Skirt steak, known for its rich flavor and tenderness when properly prepared, is a favorite on the grill and at BBQ gatherings. But when it comes to planning the perfect amount of skirt steak for your event, how much should you calculate per person? In this blog post, we’ll provide insights into estimating the right quantity of skirt steak per guest, ensuring that your BBQ is both delicious and satisfying for everyone in attendance.

Factors to Consider:

1. Guest Appetites: Different individuals have varying appetites, so it’s essential to consider whether your guests are hearty eaters or tend to enjoy smaller portions.

2. Menu Variety: If you’re serving a variety of dishes alongside the skirt steak, guests might take smaller portions to sample everything.

3. Side Dishes: Think about the sides you’ll be offering. Heartier sides might mean smaller portions of skirt steak, while lighter sides could mean larger servings.

4. Cooking Style: Skirt steak can shrink during cooking due to its high fat content. Keep this in mind when estimating portions to ensure everyone has enough to enjoy.

Calculating Quantity:

1. Standard Estimate: A good starting point is to estimate around 6 to 8 ounces of cooked skirt steak per person. This accounts for the cooking loss and ensures that each guest gets a satisfying portion.

2. Number of Guests: Multiply the estimated portion size by the number of guests attending your BBQ. For example, if you have 15 guests and plan for 7 ounces per person, you’ll need around 105 ounces of cooked skirt steak.

3. Skirt Steak Yields: Keep in mind that skirt steak can lose about 20-30% of its weight during cooking due to fat rendering and moisture loss. Therefore, to get 105 ounces of cooked skirt steak, you might need to start with around 150 ounces (or approximately 9.4 pounds) of raw skirt steak.

Serving Tips:

1. Pre-Slicing: Consider pre-slicing the cooked skirt steak before serving. This can help control portion sizes and ensure that everyone gets an equal share.

2. Variety: Offer different types of meats and protein options to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.

3. Leftovers: Leftover skirt steak can be enjoyed in various dishes like tacos, salads, and sandwiches, so having a little extra is never a bad idea.

Conclusion:

Estimating the right amount of skirt steak per person for your BBQ involves considering factors like guest appetites, menu variety, and side dishes. Starting with a standard estimate of around 6 to 8 ounces of cooked skirt steak per person is a solid guideline. Remember that skirt steak can shrink during cooking, so purchasing a bit more than your calculated amount is a smart move. By keeping your guests’ satisfaction in mind and planning ahead, you can ensure that your BBQ is a flavorful success, with everyone savoring the deliciousness of perfectly grilled skirt steak.