How Much Crab Per Person Should You Serve at a Crab Feast?

Crab feasts are a beloved tradition in coastal communities. The communal experience of cracking open crabs, dipping the sweet meat in butter, and enjoying time with friends and family is incredibly fun and satisfying. As the host, one of the most important decisions is figuring out how much crab to buy per person. You want to make sure everyone gets their fill of delicious crab without breaking the bank or having lots of leftovers. This guide will provide tips on how much crab per person you should plan to serve at your next crab feast.

Average Recommended Amounts Per Person

As a general rule of thumb when buying crab for a crab feast plan to serve

• 1 to 1 1⁄2 pounds of crab per person – This allows for generous portions while having a little extra. Crab enthusiasts may be able to eat more

• 1 1⁄2 to 2 pounds per person – For big eaters or serious crab lovers, allot up to 2 pounds per guest. This ensures most people will get their fill.

These amounts give a good starting benchmark. But you’ll need to consider other factors that can alter ideal serving sizes.

Factors That Affect Crab Portions

Several variables play into how much crab meat each person will consume at your crab feast:

• Other foods – If serving a multi-course meal, less crab is needed than for crab as the standalone main course.

• Appetites – Hearty eaters will devour more than light eaters. Plan smaller portions for kids.

• Crab type – King crab legs have more meat per pound than smaller snow crab legs.

• Serving style – All-you-can-eat buffets need more crab than plated dinners.

• Leftovers – Having extra is better than running short.

• Budget – Crab is expensive, so balance ideal amounts with costs.

Consider all these factors when determining quantities for your event.

Crab Per Person Calculator

Use this handy calculator to estimate total crab needed for your party:

Number of Guests: 12

Pounds Per Person: 1.5

Total Pounds Needed: 18

For a dozen crab lovers, assuming 1.5 pounds per person, you’ll need about 18 pounds of crab. Adjust the estimates up or down according to your situation.

Recommended Serving Sizes

Here are suggested crab serving sizes for different scenarios:

• Dinner party with sides – 3⁄4 to 1 pound per person
• Crab boil or feast – 1 to 2 pounds per person
• Appetizer for 4 – 1 pound
• Main course for 1 – 1 1⁄2 to 2 pounds
• Kids portions – 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 pound

Serve larger portions for crab-focused events and less crab alongside other dishes.

Ordering Tips

When purchasing crab for your event:

• Choose high-quality, fresh crab from a reputable source.
• Select crab legs with solid, meaty fills and healthy color.
• Pick your preferred variety – king, snow, Dungeness, etc.
• Allow time for overnight shipping if needed.
• Have crab arrive 1-2 days before your meal.
• Keep refrigerated until ready to prepare and serve.

With the right crab and quantities, your feast will impress!

Cooking Your Crab

Once you’ve got your crab, cooking it is simple:

• Steaming – Quick and easy. Retains moisture. Needs a steamer.
• Boiling – Also fast but can toughen meat. Use seasoned water.
• Baking – Slower cooking but adds flavor. Brush with butter or oil.
• Grilling – Gets a nice char. Watch closely to prevent drying.
• Microwaving – Fast but can make meat rubbery. Use lower power and check frequently.

Serve hot crab with melted butter, lemon wedges, and dipping sauces. Provide tools to easily extract the meat.

Pairing Side Dishes

Complement your crab with these tasty sides:

• Corn on the cob – Sweet balance for briny crab
• Cole slaw – Crisp, tangy crunch
• Potato salad – Starchy, creamy goodness
• French fries – Salty, greasy fries soak up crab juice
• Garlic bread – Savory, buttery sopping power
• Biscuits – Flaky, melt-in-your-mouth carbs
• Baked beans – Sweet, smokey bean accompaniment
• Rice – Soaks up buttery drippings perfectly
• Pasta salad – Cool, creamy pasta alongside hot crab

Don’t forget dessert after the feast! Crab demands something sweet.

Crab Feast Etiquette

Some key etiquette tips:

• Provide crackers, mallets, and picks for easy meat extraction.
• Give a tutorial for newbies on how to open crab legs and shells.
• Place crab neatly on platters, don’t just dump in a pile.
• Have moist towelettes on hand for messy fingers and faces.
• Supply buckets or bowls for discarded shells, not on tables.
• Cover tables with butcher paper or plastic tablecloths for easy cleanup.

With these simple guidelines, your crab party will be success!

Making It Memorable

Some extra touches to make your crab feast amazing:

• Fun crab-themed paper goods like plates, napkins, cups.
• Nautical decor such as nets, buoys, fish traps.
• Place cards decorated as crabs for assigned seats.
• Crab-shaped candies or cookies for dessert.
• Take-home crab seasonings or lemon butter as favors.
• Themed table coverings with fish, anchors, crabs or ocean motifs.

With delicious food, fun people, and the right preparations, your crab leg dinner will be a feast to remember! Follow these recommendations for pounds of crab per person and you’ll have the knowledge to create an incredible crab party. From ordering and prepping to cooking and serving, your guests will be raving about your amazing crab feast.