If you’re hosting a get-together, you want to ensure everyone has enough to eat. This begins with purchasing the right amount of meat from the butcher shop. The right amount keeps everyone full and also prevents food waste. Here are several tips to use when determining the right amount.

How to Decide How Much Meat to Buy

1. Consider the Type of Meat

Portion sizes for meats vary. People often serve 3 or 4 ounces of beef or pork but only 2 or 3 ounces of poultry. Use this as a basic guide. If you’re hosting five guests, you’ll want around 20 ounces of meat. If it’s a larger buffet-style event, purchase a little more, considering some guests will eat more than others and that some will go back for seconds.

2. Know the Yield

Meat loses weight as you trim it down and cook it, so you need to understand yields. A NY Strip steak, for example, will maintain 84% of its weight after cooking. Ribs and brisket hold only 50% of their raw weight. If you aren’t sure about yield, speak with a butcher. They can explain what you can expect and the best amount of purchase.

3. Consider the Sides

If meat is the focal point of your meal, serve more—usually a fist-sized portion for each person. They’ll be counting on this to fill them out. If you’re serving appetizers, a wide array of hearty sides, and desserts, however, you don’t want guests to be overly full. In this case, you can serve smaller portions of meat.

Ensure your next meal is a hit by buying your meat from Hammann’s Catering, Butcher Shop & Deli. For over 50 years, this butcher has served Fairfield, OH, and surrounding communities. They offer a variety of high-quality meats for BBQs, fine dining, and more. They’re also proud to provide catering services to wedding and corporate events. Call (513) 858-3237 to speak with their staff and visit their website to learn more about their services. Connect on Facebook for more tips and updates.