Pulled pork is a crowdpleasing dish perfect for large gatherings and parties. But when cooking for a crowd, it can be tricky to figure out how much meat you need. Specifically, how many pounds of pulled pork will fit into a roaster oven? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide the details on roaster oven capacities and how much pork shoulder fills them up.
Pulled pork is a classic Southern barbecue dish made by slow-cooking and shredding pork shoulder or butt The low, moist heat turns the tough cut meltingly tender after hours in the oven or smoker Once cooked, the meat pulls apart easily into shreds and chunks perfect for piling high on buns or enjoying on its own.
The delicious pork is often seasoned with a dry rub and/or smoked with wood chips for extra flavor. Barbecue sauce can be mixed into the finished pork or served on the side. Pulled pork is a versatile, budget-friendly option for feeding crowds.
Now let’s look at how to cook up enough of this mouthwatering meat for your next event using a roaster oven.
Roaster Oven Sizes and Capacities
Roaster ovens, also known as portable convection ovens, are countertop appliances that provide an easy way to cook large quantities of food. They surround the food with gentle, circulating hot air for even cooking results.
Some common roaster oven sizes and capacities are
- Small – 4-6 quart capacity, holds 5-8 lbs meat
- Medium – 12-22 quart, holds 10-25 lbs
- Large – 25+ quart capacity, holds up to 30 lbs pork
So a typical medium to large roaster oven can accommodate 15 to 30 pounds of meat or more. Select the appropriate size based on your crowd and space available.
Pounds of Pork Per Person
When calculating how much pulled pork to cook in your roaster, first estimate how much you need per guest. A good rule of thumb is 1/3 to 1/2 lb finished pulled pork per person.
Keep in mind the pork will lose about 40% of its original weight during the long cooking process. So increase the raw meat amount accordingly.
- For 1/3 lb cooked pork per person, buy 1/2 lb raw meat per guest
- For 1/2 lb cooked pork per guest, purchase 3/4 to 1 lb raw meat per person
Buy a little extra since pulled pork makes great leftovers. Better to have extra than run out!
Filling a Roaster Oven with Pork
Using the per person estimates above, you can calculate how many pounds of raw pork shoulder will fit into different roaster ovens:
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A 12-quart roaster holds about 15-20 lbs pork to yield 10-15 lbs cooked meat for 30-45 guests.
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A large 22-quart roaster accommodates 25-30 lbs raw pork, providing 16-20 lbs cooked pork for 50-60 people.
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An extra large 30+ quart roaster fits up to 40 lbs raw meat, yielding 25-30 lbs pulled pork for 75-90 guests.
These roast pork amounts are general guidelines – the exact capacity depends on the roasting vessel dimensions. Know your roaster’s size and shape to determine the optimum quantity of meat.
Cooking Time for Large Roasts
With a big hunk of pork shoulder in the roaster, be prepared for a long cooking time. Figure about 1 1/2 hours per pound at ~225°F.
So a 15 lb raw roast takes around 20-24 hours, and a 30 lb pork shoulder roasts for 40-45 hours. Slow and low is key for tender, flavorful pulled pork.
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness – aim for 195°F internal temperature. If needed, finish in a 300°F oven to quickly get up to temp.
Serving Up the Feast
Once the pork is fall-apart tender, use forks or your hands to shred and toss with barbecue sauce. Keep warm in the roaster or transfer to slow cookers. Offer buns and sides like coleslaw, beans, mac and cheese, and potato salad.
With the guidelines above, you can easily determine how much delicious pulled pork your roaster can handle. Now get ready to fill up the oven and feed the hungry crowd!
Frequently Asked Questions
What size pork shoulder for roasting?
Choose pork shoulders 8-12 lbs each to fit nicely in a roaster. Multiple smaller roasts cook more evenly than one huge roast.
How long does a 20 lb pork shoulder take to cook?
Figure about 1 1/2 hours per lb, so a 20 lb raw pork shoulder will need around 30 hours at 225°F to become tender pulled pork.
What temperature do you cook pulled pork at?
Cook at a low 225-250°F until the internal temp reaches 195°F for shreddable meat. Finish at 300°F if needed to quickly get up to temperature.
How much BBQ sauce for pulled pork?
Use about 1/2 cup barbecue sauce per 1 lb of shredded pork. Mix it in or serve sauce on the side.
Can you freeze pulled pork?
Yes, freeze leftover pulled pork in an airtight container or freezer bags for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
In Summary
- Allow 1/3 – 1/2 lb pulled pork per person
- Buy 3/4 – 1 lb raw meat per guest to account for shrinkage
- A 22-quart roaster holds 25-30 lbs raw pork for 50-60 people
- Cook at 225°F for 1 1/2 hours per lb, until 195°F internally
- Shred and mix with barbecue sauce before serving
With these pulled pork roasting guidelines, you’ll be ready to perfectly fill any roaster oven and satisfy the hungry crowd! Now get firing up the oven and start pulling.