Grill Master’s Guide: How Much BBQ Pork to Feast a Crowd of 20

Planning a barbecue for a large group can be daunting, especially when it comes to estimating food quantities. Overestimating can lead to waste, while underestimating can leave guests hungry. So, how much BBQ pork do you need to feed 20 people?

Factors to Consider

Before determining the amount of BBQ pork required, consider these factors:

• Appetites: Are your guests big eaters or more moderate?
• Other dishes: Will there be other main courses or side dishes that guests can fill up on?
• Serving style: Will the pork be served as a main course, sandwiches, or sliders?
• Bone-in or boneless: Bone-in pork will yield less meat than boneless.

Recommended Portion Sizes

As a general guideline, the following portion sizes are recommended for BBQ pork:

• Main course: 12-16 ounces per person
• Sandwiches: 6-8 ounces per sandwich
• Sliders: 3-4 ounces per slider

Calculations

Based on the recommended portion sizes, here are the calculations for different serving styles:

Main Course

For 20 people, with a portion size of 12 ounces per person, you will need:

“`
20 people x 12 ounces per person = 240 ounces
“`

Convert ounces to pounds:

“`
240 ounces ÷ 16 ounces per pound = 15 pounds
“`

Therefore, you need 15 pounds of BBQ pork for a main course.

Sandwiches

If serving sandwiches with 8 ounces of pork per sandwich, you will need:

“`
20 sandwiches x 8 ounces per sandwich = 160 ounces
“`

Convert ounces to pounds:

“`
160 ounces ÷ 16 ounces per pound = 10 pounds
“`

You need 10 pounds of BBQ pork for 20 sandwiches.

Sliders

For sliders with 4 ounces of pork per slider, you will need:

“`
20 sliders x 4 ounces per slider = 80 ounces
“`

Convert ounces to pounds:

“`
80 ounces ÷ 16 ounces per pound = 5 pounds
“`

You need 5 pounds of BBQ pork for 20 sliders.

Bone-In vs. Boneless

If using bone-in pork, expect a yield of about 50-60% edible meat. This means that a 10-pound bone-in pork shoulder will yield approximately 5-6 pounds of meat.

Tips for Estimating

• Err on the side of caution: It’s better to have too much food than not enough.
• Consider the cooking method: Different cooking methods can affect the yield.
• Ask your guests: If possible, ask guests about their appetites to tailor portions accordingly.
• Offer a variety of dishes: Providing multiple side dishes and options will help prevent guests from overindulging in any one item.

Recommendations: Planning Your BBQ with Confidence

By considering the factors and using the recommended calculations, you can accurately determine how much BBQ pork you need for 20 people. This will help you plan a successful barbecue that satisfies your guests without breaking the bank.

Frequently Discussed Topics

1. What are some good side dishes to serve with BBQ pork?

• Coleslaw
• Potato salad
• Baked beans
• Cornbread

2. How can I keep BBQ pork warm during the party?

• Use a slow cooker or chafing dish
• Wrap in foil and place in a warm oven

3. What are some creative ways to serve BBQ pork?

• Nachos with BBQ pork
• BBQ pork tacos