Planning a BBQ for 25 people? You want to get the meat portions just right—enough to keep everyone happy without ending up with a fridge full of leftovers. But let’s be honest, most people either go overboard or underestimate.
That’s why I’ve put together this guide. You’ll learn exactly how much meat you need based on your guests, meat choices, and even side dishes. Let’s dive in.
1. General Portion Guidelines
First, let’s break it down to basics. The right meat portion depends on who you’re feeding:
- Adults: 1/2 lb per person for boneless meat.
- Children: 1/4 lb per child (kids usually eat less).
- Bone-in options: 3/4 lb per person (bones take up space).
So for 25 guests (20 adults and 5 kids), you’re looking at:
- Boneless meat: 12.5 lbs.
- Bone-in meat: 18.75 lbs.
2. Meat Type Breakdown
Different meats require different portioning. Here’s what you should consider:
Beef (Steaks, Burgers)
- Steaks: 1/2 lb per person. That’s 10 lbs of steak.
- Burgers: 1/3 lb per patty, assuming each guest eats 1.5 patties. You’ll need about 38 patties (12.5 lbs of ground beef).
Chicken (Drumsticks, Thighs)
- Drumsticks: 2 per person (50 drumsticks total).
- Thighs: 1-2 per person (25-50 thighs).
Seafood (Shrimp, Salmon)
- Shrimp: 5-6 large shrimp per person (~125 shrimp).
- Salmon: 6 oz per person (~9-10 lbs).
3. Balancing with Sides
Here’s the secret: The more sides you serve, the less meat you need.
If you have filling sides like potato salad, baked beans, and mac & cheese, you can scale down the meat slightly.
On the flip side, if you’re keeping it minimal (just a few veggie sticks and chips), stick to the original portions.
4. Adjustments for Appetite and Event Length
Not all BBQs are created equal. A casual afternoon cookout won’t need as much food as a late-night BBQ bash.
- Time of Day: Lunch BBQs usually require less meat than dinner BBQs.
- Guest Preferences: If your guests are heavy meat-eaters, bump up the portions slightly.
- Event Duration: Longer events need more meat—people tend to graze throughout.
Pro Tip: Always round up slightly. It’s better to have a little extra than to run out before everyone’s had their fill.
Conclusion
To make your BBQ perfect, calculate portions based on the type of meat, sides, and your guest list. Don’t forget to consider appetite levels and the event’s duration.
And if you have leftovers? No problem. BBQ meat makes for excellent sandwiches, tacos, and meal prep for the next few days.
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