork per person, there are a few things to consider. First, think about what else is on the menu. If you’re serving other meats, you’ll likely need less pork per person. Second, consider the age of your guests. Adults eat more than children, so you might want to make a bit extra if you’re catering to a grown-up crowd. Finally, think about the time of day. People eat less at a daytime barbecue than at an evening event.
When it comes to leftovers, it’s always better to have too much pork than not enough. Pulled pork sandwiches are just as good (if not better) the next day, so feel free to make a bit extra if you think your guests might want seconds.
Now that you know how much pulled pork per person you need, it’s time to get cooking! Try this Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe and enjoy the delicious results.
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