Are you wondering how much pork butt per person you need to buy for your upcoming barbecue? In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything from portion sizes and cooking tips to side dish recommendations and step-by-step instructions for serving.
Whether you are hosting a large crowd or just prepping for a couple of people, we’ll provide key information on purchasing and cooking enough pork butt to satisfy everyone’s hunger. So get ready to fire up the grill because it’s time to learn all about pork butts!
What is Pork Butt?
Pork butt, also known as pork shoulder or Boston butt, is a cut of meat from the upper portion of the pig’s front legs. The cuts are generally well-marbled with fat and connective tissues that help keep them moist during cooking. It is one of the most popularly used cuts to make pulled pork sandwiches due to its low cost, flavorful taste, and tender texture.
Pork Butt Nutrition Facts:
Serving size: 3 ounces (85 g)
Calories: 190
Fat: 11.3 g
Saturated Fat: 4.1 g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.7 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
Cholesterol: 56 mg
Sodium: 58 mg
Potassium: 221 mg
Carbohydrates: 0 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 0 g
Protein; 22.8g
Vitamins and Minerals (% Daily Value):
Vitamin A :0% Vitamin C : 0% Calcium : 2% Iron : 6%
Vitamin D : 0% Vitamin B-6: 5% Magnesium : 6% Phosphorus : 17%
Zinc : 8% Selenium : 21.7 mcg Copper : 4% Manganese : 5% Thiamin: 12% Riboflavin: 7%.
These values may vary depending on the type of pork butt you purchase and how it was prepared. It is always important to read labels carefully when purchasing any food product and follow preparation instructions exactly as given. Always consult a qualified health care professional for further information about nutrition facts and to determine if a particular pork butt meets your individual dietary needs.
How Much Pork Butt Per Person?
The amount of pork butt per person you need to purchase depends on how many people you’re feeding and what other sides will be offered at your barbecue. Typically, it’s considered safe to serve ⅓ pound (150g) of raw pork butt per person. This translates into roughly ½ pound (225g) of cooked pork butt per person. If you’re serving a side dish, such as macaroni and cheese, you can reduce the amount of pork butt to ¼ pound (110g) per person.
Read Also: How Much Pulled Pork Per Person?
How To Calculate Pork Butt per person
To calculate how much pork butt per person you need to buy, divide your total number of guests by three and then multiply that number by 150g (⅓ pound) for raw pork butt. For example, if you’re serving twenty people, you’ll need 20/3 x 150g = 1 kg of raw pork butt.
How To Cook Pork Butt
Cooking pork butt is easy and requires minimal preparation time. The key to perfect pulled pork is slow-cooking the meat at a low temperature for several hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 70°C (160°F). Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook a delicious roast pork shoulder:
1. Preheat the oven to 120°C (250°F).
2. Pat dry the pork butt with a paper towel and season it with your favorite spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.
3. Place the pork butt in a roasting pan and add ¼ cup of liquid smoke or apple cider vinegar to help create moisture during cooking.
4. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven for 3-4 hours until the internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F).
5. Once cooked through, let the meat rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Once you’ve cooked your pork butt to perfection, there are many delicious ways to serve it. Pulled pork sandwiches, tacos, and burritos make for a great main course, while adding pork butt to salads or soups can be a tasty way to add some extra protein. If you’re feeling adventurous you could even try hosting an outdoor barbecue and smoking the pork shoulder on your grill!
No matter how you choose to serve it, everyone will love this succulent cut of meat.
Tips for Cooking Pork Butt
There are several ways to cook pork butt but one of the most popular methods is slow-cooking it on the grill or in a smoker. This method helps tenderize the meat while giving it great smoky flavor. Make sure your grill has an indirect heat source and use an accurate thermometer to keep track of the internal temperature of your meat as it cooks. Aim for an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) before serving or slicing.
Side Dishes for Pork Butt
Pairing the perfect side dish with your pork butt is an important part of elevating your barbecue. Try serving slaw, potato salad or macaroni and cheese to provide a tasty complement to the smoky meat. Mac n’ cheese is especially popular because it absorbs some of the flavors from the grill, making each bite even more delicious.
Serving Instructions for Pork Butt
Once your pork butt has reached the desired temperature, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing or shredding it. To serve, you can either slice or pull apart the pork into small pieces and pile onto hamburger buns. Top with your favorite BBQ sauce and any other condiments and enjoy!
How to Store Leftover Pork Butt
Leftover pork butt should be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. You can also freeze leftover pork butt for up to three months, making sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Pork butt that has been properly stored can be safely eaten within 3-5 days of being refrigerated. When reheating, make sure that the internal temperature reaches at least 70°C (160°F) before consuming.
How to Reheat Pork Butt
Reheating pork butt is easy and can be done in the oven, on the stovetop, or even in the microwave. The key is to make sure the internal temperature reaches at least 70°C (160°F) before consuming it. If reheating in the oven or on the stovetop, wrap your pork butt tightly in foil and place it into a preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also use a skillet with a lid over medium heat for about 10 minutes. When reheating leftovers in the microwave, start by microwaving them on high heat for 1 minute followed by 30 second intervals until they are heated through.
Some Pork Butt Recipes:
– Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
– Grilled Pork Shoulder Steaks with Apple Barbecue Sauce
– Spicy Smoked Pork Burritos
– Oven Roasted Pork Butt Sandwiches
– Mexican Style Pulled Pork Tacos with Pico de Gallo and Cotija Cheese
– Carolina Style BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos with Slaw and Pickles.
FAQs:
Q: What is the best way to tenderize pork butt?
A: The best way to tenderize pork shoulder is by slow-cooking it. This method helps break down the tough fibers and give the meat great flavor. Using a marinade or rub before cooking will also help make your pork butt more tender.
Q: What temperature should I cook my pork butt to?
A: When cooked correctly, you want your pork butt to reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) before serving or slicing. Make sure you use an accurate thermometer when checking temperatures as this will ensure that your meat is completely safe to eat.
Q: How long does pork butt last in the fridge?
A: Leftover pork butt should be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. It can be safely eaten within 3-5 days of being refrigerated. When reheating, make sure that the internal temperature reaches at least 70°C (160°F) before consuming.
Q: Can I freeze pork butt?
A: Yes, leftover pork butt can be frozen for up to three months. Make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and ensure that it is heated through before serving.
Conclusion
A rule of thumb is to plan on ½ pound per person, but this depends on how much other food you’ll be serving and the size of your pork butt. If you have big eaters at your party, you might want to go with a full pound per person. Pork butt is a rich, flavorful meat that’s perfect for large gatherings because it feeds a lot of people without breaking the bank. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to figure out how much pork butt you need to feed your guests and keep everyone happy.
James Burney is the founder of Acadia House Provisions is a restaurant that with local & upscale dishes and high-quality kitchen supplies and food products. James was born and raised in Maine, and he has always been passionate about cooking. After working in a number of prestigious restaurants he started Acadiahouseprovisions.com with the goal develop into a comprehensive information site specializing in cooking and cuisine. His goal is to make it easy for people to cook delicious meals at home without spending a fortune.
