Butt questions

[TedEbear]

We will have 11 people here so would 2 butts work for this or would I need three? 

Go by weight, not volume.   ;)  The general concensus on a Google search says to allow for 1/2 to 3/4 lb per person on a pork butt.

Also, if you're planning on 4 hours of smoke be sure and change the water bowl at least once or you'll have partially burned pucks stacking up on each other.  I'd recommend replacing the small water bowl with a larger disposable aluminum 10x12 pan (or whatever size fits the bottom of the Bradley).  The water won't evaporate near as fast and there's plenty of room for all those discarded pucks.  Still change the water partway through the total cook.

[Drac]

Still debating on 2 or 3 (left overs for me ;D) and thought -

Are three butts too much meat for a four shelf?  I was thinking it maybe.

Jim

[squirtthecat]

You can stand them on end and fit up to 4 in there.   But it will take a lonnnnnnnnnnnnggggggg time to cook.

[Drac]

I decided to go with 2 butts one with Salt Lick clone and one with GP.

Got a triple batch made up since I need to get some new black pepper in and I'll keep it around for use since it smells good -



I remember seeing a post where some one used Gunshot as an injection and I was thinking of trying that.  Anyone remember it?  I can't find it in a search.

Jim

[wyoduke]

I think it was my post http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=21774.msg264610#msg264610

[Drac]

Yep that's it.

Since I have the same injector about how many "fillings" did you use?

Thanks,
Jim

[wyoduke]

I think i filled it 4 times and just gave it half shots and moved it around still think this was the best one i made  ;D

[Ka Honu]

You guys must all shop at a different kind of store than I do.  When I buy a "chunk o'butt," it can be parts or whole - anywhere from 3 to 9+ pounds.  The number of pieces has no real meaning to me in calculating how much meat I need to cook.  I think it would be easier on questioners if we estimated required quantities in pounds rather than pieces. 

If someone says he's feeding 12 people I think it would be much more understandable to say something like, "I recommend ½ pound (or whatever) pulled pork per person. Yield from raw to finished product is about 50% so I'd get 12 pounds of butts for 6 pounds of pulled pork." That (to me) would be much clearer than saying he needs 2 or 3 or however many butts. 

Jes' sayin'.

[Drac]

You guys must all shop at a different kind of store than I do.  When I buy a "chunk o'butt," it can be parts or whole - anywhere from 3 to 9+ pounds.  The number of pieces has no real meaning to me in calculating how much meat I need to cook.  I think it would be easier on questioners if we estimated required quantities in pounds rather than pieces. 

If someone says he's feeding 12 people I think it would be much more understandable to say something like, "I recommend ½ pound (or whatever) pulled pork per person. Yield from raw to finished product is about 50% so I'd get 12 pounds of butts for 6 pounds of pulled pork." That (to me) would be much clearer than saying he needs 2 or 3 or however many butts. 

Jes' sayin'.

I'm just getting them from the butcher.  He says that they are 6-8# each so with two I will have 12-16# of pork.

I guess I'm confused on what seems to be a problem with planning with what a butcher says?

Jim

[Ka Honu]

All I meant to say (in my own wordy way) was that butt size varies considerably while the amount of pulled pork you need is more predictable.  Since you're feeding 11-12 people (if I remember right), you'd want about 12 pounds of butt to provide about 6 pounds of pulled pork.  Two 6-8 pound butts should be perfect and even provide a decent amount of leftovers. The same number of smaller butts might not work so it's more accurate and understandable to say "You need 12-15 pounds" rather than "You need 2 butts."

[Drac]

All I meant to say (in my own wordy way) was that butt size varies considerably while the amount of pulled pork you need is more predictable.  Since you're feeding 11-12 people (if I remember right), you'd want about 12 pounds of butt to provide about 6 pounds of pulled pork.  Two 6-8 pound butts should be perfect and even provide a decent amount of leftovers. The same number of smaller butts might not work so it's more accurate and understandable to say "You need 12-15 pounds" rather than "You need 2 butts."

Ok, my confusion.

BTW, how do you guys deal with all the giggles and snickering when talking about this?  You should have seen my wife and co-workers when discussing rubbing the butts, oiling the butts for the rub, shredding the butts, etc.

I feel like I'm back in valve maint class in the Navy (inside joke),

Jim

[muebe]

All I meant to say (in my own wordy way) was that butt size varies considerably while the amount of pulled pork you need is more predictable.  Since you're feeding 11-12 people (if I remember right), you'd want about 12 pounds of butt to provide about 6 pounds of pulled pork.  Two 6-8 pound butts should be perfect and even provide a decent amount of leftovers. The same number of smaller butts might not work so it's more accurate and understandable to say "You need 12-15 pounds" rather than "You need 2 butts."

Ok, my confusion.

BTW, how do you guys deal with all the giggles and snickering when talking about this?  You should have seen my wife and co-workers when discussing rubbing the butts, oiling the butts for the rub, shredding the butts, etc.

I feel like I'm back in valve maint class in the Navy (inside joke),

Jim

Make them a nice large plate of pulled pork sandwiches and present it to them. Then immediately take the plate away and say "If you cannot be adults about it then you gals cannot eat any of it!!!! Smoked food is very serious eats!!" :D

[KyNola]

Ok, my confusion.
BTW, how do you guys deal with all the giggles and snickering when talking about this?  You should have seen my wife and co-workers when discussing rubbing the butts, oiling the butts for the rub, shredding the butts, etc.
I feel like I'm back in valve maint class in the Navy (inside joke),
Jim

One would think they would appreciate a good oiled butt rub! ;) :D