Imagine you’re planning a BBQ party for family and friends and excited about grilling some delicious pork tenderloin. But how much pork tenderloin per person should you buy?
You don’t want to buy too little and have hungry guests or buy too much and waste food. Don’t worry! This article will help.
As a general guideline, you need 1/2 pound of raw pork tenderloin per adult or 3/4 pound for bigger appetites or leftovers. For children, 1/4 pound of raw pork tenderloin per child should suffice. However, there are many other influencing factors to consider to adjust accordingly.
This article will cover these factors. There’s also a calculator to help you quickly estimate how much you’ll need and many other valuable tips when organizing a BBQ party for large groups.
So, sit back, relax, and let’s dive in!
How Much Pork Tenderloin Do You Need?
Organizing a gathering requires careful consideration of the quantity of food needed to satisfy attendees. Pork tenderloin is an excellent dish for various occasions, but how much should you get?
The answer to this question involves calculating the amount of food each person would need and the total number of people attending the event.
General Guideline for Pork Tenderloin Per Person
When hosting a party, a good rule of thumb is to plan for about 1/2 pound of raw pork tenderloin per person. That way, for 20 people, you’ll need approximately 10 pounds of pork.
However, it’s important to note that the meat will shrink by around 30% once cooked. Thus, if you’re serving a guest 1/2 pound of raw meat, you’ll end up with about 0.35 pounds (5.6 ounces) of cooked meat.
This is usually enough for the average appetite, but for hungrier eaters or for leftovers, you may want to increase the amount to 3/4 pounds of raw pork tenderloin per person.
In that case, you’d need 15 pounds of raw pork tenderloin for 20 guests. After cooking, this would give you 10.5 pounds of cooked meat, or 0.53 pounds (8.5 ounces) per individual. This amount should satisfy larger appetites and leave you some extra for the next day.
If you’re looking for a fast and easy solution, the pre-calculated tables below have got you covered. They include the amount of pork tenderloin needed to feed adults and children in different group sizes: 1, 5, 10, 15, 30, 50, 100, and 200. Adults and children have separate tables, so you can plan accordingly. Planning your event just got a whole lot easier!
Here’s the table for serving 1/2 pound of raw pork tenderloin per adult:
| Number of Adults | Raw Pork Tenderloin (lbs) | Cooked Pork Tenderloin (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.5 | 0.35 |
| 5 | 2.5 | 1.75 |
| 10 | 5 | 3.5 |
| 15 | 7.5 | 5.25 |
| 30 | 15 | 10.5 |
| 50 | 25 | 17.5 |
| 100 | 50 | 35 |
| 200 | 100 | 70 |
Here’s the table for a 3/4-pound serving per adult:
| Number of Adults | Raw Pork Tenderloin (lbs) | Cooked Pork Tenderloin (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.75 | 0.525 |
| 5 | 3.75 | 2.625 |
| 10 | 7.5 | 5.25 |
| 15 | 11.25 | 7.875 |
| 30 | 22.5 | 15.75 |
| 50 | 37.5 | 26.25 |
| 100 | 75 | 52.5 |
| 200 | 150 | 105 |
Here’s the table for children.
| Number of Children | Raw Pork Tenderloin (lbs) | Cooked Pork Tenderloin (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.25 | 0.18 |
| 5 | 1.25 | 0.9 |
| 10 | 2.5 | 1.8 |
| 15 | 3.75 | 2.7 |
| 30 | 7.5 | 5.4 |
| 50 | 12.5 | 9 |
| 100 | 25 | 18 |
| 200 | 50 | 36 |
Pork Tenderloin Calculator
If you want a more precise and more convenient calculation, try using the pork tenderloin calculator below. It can help you out.
Enter the number of guests – adults and children – and the calculator will give you a suggested amount. However, take into account that this is just a general estimation, and you will need to make some adjustments based on other considerations. To learn more, keep reading!
Some examples of results with this calculator when it’s the main dish:
- For 0.5-lb serving per adult, feeding 10 people, including 8 adults and 2 children, requires about 3 lbs of cooked or 5 lbs of raw pork tenderloin.
- For 0.5-lb serving per adult, feeding 30 people, including 25 adults and 5 children, requires about 10 lbs of cooked or 14 lbs of raw pork tenderloin.
Other Factors to Consider
While the general guideline is a useful starting point, several other factors can affect the amount of meat needed when hosting a party. Let’s dive into them!
1. Main Dish or Side Dish
The amount of pork tenderloin needed can vary depending on whether it is the main dish or a side dish. If it’s the main course, you must provide a larger portion size.
