Corned beef is a delicious staple for many celebrations and gatherings. When hosting a party for 8 people, it can be tricky to figure out exactly how many pounds of corned beef to cook. You want to make sure you have enough for everyone without tons of wasted leftovers.
In this article, we’ll provide a detailed guide on how much corned beef to buy and prepare when feeding a group of 8.
Buying the Raw Corned Beef
When purchasing your uncooked corned beef brisket, the general rule of thumb is 3⁄4 to 1 pound per person. However, corned beef shrinks a lot during cooking – usually 25-35%.
So when catering, it’s smart to buy more than the bare minimum of 6 pounds for 8 people. That doesn’t provide much of a buffer.
For a party of 8, we recommend buying at least 6-7 pounds of raw corned beef brisket.
This gives you a safety net in case the meat shrinks on the higher end or your guests have big appetites Leftovers make excellent sandwiches too!
Expected Cooked Amount
Once cooked, you can expect about 4.5-5.5 pounds of finished corned beef from 6-7 pounds of raw meat. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- 7 lbs raw corned beef
- Minus 25% shrinkage = 5.25 lbs cooked
- Minus 35% shrinkage = 4.55 lbs cooked
Shoot for at least 5 pounds cooked to serve 8 people comfortably. This will provide each guest with a satisfying 6-7 ounces of meat.
Cooking Tips
To get your corned beef perfectly tender, follow these tips:
- Use a large pot or Dutch oven with a tight fitting lid
- Add seasonings like peppercorns, garlic, and bay leaves
- Braise on low heat around 300°F for 3-4 hours
- Check for doneness after 3 hours
Slow cooking with plenty of liquid is key. The extended braise time ensures the brisket becomes fall-apart tender.
Serving Size
When serving 8 people, plan for:
- 5-7 ounces cooked corned beef per person
- 1-2 cups cabbage
- 1/2 pound potatoes
- Carrots
Having at least 5 pounds of cooked corned beef will provide a generous serving size after factoring in bones and fat.
Recap Amounts for 8 People
To recap, for a party of 8 guests, here are the recommended amounts of corned beef to buy and cook:
- Purchase 6-7 lbs of raw corned beef brisket
- After cooking, expect approx. 4.5-5.5 lbs
- Serve 5-7 oz cooked corned beef per person
With the right preparations and these portion guidelines, you’ll have the perfect feast for 8. Your guests will leave satisfied and impressed by your cooking skills. Sláinte!
For 1/2 Pound Per Person
If you aim to serve 1/2 pound of cooked corned beef per person, you should start with approximately 3/4 pound (12 ounces) of raw corned beef per person.
For Sandwiches and Light Meals
If you are serving corned beef in sandwiches or as part of a light meal, you can reduce the amount to around 1/4 pound (4 ounces) per person.
Easy Corned Beef and Cabbage (Stovetop or Slow Cooker)
FAQ
How many people will 4 lb corned beef feed?
Each 2-5lb. package of corned beef, when cooked and trimmed, will serve 4-6 people.
How much corned beef to buy for 8 people?
Purchase about one pound corned beef per person as it does have some shrinkage. And don’t forget a little extra for some great sandwiches in the days to follow!
How much beef for 8 adults?
If you choose beef on the bone, you will need to order sirloin or rib roast and allow around 400 grams per person – i.e. 3.2kgs for 8 people, 4kgs for 10 etc.
How much corned beef per sandwich per pound?
Corned beef is priced per pound. You can assume between 2-3 sandwiches per pound.
How much corned beef for 8 people?
When raw, plan on purchasing about 3⁄4 pound of corned beef per person. For 8 people, that equals: Getting 6 pounds of uncured brisket provides a good buffer. It ensures you’ll have enough cooked meat even with shrinkage. Having extra is better than not having enough food for your guests. Leftover corned beef also makes excellent sandwiches!
How much corned beef do you need to cook?
If you are hosting a gathering for 8 people, you may be wondering exactly how much corned beef you need to buy and cook. The general rule of thumb is 3⁄4 to 1 pound of uncooked corned beef per person. However, corned beef shrinks substantially during cooking. So when catering, it’s smart to err on the side of caution.
How much corned beef brisket should I buy?
For example, if you need 10 pounds of cooked corned beef, you should buy about 14 pounds of raw corned beef. It’s also important to consider any bones or fat that may be in the corned beef. If you’re buying a corned beef brisket with the bone in, plan for about ⅓ to ½ pound per person.
How much corn beef per person to serve?
Learn how much corn beef per person to serve with our complete guide. Discover the recommended serving sizes, ranging from 1/2 to 1 pound per person, and get tips on how to prepare and serve corned beef for groups of four to six people.
What is a good serving size for corned beef?
A standard serving size of corned beef is 1/4 pound (or 4 ounces) of meat. This refers to the weight of the meat after it’s cooked.
How much corned beef should each guest eat?
When serving corned beef to a crowd, we recommend starting with 1 pound of raw meat per person. This should translate into at least 1/2 pound of cooked corned beef for each guest. You can adjust this estimate based on the eating habits of your guests and other considerations.