Pulled pork is a classic barbecue dish that is versatile, budget-friendly, and feeds a crowd. But how much pulled pork should you plan for per person? How many servings can you expect to get from a pound of raw pork shoulder? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Pulled Pork?
Pulled pork is pork that has been slow-cooked until tender and then “pulled” or shredded into strands. Pork shoulder, also known as Boston butt, is the most common cut used for pulled pork because it becomes very tender after hours of low and slow cooking. The pork is seasoned with a dry rub, braised in a flavorful liquid like barbecue sauce or broth, and then shredded. Cooking it low and slow breaks down the connective tissue in the pork shoulder, resulting in succulent, fall-apart meat that pulls easily.
Pulled pork is very versatile – it can be served on sandwiches and tacos, over baked potatoes, on nachos, and more. The pork soaks up the flavors of whatever sauce or seasoning is used. It’s also budget-friendly since pork shoulder tends to be an inexpensive cut of meat. Pulled pork freezes well, so you can cook up a big batch for delicious leftovers or meals later on. It’s perfect for a crowd!
How Much Pulled Pork per Person?
So how much pulled pork should you plan on serving per person? Here are some general serving size guidelines:
- Main course – 4-6 oz cooked pork per person
- Sandwiches – 3-4 oz cooked pork per sandwich
- Sliders or tacos – 1.5-2 oz cooked pork per slider or taco
- As a side dish – 2-3 oz cooked pork per person
These serving sizes can vary depending on your menu, the sizes of your sandwiches and tacos, and how hungry your diners are. It’s a good idea to plan for extra since pulled pork is versatile and leftovers keep well. Any extras can be used in other recipes later on.
How Many Pounds of Raw Pork Should You Buy?
Now that you know about how much cooked pulled pork to serve per person, how much raw pork shoulder should you purchase? As a general rule of thumb, plan on about 1/2 to 3/4 pound of raw pork shoulder per person. This allows for the loss of moisture that occurs during low and slow cooking.
Here is a simple formula:
- Number of people x 0.5 to 0.75 pounds per person = pounds of raw pork to buy
For example, if you are serving pulled pork for 10 people:
10 people x 0.75 pounds per person = 7.5 pounds of raw pork shoulder to purchase
Buying 7 to 8 pounds of raw pork shoulder will yield plenty of finished pulled pork for 10 hungry guests. Purchase a little extra if you want lots of leftovers.
How Many Servings from a Pound of Raw Pork?
Now let’s look specifically at how many servings you can expect to yield from one pound of raw pork shoulder. This depends on the serving sizes, but here are some estimates:
| Serving Size | Servings per Pound |
|---|---|
| Main course (5 oz) | About 5 |
| Sandwiches (4 oz) | About 6 |
| Sliders or tacos (2 oz) | About 12 |
| Side dish (3 oz) | About 8 |
As you can see, the number of servings from a pound of raw pork ranges quite a bit based on the portion sizes. In general though, you can expect approximately 5 to 12 servings per pound of raw pork depending on use.
More Exact Servings per Pound Calculations
For a more precise calculation, let’s look at the math more closely:
- There are 16 ounces in 1 pound
- If serving size is X ounces, then there are 16/X servings per pound
So for example:
- For 5 oz servings, there are 16/5 = 3.2 servings per pound. Rounding down, that’s about 3 servings per pound.
- For 4 oz servings, there are 16/4 = 4 servings per pound
- For 2 oz servings, there are 16/2 = 8 servings per pound
Use this simple formula to calculate exactly how many servings you’ll get from any given serving size per pound of raw pork.
What About Leftovers?
Pulled pork leftovers make amazing sandwiches, tostadas, omelets, pizza topping, chili, soups, and more. Stored properly, pulled pork will keep well for 4 to 5 days refrigerated and 4 to 6 months in the freezer.
To store leftovers:
- Let pulled pork cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container. Use within 4 to 5 days.
- For longer storage, divide pork into meal-size portions and freeze in freezer bags or airtight containers. Use within 4 to 6 months.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave, oven, or slow cooker until warmed through, 165°F for food safety.
Get creative with your pulled pork leftovers! Almost nothing goes to waste with versatile shredded pork.
Tips for Perfect Pulled Pork
Follow these tips for mouthwatering pulled pork every time:
- Choose a boneless pork shoulder roast between 4 to 8 pounds. Leave the fat cap on for moisture.
- Apply a dry rub at least 1 hour before cooking (or up to overnight).
- Slow cook the pork at 300°F for 8 to 12 hours until fork tender.
- Shred the pork with two forks and toss with your favorite barbecue sauce.
- For food safety, keep the finished pork above 140°F until serving.
- Serve pulled pork on buns or tacos with your favorite toppings and sides.
- Refrigerate or freeze leftovers promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size pork shoulder should I buy?
Choose a bone-in or boneless pork shoulder roast between 4 to 8 pounds. Allow 1/2 to 3/4 pound per person. Buy 7 to 8 pounds of raw pork for 10 people.
How long does it take to cook pulled pork?
Cook the pork low and slow at 300°F for about 1-1.5 hours per pound, 8 to 12 hours total. Cook to an internal temperature of 195° to 205°F when it will shred easily.
Can you freeze pulled pork?
Yes, pulled pork freezes very well for 4 to 6 months. Let it cool completely first, then divide into meal-size portions and freeze in airtight containers or bags.
How do you reheat pulled pork?
Thaw frozen pulled pork in the fridge overnight. Reheat leftovers in the oven, slow cooker, or microwave until heated through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
What sides go with pulled pork?
Delicious sides for pulled pork include baked beans, coleslaw, cornbread, mac and cheese, potato salad, collard greens, and sweet potato fries.
Conclusion
Pulled pork is a versatile crowd-pleaser perfect for serving a hungry bunch. Plan on about 1/2 to 3/4 pound of raw pork shoulder per person. A pound of raw pork yields around 5 to 12 servings, depending on serving sizes. Cook low and slow, flavor with your favorite barbecue sauce, pile high on buns, tacos or nachos, and enjoy! With proper storage, you can also enjoy delicious pulled pork leftovers for days.
