Ultimate Smoky Pulled Pork for a Crowd
Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of our Ultimate Smoky Pulled Pork, perfect for feeding a large gathering of 50 people. This recipe features succulent pork shoulder that is slowly simmered to tender perfection and combined with a rich, tangy barbecue sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. Ideal for any celebratory occasion—from graduations and anniversaries to family reunions and company picnics—this pulled pork will impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds. Serve it up on fresh hamburger buns or rolls, and watch it disappear in no time!
50
Servings
120
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
pork shoulder
14 lbs (trim surface fat)
water
enough to cover meat (none)
salt
2 1/2 tablespoons (none)
fresh ground black pepper
4 teaspoons, divided (none)
ketchup
1 1/4 cups (none)
cider vinegar
1 1/4 cups (none)
brown sugar
3/4 cup, firmly packed (none)
chili powder
2 1/2 tablespoons (none)
prepared mustard
2 1/2 tablespoons (none)
Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup (none)
onions
2 medium, chopped (chopped)
hamburger buns or rolls
50 (of your choice)
Instructions
1
Begin by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder. This will help reduce greasiness.
2
In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, place the trimmed pork shoulder and cover it with enough water to fully submerge the meat.
3
Add 2 1/2 tablespoons of salt, 2 teaspoons of fresh ground black pepper, and the chopped onions to the pot.
4
Cover the pot and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
5
Once cooked, allow the meat to cool in the broth until it can be safely handled. Reserve the broth for other uses.
6
Shred the meat using two forks (or your hands if cool enough). Set the shredded pork aside, covering it to keep it warm.
7
In a separate large Dutch oven or stockpot, combine the remaining ingredients: ketchup, cider vinegar, brown sugar, chili powder, prepared mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and the remaining 2 teaspoons of black pepper.
8
Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and add the shredded pork.
9
Heat everything through, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your preference.
10
Serve the delicious pulled pork on hamburger buns or rolls, accompanied by sides or pickles as desired.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
14g
Carbs
6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people does the Ultimate Smoky Pulled Pork recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve a large crowd of 50 people.
What cut of meat is used for this pulled pork?
The recipe uses 14 lbs of pork shoulder.
How should the pork shoulder be prepared before cooking?
You should begin by trimming the surface fat from the pork shoulder to reduce greasiness.
What is the first step in cooking the meat?
Place the trimmed pork shoulder in a large Dutch oven or stockpot and cover it with enough water to fully submerge it.
How long does the pork need to simmer?
The pork should simmer for about 2 hours until it is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
What ingredients are added to the water while simmering the pork?
Add 2 1/2 tablespoons of salt, 2 teaspoons of fresh ground black pepper, and 2 medium chopped onions.
How do I know when the meat is ready to be shredded?
The meat is ready when it is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
Should I keep the broth after cooking the pork?
Yes, you should reserve the broth for other uses after the meat has cooled.
What is the best way to shred the pork?
Shred the meat using two forks or your hands once it is cool enough to handle safely.
What are the components of the barbecue sauce?
The sauce consists of ketchup, cider vinegar, brown sugar, chili powder, prepared mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper.
How much brown sugar is required?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of firmly packed brown sugar.
What kind of vinegar is used in the sauce?
Cider vinegar is used to provide a tangy flavor.
How much chili powder is in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 1/2 tablespoons of chili powder.
How much Worcestershire sauce is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of Worcestershire sauce.
What is the final step for the sauce and meat?
Bring the sauce mixture to a boil, reduce heat, add the shredded pork, and heat everything through.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 120 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 4g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 14g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does one serving provide?
Each serving provides 6g of protein.
What should I serve the pulled pork on?
Serve the pulled pork on 50 hamburger buns or rolls of your choice.
Can I add sides to this meal?
Yes, it is recommended to serve the pork with sides or pickles as desired.
How much salt is used in total?
The recipe uses 2 1/2 tablespoons of salt during the simmering process.
How much black pepper is used in total?
A total of 4 teaspoons of fresh ground black pepper is used, divided between the simmering and the sauce.
What type of occasions is this recipe suitable for?
It is ideal for graduations, anniversaries, family reunions, and company picnics.
Is the barbecue sauce sweet or savory?
The sauce is described as a rich, tangy balance between sweet and savory.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 medium onions, chopped.
How much ketchup is in the barbecue sauce?
The sauce requires 1 1/4 cups of ketchup.
How much prepared mustard is used?
You will need 2 1/2 tablespoons of prepared mustard.
Does this recipe include fiber or sugar data?
Fiber and sugar nutritional values are not specified in the provided information.
What is the ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients listed for this recipe.