How Many Pounds of Pulled Pork Per Person?

Pulled pork is a barbecue favorite that’s perfect for gatherings, family dinners, and large events. However, one common challenge many hosts face is determining the right amount of pork to prepare. Cook too little, and your guests might leave hungry; cook too much, and you’ll be left with excessive leftovers. So, how many pounds of pulled pork per person should you plan for?

The ideal portion size depends on several factors, including whether the meal is plated or served buffet-style, what sides are included, and how hungry your guests are. This guide will break down everything you need to know to ensure you prepare the perfect amount of pulled pork for any occasion.

Standard Serving Size

A good rule of thumb is to serve 1/3 to 1/2 pound of cooked pulled pork per person. This is a general estimate that works well for most gatherings, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a backyard BBQ party.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how portion sizes vary:

• Light eaters: 1/3 pound (5.3 ounces) per person
• Average eaters: 1/2 pound (8 ounces) per person
• Big eaters: 3/4 pound (12 ounces) per person

If you’re serving pulled pork as part of a larger buffet with multiple protein options, you may want to reduce the portion slightly, to about 1/4 pound per person.

Raw vs. Cooked Weight Calculation

One of the biggest mistakes people make when planning pulled pork is forgetting about shrinkage. During cooking, pork loses 40-50% of its weight due to moisture and fat rendering out. This means if you start with a 10-pound pork shoulder, you’ll end up with only 5 to 6 pounds of cooked meat.

Here’s a simple calculation to determine how much raw pork you need:

• Light eaters (1/3 pound cooked per person) → 1/2 pound raw per person
• Average eaters (1/2 pound cooked per person) → 1 pound raw per person
• Big eaters (3/4 pound cooked per person) → 1.5 pounds raw per person

Quick Calculation Guide

Adjusting for Group Size

The amount of pulled pork you prepare will largely depend on the number of guests and the type of event you’re hosting.

Small Gathering (5-10 people)

For a small dinner party or family meal, you’ll need:

• 5 guests → 2.5 to 3.75 lbs of cooked pork (5-7.5 lbs raw)
• 10 guests → 5 to 7.5 lbs of cooked pork (10-15 lbs raw)

Medium Event (20-50 people)

For a backyard BBQ or catered event:

• 20 guests → 10 to 15 lbs of cooked pork (20-30 lbs raw)
• 50 guests → 25 to 37.5 lbs of cooked pork (50-75 lbs raw)

Large Crowd (50+ people)

For a wedding, festival, or large gathering, it’s best to plan on the higher end of the estimate.

• 100 guests → 50 to 75 lbs of cooked pork (100-150 lbs raw)
• 200 guests → 100 to 150 lbs of cooked pork (200-300 lbs raw)

If you’re feeding a large crowd, consider preparing extra and packaging leftovers for guests to take home.

Serving Style Considerations

The way you serve pulled pork can also impact portion sizes. Here’s how different serving styles affect how much you should prepare:

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

If you’re serving pulled pork on buns, plan for:

• 1/4 to 1/3 pound per sandwich
• 2 sandwiches per person for larger appetites

This means a 10-pound cooked pork shoulder can make about 30 sandwiches.

Plated Meals

If pulled pork is the main dish with sides like coleslaw, mac & cheese, and baked beans, stick to the standard 1/2 pound per person.

Buffet-Style Service

When serving pulled pork in a buffet with other meats, consider reducing portions to 1/4 to 1/3 pound per person, depending on the number of protein choices.

Leftovers & Storage Tips

Pulled pork is easy to store and reheat, making it a great choice if you end up with extra.

Refrigerating Pulled Pork

• Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days
• Keep some juices from the meat to prevent it from drying out

Freezing Pulled Pork

• Pulled pork freezes well for up to 3 months
• Store in freezer bags or vacuum-sealed bags for best results

Reheating Pulled Pork

• Oven: Place in a covered dish with a splash of broth or BBQ sauce at 250°F for 20-30 minutes
• Slow Cooker: Reheat on low for 2 hours
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals with added moisture

Conclusion

Determining how much pulled pork per person to serve depends on the number of guests, meal style, and appetite sizes. As a general rule, plan for 1/3 to 1/2 pound of cooked pork per person, keeping in mind the 40-50% weight loss during cooking.

For easy planning:

• Plated meal: 1/2 pound per person
• Sandwiches: 1/4 to 1/3 pound per sandwich
• Buffet: 1/4 to 1/3 pound per person if multiple meats are available

By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to confidently serve the right amount of delicious, tender pulled pork at your next gathering. Happy grilling.