How Much Pulled Pork Will Fit in a Roaster? A Complete Guide

Pulled pork is a classic dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd When slow cooked, tough pork shoulder transforms into fall-apart, mouthwatering deliciousness But how much pulled pork will actually fit into a roaster oven? Let’s break it down.

What is Pulled Pork?

Pulled pork is made by slowly cooking pork shoulder also called pork butt at low temperatures for extended periods of time. This allows the tough connective tissues in the meat to break down into succulent, shredable strands.

The seasoned pork is cooked until fork tender and can be easily pulled or shredded using two forks. It’s then moistened again with its juices and mixed with barbecue sauce before serving.

Why Use a Roaster Oven for Pulled Pork?

An electric roaster oven offers several benefits for pulled pork:

• Even heating from all sides
• Large capacity up to 22 quarts
• Self-basting lids keep pork moist
• Thermostatic control prevents burning
• Portability for easy transport

These features allow the pork to cook low and slow for hours unattended. The indirect heat gently breaks down the meat into flawless pulled pork every time.

Calculating Pulled Pork Capacity

There are three main factors that determine how much finished pulled pork will fit in a roaster oven

• Roaster oven size – Standard sizes range from 16-22 quarts
• Raw meat size – Pork shoulder sizes are typically 10-20 lbs
• Cooking loss – Up to 40% weight loss after 10+ hours

As a general guideline:

• A 16 quart roaster oven holds 8-12 lbs pulled pork
• A 22 quart roaster oven holds 12-18 lbs pulled pork

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

Step-by-Step Guide

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

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

2. Season the pork – Rub seasoning all over and refrigerate 8-12 hours.

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

4. Slow cook – Cook for 8-12 hours at 225°F until fork tender.

5. Shred the meat – Carefully remove pork and shred using two forks.

6. Moisten and season – Return shredded pork to roaster with juices. Add more seasoning or barbecue sauce.

7. Hold hot – Keep roaster oven on warm setting until ready to serve.

And that’s it – moist, fall-apart pulled pork made easy. With proper planning, a 22 quart roaster can comfortably feed a party of 10-15 people. For larger crowds, cooking multiple pork shoulders may be required. But the electric roaster oven does the hard work so you can focus on fun with family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about roasting pulled pork:

How long per pound at 225°F?

Plan for 1-1.5 hours per pound. A 10 lb pork shoulder takes 10-15 hours.

Bone-in or boneless?

Bone-in is more flavorful but boneless is easier to carve and shred. Either works great.

Do you need extra liquid?

No, the pork releases enough juices during the long cooking time to self-baste.

Should you rest it after cooking?

No need to rest. You can shred immediately once fork tender.

Can you freeze leftover pulled pork?

Yes, freeze in an airtight container for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Tips for Roaster Oven Pulled Pork

Here are some additional tips for roasting perfect pulled pork every time:

• Leave the fat cap on for added moisture and flavor
• Use a digital thermometer to monitor doneness
• Spritz with apple cider vinegar for enhanced taste
• Let meat rest in juices 15 minutes before shredding
• Stir in reserved drippings when reheating

With proper preparation and cooking technique, an electric roaster oven is ideal for pulled pork for both small gatherings and big parties. Just follow the guidelines above to determine how much meat to purchase. Then get ready for phenomenal, mouthwatering shredded pork.