Barbecuing meat and making sandwiches with the leftovers is a time-honored tradition. But how much meat do you actually need to make sandwiches for a crowd? Here’s a detailed guide on how many sandwiches you can expect from a pound of barbecued meat.
Introduction
Barbecuing is one of the best ways to cook large quantities of meat efficiently. The smoky flavors infused into the meat make leftovers ideal for sandwiches. When planning a barbecue for a party or large gathering, it’s important to buy enough meat. But estimating how many sandwiches you can make can be tricky.
The number of sandwiches per pound of barbecued meat depends on a few key factors:
- Type of meat – Pork, beef, chicken, etc.
- Thickness of the meat slices
- Size of the buns
- Any additional toppings
This article will provide estimates based on average sandwich sizes and meat slice thickness. Read on for a detailed breakdown of how many sandwiches you can expect from different meats.
How Many BBQ Pork Sandwiches Per Pound
Pork shoulder or butt are classic choices for pulled pork sandwiches. After slow cooking, the meat easily shreds into strands perfect for piling high on a bun.
- With 1 pound of cooked pulled pork:
- You can make 4-6 sandwiches using large buns and thicker 3⁄4 inch meat slices.
- You can make 6-8 sandwiches using regular buns and 1⁄2 inch slices.
- For sliders or small sandwiches, you can get 10-12 sandwiches per pound.
- Key factors:
- Pork butt loses about 50% weight when cooked. So 1 pound of raw meat yields about 1⁄2 pound cooked.
- Err on the lower end if using lots of toppings like coleslaw.
How Many BBQ Beef Sandwiches Per Pound
For shredded beef sandwiches, choose well-marbled cuts like brisket, chuck roast, or short ribs. Expect some weight loss after cooking.
- With 1 pound of cooked shredded beef:
- Expect to get 3-4 regular sandwiches or 5-6 sliders.
- Thin sliced brisket can make even more sandwiches. Plan for 6-8 regular sandwiches.
- Key factors:
- Brisket loses about 40% cooked weight. So 1 pound raw = 0.6 pounds cooked.
- Chuck roast and short ribs lose 25-30% weight after cooking.
How Many BBQ Chicken Sandwiches Per Pound
Chicken is very versatile for sandwiches. You can chop, shred, or slice it. Breasts, thighs, or a whole cut-up chicken all work.
- With 1 pound cooked chicken:
- Shredded or chopped chicken yields 8-10 regular sandwiches or 12-15 sliders.
- Sliced chicken breast gives 6-8 regular sandwiches.
- Key factors:
- Chicken loses very little weight when cooked.
- Skin and bones are often removed before making sandwiches.
How Many BBQ Steak Sandwiches Per Pound
Steak sandwiches are a delicious indulgence. Flank, skirt, hanger, or flat iron steaks are all good choices due to their thin profile.
- With 1 pound of grilled steak:
- Expect to get 4-6 regular sandwiches or 6-8 sliders.
- Assuming 1/4 pound steak per sandwich.
- Slice steak very thin across the grain.
- Key factors:
- Steaks lose almost no weight during cooking.
- Cut away any fatty or gristly bits before slicing.
Sandwich Estimates For Other Meats
Here are some estimates for other popular barbecue meats:
- Sausages – 4-5 regular sandwiches or 8-10 sliders per lb.
- Ribs – About 3-4 regular sandwiches per rack of baby back or spare ribs.
- Turkey – Slightly less than chicken due to drier meat. Plan 7-9 regular or 10-12 slider sandwiches per lb.
- Burgers – Estimate 4-6 patties per pound depending on size.
Factors Affecting Sandwich Yield
Several factors impact how many sandwiches you can make per pound of meat:
- Meat thickness – Thin slices make more sandwiches.
- Bun size – Mini buns or rolls = more sandwiches.
- Leftovers – Cook extra meat for leftovers since all won’t fit on buns.
- Toppings – Lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, etc. add bulk.
- Condiments – Sauces and spreads like mayo add thickness.
- Cooking method – Type of barbecuing affects moisture and fat loss.
Stretching BBQ Meat Further
If you’re feeding a huge crowd, here are some tips to stretch a limited amount of barbecued meat for even more sandwiches:
- Offer some sandwiches as “meatless” options with just the sauce and toppings.
- Mix in another protein like beans, chickpeas, or plant-based meat.
- Use the meat as a topping for nachos, baked potatoes, pizza, etc.
- Chop or shred into small pieces to spread out thinly.
- Serve sliced meat on salad instead of sandwiches.
Getting the most sandwiches from each pound of barbecued meat takes a little planning. But following these estimates will help you buy and prepare the right quantity. That way, everyone can enjoy these mouthwatering barbecue sandwiches without you ending up with lots of leftover buns or meat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sliders can you make from 1 lb of pulled pork?
- With 1 pound of cooked pulled pork, you can expect to make approximately 10-12 slider-sized sandwiches. Use small burger buns or rolls.
What kind of buns are best for BBQ sandwiches?
- For pork or beef, go for sturdy brioche, pretzel, or potato buns to prevent sogginess. For chicken or steak, lighter buns work well. Mini sandwich rolls are great for sliders.
How much BBQ meat is needed for 25 people?
- Plan for 1⁄2 pound of cooked meat per person. So for 25 people you’ll need about 12-13 pounds of raw meat to allow for cooking loss. Go with a mix of pork shoulder, brisket, and chicken.
Can you make sandwiches with leftover smoked ribs?
- Yes, chopped or shredded rib meat makes delicious sandwiches. Figure an average of 3-4 sandwiches per rack of baby back ribs. Remove any excess fat before chopping the meat.
How do you reheat BBQ meat for sandwiches?
- Wrap cooled meat well and refrigerate promptly. Reheat gently in a low oven, skillet with sauce, or microwave until heated through. Don’t overcook or the meat may dry out.
Conclusion
Planning a barbecue for a crowd requires some estimating skills when it comes to provisions. Following this handy guide on how many sandwiches per pound of various meats takes the guesswork out of shopping and prep. Just remember to factor in bun size, meat thickness, cooking methods, and additional toppings when doing your calculations. With the right amounts of delicious barbecued meats, you’ll have happy guests and barely any leftovers. So fire up that smoker or grill, and get ready to enjoy tender, juicy barbecue sandwiches all summer long!