However, if it’s a side dish, then a smaller portion size will suffice. Generally, when pork tenderloin is the main course, plan on serving around 1/2 pound per person. But if it’s a side dish, 1/4 pound per person should be enough.
2. Side Dishes
When planning your meal, how much you feed a person will depend on the side dishes you serve. If you’re doing multiple side dishes, you may be able to reduce the amount of pork tenderloin needed per person.
Conversely, if you’re serving few or no side dishes, you may want to increase the required amount.
3. Age, Gender, and Body Size of Guests
Determining the appropriate amount of pork tenderloin for your guests can be influenced by several factors, such as their age, gender, and body size. People’s portion sizes vary quite a bit, so it’s important to remember this when deciding how much to serve.
Typically, men and older guests require larger portions than women and younger guests because of their larger body sizes, and they may need more food to feel full. On the other hand, women and younger guests usually require smaller portions due to their smaller body sizes.
But beyond just body size, if you care about providing adequate nutrition for your guests, you should consider their daily protein requirements and adjust them accordingly.
Protein Needs
According to studies, the recommended daily amount of protein varies depending on age, gender, and level of physical activity. For example, kids may only need around 13-19 grams of protein daily, while adults who engage in intense exercise may require up to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight.
Below is the recommended minimum amount of protein that people with an average active lifestyle should consume.
- Children aged 1-3 years: 0.46 oz (13 g) for both boys and girls
- Children aged 4-8 years: 0.67 oz (19 g) for both boys and girls
- Children aged 9-13 years: 1.2 oz (34 g) for both boys and girls
- Girls aged 14-18 years: 1.6 oz (46 g)
- Boys aged 14-18 years: 1.8 oz (52 g)
- Women aged 19-70 years: 1.6 oz (46 g)
- Men aged 19-70 years: 2 oz (56 g)
- Pregnant women: 2.5 oz (71 g)
- Breastfeeding women: 2.5 oz (71 g)
To provide a comparison and make calculations more convenient, we use the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. The RDA refers to the quantity of a nutrient necessary to fulfill your basic nutritional needs.
For instance, people weighing 180 pounds or 81 kilograms should consume 65 grams of protein daily. In addition, according to FoodData Central, the protein content of 0.5 lbs and 0.8 lbs of raw pork tenderloin is 46g and 75g, respectively.
- If you serve them 0.5 lbs of raw pork tenderloin, they will have 46 grams of protein, nearly 71% of their daily protein needs.
- If you serve them 0.8 lbs of raw pork tenderloin, they will have 75 grams of protein, close to 115% of their daily needs.
So for the average person who doesn’t exercise, serving 0.5 lbs of pork tenderloin is quite sufficient. But if your guests are intense trainers, you may want to serve them more, from 0.8 to 1 lb.
You can see more examples with other weights in the table below.
| Weight (lbs) | RDA (g) | Daily Protein Need (g) | Protein of 0.5-lb Serving (g) | 0.5-lb Serving / Daily Need | Protein of 0.8-lb Serving (g) | 0.8-lb Serving / Daily Need |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180 | 0.8 | 65.32 | 46 | 70.43% | 75 | 114.82% |
| 190 | 0.8 | 68.95 | 46 | 66.72% | 75 | 108.78% |
| 200 | 0.8 | 72.57 | 46 | 63.38% | 75 | 103.34% |
| 210 | 0.8 | 76.20 | 46 | 60.36% | 75 | 98.42% |
| 220 | 0.8 | 79.83 | 46 | 57.62% | 75 | 93.95% |
| 230 | 0.8 | 83.46 | 46 | 55.12% | 75 | 89.86% |
| 240 | 0.8 | 87.09 | 46 | 52.82% | 75 | 86.12% |
| 250 | 0.8 | 90.72 | 46 | 50.71% | 75 | 82.67% |
4. Type of Party
The type of party you’re hosting can also affect the required amount. If you’re throwing a casual backyard barbecue with many other food options, you may not need as much pork tenderloin as you would for a more formal dinner party where it’s the main course.
For example, if you’re hosting a summer barbecue with hamburgers, hot dogs, and a variety of sides, you might only need to serve 0.25 lbs of pork tenderloin per person. On the other hand, if you’re hosting a fancy dinner party with several courses and the pork tenderloin is the main dish, you may want to serve closer to 0.5 lbs or more per person.
5. Leftovers
When planning your pork tenderloin servings, consider your guests’ preference for leftovers. If your guests love bringing home extras, you may want to offer more than enough for everyone.
On the other hand, if your attendees aren’t usually interested in leftovers, you can probably get away with providing less. Whichever route you choose, your guests will be sure to enjoy it.
