Figuring Out Portions: How Much Pulled Pork Per Sandwich

Pulled pork sandwiches are a classic crowd-pleaser for any barbecue, party or potluck. But determining how much meat you need per person can be tricky, especially if you’re making sandwiches. This guide covers everything you need to know to buy and prepare the right quantity of pork for delicious pulled pork sandwiches.

Key Ratios for Pulled Pork

First let’s review some important pulled pork ratios

• Raw pork butt loses 40-50% weight when smoked
• You get around 50% yield from raw pork to finished pulled pork
• Estimate a 50% raw to cooked shrinkage

So if you start with 5 lbs of raw pork expect around 2.5 lbs pulled pork after smoking.

How Much Pulled Pork Per Sandwich?

A good serving size guideline per sandwich is:

• 3-4 oz of finished pulled pork
• Around 1⁄4 lb or 4 oz makes a hearty sandwich

This provides a satisfying amount of juicy, smoky meat in each sandwich.

Calculating for a Group

Figuring portions for a group is easy with these steps:

• Decide on your per sandwich serving size, say 4 oz
• Determine number of people and sandwiches per person
• Multiply: People x sandwiches x meat per sandwich
• Double the total for raw meat amount

For example, for 10 people with 2 sandwiches each, allowing 4 oz per sandwich:

• 10 people x 2 sandwiches = 20 sandwiches
• 20 sandwiches x 4 oz per sandwich = 80 oz cooked pork
• Double for raw pork = 160 oz = 10 lbs raw pork

So for 10 people with 2 four oz sandwiches, get a 10 lb pork butt.

Leave Room for Extra

It’s always smart to add extra for second helpings or bigger appetites:

• Add 20% more pork to be safe
• For 10 people above, get 12 lbs raw instead of 10 lbs
• Leftovers make amazing tacos, pizza, etc!

Best Pork for Sandwiches

For outstanding sandwiches, choose:

• Well-marbled pork butt or picnic roast
• Heritage breed pork like Berkshire or Duroc
• Pork shoulder in 1 large piece, not multiple chunks

Seasoning and Smoking the Pork

Flavor the pork with:

• A generous dry rub of spices, salt, sugar and herbs
• Hickory, apple, pecan or cherry smoking wood
• Low and slow smoking around 250°F
• Spritzing with apple juice or stock

This results in ridiculously moist, fall-apart tender pork perfect for sandwiches.

Pulling the Pork Properly

Pull and chop the pork correctly for sandwich perfection:

• Shred into bite-size pieces with bear claws or forks
• Discard excess fat and bones
• Mix and chop the pork thoroughly
• Moisten with defatted drippings if needed
• Portion into 4 oz amounts for sandwiches

Serving Suggestions

Take your sandwiches to the next level:

• Brush buns with butter or olive oil and grill lightly
• Top with homemade coleslaw for crunch
• Offer various barbecue sauces for guests to dress their sandwiches
• Keep pork warm in a slow cooker or chafing dish for serving a crowd

Storing Leftover Pulled Pork

Save leftover pulled pork in the:

• Fridge for up to 4 days
• Freezer for 4 months
• Reheat gently to avoid drying out

Get creative with leftovers! Make tacos, nachos, omelets and more.

The Takeaway

When making pulled pork sandwiches, allow 4 oz or 1⁄4 lb of finished pork per sandwich. For 10 people with 2 sandwiches each, purchase a 12 lb raw pork butt. Smoke low and slow, then pile the ultra-tender pork onto grilled buns. Your guests will devour these amazing homemade pulled pork sandwiches!