King crab is a delicious and impressive centerpiece for any special occasion meal. But figuring out how much king crab to buy per person can be tricky You want to make sure everyone gets their fill of this decadent shellfish without overspending or having lots of leftovers.
Here is a simple guide to help you determine the right amount of king crab legs to order per person:
Estimate 1-2 Pounds Per Person For An Appetizer
If you are serving king crab legs as an appetizer or as part of a multi-course meal, plan on 1-2 pounds per person. At this amount, each person will get 2-4 legs to enjoy. This should be enough for a taste without ruining anyone’s appetite for the rest of the meal.
Some general guidelines for appetizer-sized portions
- Extra large king crab legs – 1 to 1.5 pounds per person
- Large king crab legs – 1.5 to 2 pounds per person
Keep in mind that actual edible meat will be about half the total weight since you have to account for the shells.
Order 2-3 Pounds Per Person For An Entree
If king crab is the main featured dish for a special dinner, increase the portion size to 2-3 pounds per guest. This will provide each diner with about 4-6 legs for them to crack open and fully enjoy.
When serving king crab as an entree, here are some size recommendations:
- Smaller appetites – 2 pounds per person
- Average appetites – 2.5 to 3 pounds per person
- Hearty appetites – 3 to 4 pounds per person
Ordering in the 2-3 pound range ensures most people will get their fill of luscious crab meat as the enticing centerpiece of the meal.
Add Extra For Leftovers
Since king crab legs can be enjoyed chilled and make great leftovers, you may want to order extra. This allows people to dig in freely during the meal and have crab meat on hand for crab salad, sandwiches, pasta dishes etc in the following days.
A good rule of thumb is to add 1 extra pound for every 3 guests if you want to have leftovers available. Just keep in mind that the shelf life is not unlimited, so plan to use up leftovers within 3-4 days.
Order A Mix Of Sizes
To add visual interest and variety to your king crab feast, consider ordering a mix of different size legs. Larger legs are dramatic and impressive, while smaller legs work well for those who prefer easier cracking. Aim for a range of small, medium and jumbo legs in each order.
You can also order a split of golden and red king crab legs. Go with 75% red and 25% golden for a stunning presentation.
Give Yourself A 5-10% Buffer
It’s always wise to slightly over order king crab legs to account for larger than average appetites or the tendency to pick at it over the course of a long evening.
Adding a 5-10% overage buffer to your order helps ensure you don’t run out prematurely but also won’t leave you with a huge surplus either.
Order Early From A Reputable Source
Be sure to place your king crab order 1-2 weeks in advance from a trusted, high-quality supplier like Alaska King Crab. This prevents any last minute shortages, ensures ideal freshness, and provides plenty of time to fine tune your order if needed.
The time-tested rule of thumb is 2 pounds per person for an appetizer and 3 pounds per person for an entree. But every event is different, so adjust up or down according to your specific guest list. With smart planning, you’ll be rewarded with satisfied guests and minimal leftovers.
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FAQ
How many king crab legs is 2 lbs?
King crabs are usually large; you’ll get 2 legs per pound, jumbo 1.5 legs and gigantic 1 leg per pound. amounts may vary.”
How many people will 10 pounds of king crab legs feed?
3 lbs = 1.5-2 Servings. 4 lbs = 2-3.5 Servings. 6 lbs = 3-5 Servings. 10 lbs = 5-8 Servings.
How much crab do I need for 2 adults?
If you serve steamed crabs with other food, plan for about six crabs per person. If crabs are your main dish, order eight to a dozen crabs per person.
How many king crab legs for 3 people?
3 pounds of king crab will serve 2 to 3 people easily when you’re serving additional entreés.
How much crab do I need for 2 people?
Make sure you have enough crab legs 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 crab do I need for 2 adults? As a rule of thumb for ordering, we recommend 1.5 to two pounds of crab per person.
How much does a king crab leg weigh?
Alaskan King Crab: One king crab leg can weigh up to a pound. This giant crab is found in cold Alaskan waters. Its season is in October and November. You’ll find these frozen and ready to heat. Their sweet meat tastes like lobster meat.
How much king crab do you need for 15 people?
Those with larger appetites may want to go up to three pounds each. For 15 people, we’d recommend a hefty portion of crab (15-20 lbs. total), plus dipping sauces and about four to five sides. Twenty pounds of crab may sound like a lot to order, but keep in mind that Alaskan King Crab legs are about a pound each (and could be two feet long).