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I have forty people coming for a gathering at the end of May. I would like to smoke some pork shoulder for pulled pork and I need to let my butcher know pretty soon HOW MANY shoulders I need. Any suggestions?
Harve
Hi Maya and welcome to the smf ...... i've read on a post recently that you can expect get a 50% to 60% yield from a butt. So 4 - 5 lbs out of an 8 lber. At roughly 1/2 lb servings per person (generous to allow for seconds) you're looking at 4 - 5 8lb butts. If in doubt go more then can always freeze any left overs for future dinners and sandwiches.
I only done my first butt a few weekends back and followed meows "basic pulled pork" sticky method posted in the pork section. That was the best pork i have ever done.
I have a party each October and usually 40 to 50 people attend each year. I smoke 3 butts and along with other goodies, people have enough to bring home.
May not work out this year as I'm going to try some other things I've learned scrolling the threads on smf.
Welcome maya2blue! In my experience, I've found you can expect to loose anywhere from 30 - 50 % of raw weight during a smoke. As Richtee and teeotee said, over plan. You dont want to come up short of pork with alot of hungry friends and family. Can always freeeze or give takehome bags.
Yeah 4-5 8-9 lbs will be plenty. I always go big because pork shoulder is cheap. Make some extra, you will only spend a few extra bucks. When you do ribs its a much more tough estamate. Good luck post some pics.