Planning a BBQ is exciting, but it can get tricky when deciding how much food to order. Over-ordering leads to waste, while under-ordering risks leaving guests hungry. To make your BBQ a hit, here’s a practical guide to portion planning that takes into account meats, seafood, vegetables, and carbs, tailored for groups of 10, 20, 30, or 40 guests.
1. Understanding Food Portions for BBQ Events
When planning a BBQ, it’s important to remember that guests will eat a mix of meats, seafood, vegetables, and carbs. Here’s a breakdown of typical consumption:
- Meats: Guests usually consume about 30-40% of their total food intake in meats. Aim for 300-400g per person, adjusting upwards if your group prefers meat-heavy options.
- Seafood: Seafood often contains shells or liquid, meaning you’ll need slightly more, around 200-300g per person, or about 20-30% of the total food.
- Vegetables: Don’t skip the greens! Vegetables make up around 10-15% of the spread, or 100-150g per person.
- Carbs: Carbs like rice, bread, or potatoes are a great filler, making up 15-20% of the spread, or 150-200g per person.
2. Food Portion Guide for Different Group Sizes
For 10 Guests
- Meats: 3-4kg
- Seafood: 2-3kg
- Vegetables: 1-1.5kg
- Carbs: 1.5-2kg
For 20 Guests
- Meats: 6-8kg
- Seafood: 4-6kg
- Vegetables: 2-3kg
- Carbs: 3-4kg
For 30 Guests
- Meats: 9-12kg
- Seafood: 6-9kg
- Vegetables: 3-4.5kg
- Carbs: 4.5-6kg
For 40 Guests
- Meats: 12-16kg
- Seafood: 8-12kg
- Vegetables: 4-6kg
- Carbs: 6-8kg
3. Tips for Planning a Balanced BBQ
Not Everyone Eats Everything
It’s a common mistake to assume every guest will try all the dishes equally. In reality, some guests will skip certain dishes entirely (e.g., due to allergies or preferences) and load up on others. To avoid running out of popular items, ensure variety and portion planning that anticipates these differences.
Don’t Skip Vegetables and Carbs
Too much meat and seafood can make the menu feel heavy. Include at least 2-3 vegetable dishes like grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus, and one carb dish like fried rice, bread, or baked potatoes. This adds balance and ensures everyone has lighter options.
Think About Drinks
Don’t forget beverages! Include options like water, soft drinks, or even mocktails. For adult gatherings, pairing the menu with beers or wine can be great, but keep a balance—BBQ dishes are already indulgent.
Consider Food with Bones or Shells
When ordering bone-in meats or shellfish, remember that these portions include inedible parts. Adjust quantities upwards slightly to compensate.
4. How to Adjust Portions Based on Guests
- For Big Eaters: Increase meat and seafood portions slightly, closer to 400-500g per person.
- For Kids: Reduce portions; kids typically eat about half of an adult portion.
- For Vegetarian-Friendly Groups: Increase vegetables and carb portions while reducing meat and seafood.
5. Final Thoughts
The key to a successful BBQ is balance. By planning the right portions of meats, seafood, vegetables, and carbs, you ensure variety and satisfaction for all your guests.
Still feeling unsure? Reach out to us at Shiok BBQ. We’re happy to help you craft the perfect menu, tailor portions, and make your event truly unforgettable!
