Fitting Pulled Pork in a Roaster Oven – A Guide

Pulled pork is a comforting, delicious staple at gatherings and celebrations. When cooking for a crowd, using a roaster oven allows you to prepare tasty pulled pork en masse. But how much pulled pork actually fits in one of these handy appliances? Let’s find out.

The Benefits of Roaster Ovens for Pulled Pork

Roaster ovens provide several advantages for pulled pork

• Accommodate large cuts of meat up to 20 lbs

• Even, consistent heat from all sides

• Self-basting lids keep pork moist

• Large capacity feeds big groups

• Thermostat control prevents burning

• Portability to transport pork easily

With these benefits, roaster ovens are perfectly designed for pulled pork success.

Calculating Pulled Pork Capacity

The amount of finished pulled pork that can fit in a roaster oven depends on:

• Roaster oven size – Standard sizes range from 16-22 quarts

• Raw meat size – Typical pork shoulder sizes are 10-20 lbs

• Cooking loss – Up to 40% weight loss after 10+ hours of cooking

As a general guideline:

• A 16 quart roaster oven can hold 8-12 lbs of finished pulled pork

• A 22 quart roaster oven can hold 12-18 lbs of pulled pork

So for a party of 8-10 people allowing 1⁄2 lb per person, a 22 quart roaster should be sufficient. For big groups, you may need to cook multiple batches.

Step-by-Step Process

Follow these steps for perfect pulled pork using a roaster oven:

1. Choose meat – Select a bone-in or boneless pork shoulder around 10-14 lbs. Leave excess fat on.

2. Season – Rub the pork all over with a dry spice blend. Cover and refrigerate 8-12 hours.

3. Load roaster – Place seasoned pork in roaster oven, fat side up.

4. Cook low and slow – Cook for 8-12 hours at 225°F until fork tender.

5. Shred meat – Carefully remove pork to a cutting board. Shred using two forks.

6. Return to roaster – Place shredded pork back in roaster oven juices to moisten.

7. Adjust seasoning – Add reserved spice rub or barbecue sauce to taste.

8. Hold hot – Keep roaster set to Warm to hold pork for serving.

Handy Tips

• Choose boneless pork shoulder for easier shredding after cooking.

• Cook 2 smaller 10 lb shoulders instead of 1 huge 20 lb cut for faster cooking.

• Add liquid like broth or apple cider if pork looks dry during cooking.

• Allow pork to rest wrapped in foil for 30 mins before shredding for juiciness.

• Stir pork periodically if held in roaster oven to prevent drying out.

Sample Roaster Oven Capacities

To give you a better idea, here are some example capacities:

• A 10 lb raw pork shoulder yields about 6 lbs pulled pork in a 16 quart roaster.

• A 16 lb raw pork shoulder makes 9-10 lbs pulled pork in a 22 quart roaster.

• Two 12 lb raw pork shoulders produce around 16 lbs pulled pork in a 22 quart roaster.

• For a very large event, roasting four 12 lb pork shoulders yields up to 24 lbs finished pork.

Serving Your Pulled Pork Feast

Once your roaster oven is piled high with smoky, moist pulled pork, it’s time to dig in! Here are some fantastic ways to serve it:

• Pulled pork sandwiches with coleslaw on brioche buns

• Tacos with mango salsa and chili flakes

• Eggs Benedict with pulled pork atop English muffins

• Baked potatoes stuffed with cheesy pulled pork

• Nachos loaded with pulled pork and cheese sauce

• Quesadillas with pulled pork, peppers, and onions

• Savory pulled pork breakfast burritos with eggs

• Pulled pork pizza with barbecue sauce and red onions

With the right size roaster oven and a flavorful pork shoulder, you’ll have tender barbecue heaven ready for any event. Now go fire up that roaster and start pulling!