Buying the right amount of meat for a family dinner, Persian gathering or barbecue can be difficult. Too little creates stress at serving time, while too much increases cost and waste. The best estimate depends on the cut, whether the meat contains bone, the number of side dishes and the appetite of your guests.
These amounts are practical starting points for raw meat when it is the main part of the meal. Adjust them for children, large appetites and the number of accompanying dishes.
| Type of meat | Suggested raw amount per adult |
|---|---|
| Boneless beef, lamb or veal | 200–250 g |
| Bone-in chops or chicken pieces | 300–400 g |
| Ground meat for koobideh or burgers | 200–250 g |
| Stew meat with rice and sides | 150–200 g |
| Mixed barbecue meats | 250–350 g total |
The total package weight of chops, ribs, shank and whole chicken includes bone and sometimes skin. Because not all of that weight becomes edible meat, allow a larger raw portion than you would for boneless cuts. The exact yield varies with the cut and preparation.
For koobideh served with rice, grilled tomato, bread and salad, plan roughly 200 to 250 grams of raw ground meat per adult. A lighter meal may require less, while a barbecue focused mainly on kebab may require more. Remember that meat loses moisture and some fat during grilling.
Persian stews are normally served with rice and often include beans, vegetables, herbs or split peas. About 150 to 200 grams of raw boneless meat per adult is usually a useful estimate. Gheimeh with several side dishes may need less, while a meat-forward khoresh may need more.
For a barbecue with several meat choices, estimate the combined total rather than a full portion of every item. Around 250 to 350 grams of raw meat per adult is often suitable when serving rice, bread, vegetables and salads. If guests will be eating for several hours or the menu has few sides, increase the amount.
| Guests | Boneless main course | Mixed barbecue |
|---|---|---|
| 4 adults | 800 g–1 kg | 1–1.4 kg |
| 6 adults | 1.2–1.5 kg | 1.5–2.1 kg |
| 10 adults | 2–2.5 kg | 2.5–3.5 kg |
| 20 adults | 4–5 kg | 5–7 kg |
A school-age child often eats around half to two-thirds of an adult portion, but age and appetite vary considerably. Teenagers may eat an adult portion or more. For family events, count several young children as fewer adult portions, then keep a small buffer.
Raw meat becomes lighter during cooking as moisture and fat are lost. Ground meat, thin kebab pieces and well-done cuts may lose more weight than gently cooked stew meat. Portion estimates should therefore be based on raw weight unless a recipe clearly specifies cooked weight.
A buffer of about 10 percent is helpful when guest appetites are uncertain. Avoid buying a large excess without a storage plan. Divide unused raw meat into meal-size packages and refrigerate or freeze it promptly. Cooked leftovers should also be cooled and stored safely.
At Persia Meat Shop Newmarket, you can tell us the dish, number of guests and whether you are serving rice, bread or other meats. Our team can recommend an approximate quantity and prepare custom cuts, kebab meat, chops, chicken pieces or stew meat in convenient packages.
Persia Meat Shop Newmarket
130 Davis Dr Unit 12, Newmarket, Ontario
Call (905) 895-9999 to discuss quantities and custom preparation.
