Planning a BBQ Party can be a lot of fun—until you start wondering, “How much food do I really need for 10, 20, or even 50 guests?” Let’s cut through the guesswork and break down the basics so you can serve up a Shiok BBQ feast without any stress.
1. The Basics: What to Serve Per Person
For most gatherings, we recommend the following as a starting point:
- Meats & Seafood (Combined): 350–550g per person
- Carbohydrates (rice, pasta, potatoes, etc.): 100g per person
- Vegetables: Flexible—add more if you love a hearty salad or veggie side
These numbers work well for a mixed menu where guests enjoy both meats and seafood. But what if your party is all about seafood?
2. When Seafood Takes Center Stage
Seafood dishes often come with a bit more water and sometimes even extra weight from shells or bones. This means you might want to plan for a little extra. For a seafood-focused menu, aim for:
- Seafood: 600–800g per person
This ensures your guests get enough of the main ingredient even if there’s some weight that isn’t entirely edible. So, if you’re hosting a seafood party, you’ll need more on the table to guarantee everyone’s satisfied.
3. Putting It All Together: Portion Calculations
Let’s run through some quick examples for different group sizes. Remember, these numbers are a good starting point and can be adjusted based on your guests’ appetites.
Mixed Menu (Meats & Seafood Together)
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10 Guests:
- Meats & Seafood: 3.5–5.5kg total
- Carbs: 1kg total
- Veggies: As desired
-
20 Guests:
- Meats & Seafood: 7–11kg total
- Carbs: 2kg total
- Veggies: As desired
-
30 Guests:
- Meats & Seafood: 10.5–16.5kg total
- Carbs: 3kg total
- Veggies: As desired
Seafood-Focused Menu
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10 Guests:
- Seafood: 6–8kg total
- Carbs: 1kg total
- Veggies: As desired
-
20 Guests:
- Seafood: 12–16kg total
- Carbs: 2kg total
- Veggies: As desired
-
30 Guests:
- Seafood: 18–24kg total
- Carbs: 3kg total
- Veggies: As desired
4. A Few More Tips for a Successful Spread
- Know Your Crowd: Are your guests big eaters, or do they prefer lighter fare? Use these guidelines as a base and adjust up or down.
- Plan for Variety: If you’re offering several dishes or extra sides, you might get away with slightly smaller portions of the main course.
- Extra is Okay: It’s better to have a bit too much than to run short. Leftovers can always be enjoyed the next day.
- Balance Your Plate: With ample proteins and carbs sorted, don’t forget to add plenty of fresh veggies to round out your meal.
5. Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a mixed menu or a seafood extravaganza, these guidelines help take the guesswork out of BBQ Party planning. Just remember:
- For a mixed meats & seafood menu, aim for 350–550g per person.
- For a seafood-focused spread, bump it up to 600–800g per person.
- Always add about 100g of carbs per person and let the veggies flow as you see fit.
So, next time someone asks, “How much food is enough for 40 pax?” you can confidently crunch the numbers and plan a shiok feast that leaves everyone happily satisfied. Happy hosting and enjoy your party!
