Planning seafood for a group can feel tricky. Knowing how much seafood per person you need makes it easier to prepare for lunches, dinners, parties and gatherings.
Start With Your Menu
For a main seafood meal, allow around 150–200g of edible seafood per adult. If you’re buying shell-on seafood, you’ll need to buy more because the shells add weight but aren’t eaten. The amount will also vary depending on the seafood, appetites and sides.
For seafood portions for a crowd, consider:
- The number of guests
- Whether seafood is the main meal or part of a platter
- The type of seafood
- The sides you’re serving
- Whether you want leftovers
Adjust for the Occasion
- Main meal: Allow a more generous portion.
- Seafood platter: Divide the amount between different varieties.
- Light lunch: Smaller portions may be enough.
- Children: Generally need less than adults.
- Large appetites: Allow a little extra.
Dietary Serves vs Event Portions
The Australian Dietary Guidelines define one standard dietary serve of fish as 100g of cooked fish fillet, equivalent to approximately 115g raw. This is a dietary reference, not a recommended buying quantity for an event.
- For 10 adults: Allow 150–220g of fish fillets per person, giving a total of approximately 1.5–2.2kg of fish fillets.
- For shell-on seafood or mixed platters: Adjust the total based on the seafood varieties you’re serving and the proportion of edible meat.
Don’t Forget the Sides
Salads, bread, vegetables, rice and potatoes can help make seafood for a crowd go further.
For a seafood platter, consider a mix of:
- Prawns
- Oysters
- Smoked salmon
- Scallops
- Lobster
- Fresh fish
A variety also gives guests more choice without needing a full portion of each type.
Seafood Party Planning Checklist
Good seafood party planning starts with a few simple questions:
- How many guests are coming?
- Is seafood the main meal or part of a platter?
- Which seafood varieties will you serve?
- What sides will you offer?
- Do you want leftovers?
Planning a gathering at home? Seafood Factory Outlet has a range of seafood available for pickup, making it easy to plan different meals and occasions.