For barbecue lovers, pulled pork is a quintessential treat. When slow-cooked to perfection, pork shoulder transforms into tender, juicy shreds of smoky deliciousness. But when cooking for a crowd, it can be tricky to figure out how much meat you need and what size roaster will fit the pork. This guide breaks down exactly how many pounds of pulled pork will fit in different size roaster ovens, so you can plan your next party or picnic perfectly.
What is Pulled Pork?
Pulled pork begins with a pork shoulder, also known as a Boston butt or pork butt. This cut comes from the upper part of the front leg of the pig It’s an ideal choice for slow cooking because it contains a good balance of fat and connective tissue
When cooked low and slow, the connective tissue breaks down into succulent gelatin. Meanwhile, the fat bastes the meat from within, keeping it incredibly moist and flavorful. The end result is meat so tender it falls apart with just the pull of a fork, hence the name “pulled pork.”
To transform pork shoulder into authentic barbecue pulled pork, it’s rubbed with a dry seasoning blend then slowly smoked or roasted until fork tender. The flavored outer bark comingles with the juices to create a smoky, spiced flavor profile.
Why Use a Roaster Oven for Pulled Pork?
While you can use a slow cooker or smoke the pork shoulder outdoors a roaster oven offers several advantages
-
Large capacity – Roaster ovens come in a variety of sizes from 18 to 26 quarts. This accommodates sizeable cuts of meat.
-
Moisture retention – The tight-fitting lid keeps moisture inside, instead of letting it evaporate like an open grill or smoker.
-
Even heating – Roaster ovens gently circulate hot air rather than applying direct heat. This prevents burning or drying out.
-
Temperature control – Dials allow cooks to precisely set the ideal low temperature for slow cooking.
-
Ease of use – Roaster ovens conveniently cook the pork indoors without having to monitor or refuel a smoker.
How Much Pulled Pork Fits in Different Size Roasters
The amount of pulled pork that will fit depends on the capacity of your roaster oven. Here’s a breakdown to help estimate:
-
Small roaster ovens (18 quarts) – Holds 8 to 10 pounds of pork shoulder. Great for feeding 4 to 6 people.
-
Medium roaster ovens (22 quarts) – Fits 15 to 18 pounds of pork. Enough for 8 to 10 hungry guests.
-
Large roaster ovens (26+ quarts) – Accommodates 20 to 24+ pounds of meat. Perfect for big parties of 12+ people.
As a general rule of thumb, plan on about 1 pound of uncooked pork shoulder per person. And remember, the pork will shrink slightly as it cooks, condensing the volume.
Tips for Filling Roaster Ovens
When packing pork shoulder into your roaster, keep these tips in mind:
-
Trim off excess fat to maximize space for meat. Leave about 1⁄4 inch of fat intact.
-
Score the fatty areas of the meat in a diamond pattern. This allows the seasoning to penetrate deeper.
-
Rub the pork all over with your favorite dry spice rub. Get into every nook and cranny.
-
Pour a thin layer (about 1⁄4 inch) of liquid like apple juice, beer, or chicken stock into the bottom of the roaster. This will keep the pork from drying out.
-
Place the pork directly in the liquid. For multiple pork shoulders, fit them snugly together.
-
Don’t overload the roaster. Leave at least 2 inches of headspace for the steam and juices to circulate.
-
Put the lid on securely. You may need to weigh it down with clamps or foil.
Step-by-Step Roasting Method
Once your roaster is loaded up with seasoned pork, follow these steps:
-
Preheat roaster oven to 225°F – 250°F.
-
Cook for 8 – 12 hours based on size of meat. Maintain even low heat the entire time.
-
Occasionally baste pork with pan juices, adding more liquid as needed to prevent drying out.
-
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Pork is ready at 203°F internally.
-
When fork tender, remove pork and let rest for 30 minutes before pulling/shredding.
-
Mix with pan juices and sauce to taste.
-
Serve on buns for sandwiches or enjoy pulled pork over cornbread, mac and cheese, baked beans, coleslaw, or mashed potatoes.
Get That Pork Shoulder Roasting!
Now that you know exactly how much pulled pork you can expect to fit in different size roaster ovens, it’s time to start prepping. Load up your roast with plenty of seasoned pork, follow the roasting method, and you’ll have mounds of mouthwatering barbecue shredded pork ready for your next gathering. Just be sure to save me some!
Pulled Pork Cooked in a Roaster Oven Less Heat in the Kitchen
FAQ
How much pulled pork can fit in a roaster?
How many pounds of meat does a roaster hold?
How many pounds of pulled pork for 50 people?
How many pounds of pulled pork for 75?
How do you cook pulled pork in an electric roaster?
Add about 1-1/2 cups of water or chicken broth to the bottom of the pan to keep the meat moist while it cooks. 4. Cook at Low Temperature: Set the electric roaster to 300°F and cook for 4-6 hours (1 hour per pound), turning the roast every hour. The low temperature will help the meat cook slowly and evenly, resulting in tender, juicy pulled pork.
How do you cook 30 pounds of pork in a roaster?
While most pork recipes require only several hours to prepare, cooking 30 pounds of pork in a roaster requires a significant amount of preparation and time. The roaster does, however, allow for easy cleanup after the event. Place the 30 lbs. of pork in the roaster and pour 3 to 4 cups of liquid over the meat.
How long do you cook pulled pork in a roaster?
For delicious pulled pork, cook in a roaster for 6 hours at 300 to 325 degrees Fahrenheit or until the meat is fall-apart tender. Pulled pork is always a winning meal, whether you’re making it in your barbecue pit or roaster. The tender, flavorful shredded meat can be served by itself or stuffed into a bun.
How long do you cook pork in a roaster?
Place the 30 lbs. of pork in the roaster and pour 3 to 4 cups of liquid over the meat. You can use water or broth for the liquid. Cook the pork for about 10 to 12 hours. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends cooking pork for about 20 to 30 minutes per pound. Stir or turn the pork every 45 to 60 minutes with a long-handled spoon or tongs.