How Much Pulled Pork Do You Need Per Person?

As a BBQ enthusiast, one of the most common questions is, “How much pulled pork do you need per person?”

Whether planning a family gathering, a backyard BBQ, or a significant event, getting the quantity right ensures everyone is satisfied with only a few leftovers.

Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan the perfect amount of pulled pork for your next event.

Understanding Portion Sizes

When serving pulled pork, the general rule is to plan for about 1/3 to 1/2 pounds of cooked pulled pork per person. This amount accounts for the average appetite and allows for some flexibility depending on the type of event and the side dishes you plan to serve.

1. For Smaller Appetites (1/3 pound per person):
   • It is ideal for events with multiple main dishes or an extensive spread of sides.
   • This portion size works well for lunch gatherings or events where guests are likely to eat less, such as a light afternoon BBQ.
2. For Heartier Appetites (1/2 pound per person):
   • Perfect for dinner parties or BBQs where pulled pork is the meal’s star.
   • Suitable for events with fewer side dishes or for guests known to enjoy larger servings.

Calculating Raw Pork Butt

It’s essential to remember that pork butt, the cut commonly used for pulled pork, will lose about 30-40% of its weight during cooking due to fat rendering and moisture loss. Therefore, to determine how much raw pork butt you need, you should adjust for this weight loss.

• For 1/3 pound of cooked pork per person:
  • You need approximately 1/2 pound of raw pork butt per person.
• For 1/2 pound of cooked pork per person:
  • You need approximately 3/4 pounds of raw pork butt per person.

Practical Examples

Let’s break this down with some practical examples to make it more transparent:

1. For a Party of 10 People:
   • With Smaller Appetites (1/3 pound cooked per person):
     • Total cooked pork needed: 10 people x 1/3 pound = 3.33 pounds
     • Total raw pork butt needed: 3.33 pounds / 0.6 (accounting for 40% loss) ≈ 5.5 pounds
   • With Heartier Appetites (1/2 pound cooked per person):
     • Total cooked pork needed: 10 people x 1/2 pound = 5 pounds
     • Total raw pork butt needed: 5 pounds / 0.6 (accounting for 40% loss) ≈ 8.3 pounds
2. For a Larger Event of 50 People:
   • With Smaller Appetites (1/3 pound cooked per person):
     • Total cooked pork needed: 50 people x 1/3 pound = 16.67 pounds
     • Total raw pork butt needed: 16.67 pounds / 0.6 (accounting for 40% loss) ≈ 27.8 pounds
   • With Heartier Appetites (1/2 pound cooked per person):
     • Total cooked pork needed: 50 people x 1/2 pound = 25 pounds
     • Total raw pork butt needed: 25 pounds / 0.6 (accounting for 40% loss) ≈ 41.7 pounds

Additional Tips

1. Consider Your Crowd: Adjust portions based on your guests. If you’re serving a crowd of teenagers or particularly hungry adults, lean towards the higher end of the portion scale.
2. Side Dishes Matter: The more sides you serve, the less pulled pork you might need per person. Beans, coleslaw, cornbread, and salads can fill and reduce the amount of meat each person eats.
3. Leftovers Are a Bonus: If you end up with extra pulled pork, it freezes well and can be used for sandwiches, tacos, or added to various recipes later on.
4. Buffet vs. Plated: People tend to take more food in a buffet setting, so plan for the higher end of the portion range.

Following these guidelines ensures you have the right amount of delicious pulled pork to keep your guests happy and well-fed. Happy BBQing!