Calculating the Perfect Amount of Brisket per Person for Your BBQ Party

Hosting a BBQ party is always fun, but the task of calculating the perfect amount of food can be a daunting challenge. No one wants to have too much leftover food or, even worse, run out of food before the party ends. This dilemma becomes even more challenging when it comes to serving a popular barbecue item such as brisket. In this article, we will guide you through the process of calculating the perfect amount of brisket per person for your BBQ party.

1. Determine the Appetite of Your Guests

The first and foremost thing to consider is the appetite of your guests. Not everyone will eat the same amount of food, so it’s important to get a rough idea of how much each person is likely to eat. A good rule of thumb is to assume that each person will eat around 1/2 pound of brisket. However, this estimate can vary depending on the age, gender, and dietary preferences of your guests. It’s always better to have some extra food than to run out, so it’s recommended to add an extra 1/4 to 1/2 pound of brisket per person.

2. Calculate the Number of Guests

Now that you have an idea of how much each person is likely to eat, the next step is to calculate the number of guests you’re expecting. Divide the total weight of brisket needed by the weight of a single portion. For example, if you’re planning to serve 20 guests and each person will eat around 1/2 pound of brisket, you will need 10 pounds of brisket (20 guests x 1/2 lb. of brisket per person = 10 lbs. of brisket).

3. Account for Shrinkage and Leftovers

It’s important to keep in mind that brisket tends to shrink while cooking, so you need to account for this shrinkage. A general rule of thumb is to account for a 30% shrinkage while cooking. This means if you need 10 pounds of raw brisket, you need to buy at least 13 pounds to account for the shrinkage. Moreover, although it’s always better to have some leftover food, you don’t want to be stuck with a large amount of it. An additional 10% to 15% of food is a good estimate to account for leftovers.

4. Choose the Right Type of Brisket

Choosing the right type of brisket can have a significant impact on the overall weight and quality of the brisket. When selecting a brisket, it is important to consider the grade, the cut, and the weight. A good quality brisket will have a higher grade and a better overall fat content. The cut of the brisket, such as the “point” or “flat” can also affect the weight and cooking time. Finally, it’s recommended to choose a brisket that is at least one pound larger than the required amount of cooked meat to allow for shrinkage.

Conclusion

Calculating the perfect amount of brisket per person for your BBQ party can be a tricky task, but it’s essential to ensure that everyone has enough to eat without overdoing it. By considering the appetite of your guests, calculating the number of guests, accounting for shrinkage and leftovers, and choosing the right type of brisket, you’ll be able to serve your guests with a mouth-watering and memorable meal. Remember to have fun and enjoy the process of planning and hosting a BBQ party that your guests will cherish!