Crab legs are one of the most delicious and indulgent seafood treats out there. Their sweet, succulent meat is packed with flavor in every bite. When hosting a crab feast, one of the most important questions is how much crab to buy per person. You want to make sure everyone gets their fill of these precious crustacean legs without spending a fortune or having lots of leftovers.
I’ll provide tips on how to determine the right amount of crab legs per person for any occasion. Whether it’s for an intimate dinner party or a large backyard boil, you’ll have the inside scoop on serving sizes.
Factors That Determine Crab Leg Portions
There are a few key factors that come into play when deciding how many pounds of crab legs to buy per individual
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Type of crab: King crab legs have the highest meat yield, around 50% of their weight. Snow crab legs yield about 40% meat. Dungeness crabs have only 25% meat yield.
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Role in the meal Is crab the main event or part of a larger spread? More is needed if it’s the star attraction
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Appetites: Some guests gorge on crab, while others eat smaller portions. Know your crowd.
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Serving style: Buffets need more since people take more. Plated dinners can have less.
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Leftovers: Having extras is better than running short.
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Budget: Crab legs are pricey, so balance with ideal amounts.
Considering all these factors will help you land on appropriate serving sizes.
Recommended Amounts of Crab Legs Per Person
Here are my suggested serving guidelines based on whether crab is the main dish or part of a multi-course meal:
Crab Legs as Main Course
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King crab legs: 1.5 – 2 lbs per person
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Snow crab legs: 2 – 3 lbs per person
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Dungeness crab: Around 2 lbs (0.5 lbs meat) per person
With crab as the focal point, load up the table to satisfy all appetites.
Crab Legs as Appetizer or Side
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King crab legs: 0.5 – 1 lb per person
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Snow crab legs: 1 – 1.5 lbs per person
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Dungeness crab: Around 1 lb per person
Smaller portions hit the spot when crab is one part of a larger feast.
These recommendations provide a starting point, but consider the crab aficionados in your group who may devour more.
And don’t forget to order a couple extra pounds just in case – running out of crab would be tragic!
Handy Serving Size Calculator
Use this calculator to determine exactly how many pounds you need for your guest list:
Number of Guests: 10
Pounds Per Person: 1.5
Total Pounds Needed: 15
Plug in your specs and it does the math for perfect portions!
Pairing the Perfect Sides
Great sides complement crab legs for a complete meal. Some stellar pairings include:
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Corn on the cob – The classic pairing, sweetness balances briny crab
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Cole slaw – Crisp, tangy crunch contrasts rich crab
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Cheesy biscuits – Flaky, buttery, carb-y goodness
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Baked beans – Sweet and smokey, perfect with seafood
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Roasted potatoes – Starchy, garlicky potatoes soak up buttery juices
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Rice pilaf – Flavor absorbing rice soaks up crab flavor
Don’t forget dessert! Crab demands something sweet after.
Pro Tips for Serving Success
Here are my best tips for executing a top-notch crab leg feast:
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Cover tables in butcher paper for easy clean up
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Provide crackers, picks, and tools for easy shell cracking
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Arrange legs neatly on platters, don’t just dump in piles
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Give a tutorial for newbies on how to extract meat
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Have moist towelettes on hand for messy fingers and faces
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Consider fun themed plates, napkins, etc. for an extra touch
The key is keeping things casual, fun, and hands-on. Don’t be afraid to get messy!
Ordering the Perfect Crab
When selecting crab legs, look for:
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High-quality, trusted vendors
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Bright red shell, no black spots
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Solid, heavy, meat-filled legs
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Legs that are similar in size
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Reputable, overnight shipping
Order 1-2 days in advance and store in the fridge.
The Takeaway
Figuring out how many pounds of crab legs per person ensures your event is a crowd-pleasing success. Shoot for 1.5-2 pounds per guest if crab is the main attraction, and 0.5-1 pound for smaller portions. Factor in your crowd’s appetite, the crab type, and additions like sides. Follow these tips and your crab feast will never disappoint!
Sourced Straight from Sea to Table
Sourced through trusted experts and chosen for taste, texture and quality.
Flash frozen to lock in the fresh-off-the-dock taste.
Packaged with dry ice and shipped overnight directly to your door.
Simply thaw, prep, heat, and eat.
We ate how many pounds of crab legs?
FAQ
How many people will 5 pounds of crab legs feed?
Our general recommendation is between one and two pounds per person. One pound per person should suffice if you have guests with mild appetites and you serving sides with your crab legs.
How much does 1lb of crab legs feed?
One pound of crab legs can typically feed one to two people, depending on whether they are the main course or a side dish, and the appetites of the people eating. If crab legs are the main dish, plan for about 1.5 to 2 pounds per person.
Is 1 lb of crab enough for 2 people?
Crab Dynasty sells snow crab legs and Alaskan king crab legs by the pound. As a rule of thumb for ordering, we recommend 1.5 to two pounds of crab per person.
How many crabs do I need for 6 adults?
Plan for 6-8 crabs per person for a typical feast, assuming crabs are the main course. For heartier eaters, especially at a more casual event, you might want to plan for 8-12 per person.Nov 4, 2024
How many crab legs per person?
For a meal where crab legs are the primary focus: King Crab Legs: Plan for 1.5 to 2 pounds per person. Their high meat yield and rich flavor make them a satisfying main dish. Snow Crab Legs: Provide 2 to 3 pounds per person. Since they contain less meat relative to their shell size, guests will need more to feel full.
How much crab meat do you need for one person?
Each crab leg has about 50% total meat, so you should purchase about 1 to 4 pounds of crab legs for one person. This way, once the crab legs are fully cooked, you will have 0.5 to 2 pounds of total crab meat.
How much crab should I serve per person?
Dungeness Crab: About 1 pound per person is adequate when served as part of a larger meal. When planning a meal featuring crab legs, understanding how many pounds to serve per person is crucial for success. Factors like the type of crab, the occasion, and the appetite of your guests all play a role in determining the appropriate amount.
How many crab legs do you need for a party?
Use this handy calculator to determine total crab legs needed for your party: For example, for 10 crab lovers, assuming 1.5 pounds per person, you’ll need about 15 pounds of crab legs total. Here are some crab leg serving size recommendations based on common scenarios: Serve larger portions for big events focused just on crab.
How much does a king crab leg weigh?
A red king crab weighs about 6 pounds. A fisherman will weigh each leg separately and then add all the legs together to come up with the total weight. If you’re lucky enough to get ten legs, you’ll get 60 pounds worth of meat. You can also buy frozen king crab legs, which are already separated out. How Much Exactly Should Crab Legs Cost?
How much does a pound of crab legs cost?
Crab legs are often sold by weight, so you can compare prices easily. A pound of crab meat costs somewhere between $10-$40. This can add up quickly if you have a lot of dinners. Some restaurants charge around $400 for 10 lb of colossal king crab, while others charge around $110 for ten lb. of snow crab.