6. Budget
Lastly, your budget will also play a role in Planning. Pork tenderloin can be expensive, so you may need to adjust the amount you serve based on your budget.
If money is tight, try adding it as a side dish or serving smaller amounts.
Understanding Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is a popular cut of meat that can be found in most grocery stores and butcher shops. But what exactly is it, and how does it differ from other cuts of pork?
What is Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is a lean and tender cut of meat that comes from the muscle that runs along the pig’s backbone. It’s a long, thin cut of meat that typically weighs between 1 and 1.5 pounds. Unlike other cuts of pork, such as pork chops or pork shoulder, pork tenderloin is very lean, making it a healthier option.
Pork Tenderloin Vs Pork Loin
One common mistake people make when buying pork is confusing pork tenderloin with pork loin. While both cuts come from the same area of the pig, they are not the same thing. Pork loin is a larger and wider cut of meat that can be divided into pork chops, while pork tenderloin is a smaller and thinner cut of meat usually cooked whole.
How Many People Does 1 Pork Tenderloin Serve?
The average pork tenderloin size ranges from 1 to 1.5 pounds, enough to feed a family of 3 to 4. On the other hand, larger cuts like a 2-pound and 4-pound can feed 4 to 5 and 8 to 9 people, respectively.
However, this can vary depending on how hungry your guests are and how many side dishes you plan to serve. If you’re hosting a larger crowd, you can always purchase multiple tenderloins or opt for a bigger cut of meat, such as a pork loin.
Tips to Grill Pork Tenderloin for Large Groups
Grilling pork tenderloin for a large group can seem quite intimidating, but with a few useful pointers, you can easily deliver a delicious meal that will make your guests happy. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when grilling:
1. Planning is Essential
The key to success in grilling is careful preparation. Marinate the meat for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Plus, ensure you have enough charcoal or propane for your grill and have all the necessary grilling tools, such as tongs and a meat thermometer, ready to go.
2. Preheat the Grill
Before you place the pork tenderloin on the grill, make sure the grill is preheated to the appropriate temperature. The ideal temperature for grilling pork tenderloin is between 375°F and 400°F.
3. Sear the Meat
Once the grill is hot, place the meat on direct heat and let it sear. Keep an eye on the meat and flip it every 4-5 minutes until it develops a golden-brown crust.
4. Utilize Indirect Heat
Once the meat has been seared, move it to the other side of the grill, where the heat is indirect. This will help to prevent the tenderloin from cooking too quickly and burning.
- For a gas grill, simply turn on one side and place the pork tenderloin on the other.
- For a charcoal grill, move the meat to an area that doesn’t have any coal underneath it.
5. Measure the Internal Temperature
For a perfectly cooked pork tenderloin, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F, as recommended by the USDA for food safety.
6. Let the Pork Rest
After grilling, wrap the meat in aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This will give the juices time to distribute evenly throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy result.
7. Slice the Meat
When slicing the pork tenderloin, be sure to cut against the grain. This will help keep the meat from becoming tough and chewy. Slice the tenderloin into thin pieces and serve immediately.
How to Store Leftovers
Properly storing leftovers is key to ensuring you don’t end up with spoiled food. Here are some tips on keeping them fresh and safe to eat:
- First, allow the cooked pork to cool down to room temperature before storing it.
- When putting food in the refrigerator, divide it into shallow containers. This way, the food will cool faster.
- Store the leftovers at 40°F or below. This will prevent the growth of bacteria and ensure that the pork tenderloin stays fresh for up to four days.
- If you are freezing leftovers, wrap them and label them with the date. This way, you can tell when the food was frozen and use it before it goes bad.
- When reheating, heat it thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any bacteria that may have grown.
Conclusion
When planning your meal, it’s essential to consider the occasion, the size of the pork tenderloin, and your guests’ appetites. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to allot about 1/2 pound of pork tenderloin per person. This amount may vary depending on the situation.
If you’re hosting a large group, using a meat thermometer is wise to ensure food safety. Additionally, organizing a party goes beyond just the food – you’ll also want to create a fun atmosphere.
By taking these tips into account, you can easily whip up a delicious meal that will impress your guests. With some thought and preparation, you can craft the perfect experience.
Discover the art of portioning with these essential reads on serving sizes for pulled pork, flank steak, chicken wings, and tri-tip, ensuring a perfect feast every time.
I’m Jackson. I’ve been experimenting with different recipes and techniques to make the perfect plate of smoked or grilled meat for many years. I started this blog to share my experience with others who love grilling and smoking just as much as I do. Here you’ll find recipes, tips, tricks, and everything you need to know about making mouth-watering grilled or smoked dishes.