No worries if you’re planning a BBQ party and not sure how much tri-tip to buy per person – it can be tough to figure out. But don’t stress, because here’s the answer!
Generally speaking, it’s best to provide 1/2 pound of tri-tip per adult or 3/4 pound if they have more enormous appetites or want leftovers. However, the amount you need can vary depending on the number of guests, their dietary needs, the amount of shrinkage when cooked, etc.
This article will walk you through calculating how much tri-tip you need for every guest, considering all these factors. Plus, you’ll get some great tips on ensuring your BBQ party is a total success! Let’s dive in!
How Much Tri-Tip Per Person to Prepare
Calculating how much tri-tip to buy for your next gathering can be a tricky endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be. You can use the following formula to find an average amount for all your guests:
Total amount of tri-tip needed = (Average amount of tri-tip per person) * (Number of guests)
Simply put, you can calculate the amount of tri-tip you’ll need by multiplying the number of guests by the average amount of tri-tip each person will consume.
- If the tri-tip is the main dish, the average amount is 1/2 pound for adults and 1/4 pound for children.
- If the tri-tip is the side dish, we divide the serving by 2.
This will give you a rough estimate of how much you’ll need, so you can buy accordingly.
To make it easier for you, the table below shows you the total amount of raw tri-tip needed in pounds for 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 adult people for both the main dish and the side dish.
| Number of People | Total Tri-Tip Needed (Main Dish) |
Total Tri-Tip Needed (Side Dish) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 2.5 lbs | 1.25 lbs |
| 10 | 5 lbs | 2.5 lbs |
| 25 | 12.5 lbs | 6.25 lbs |
| 50 | 25 lbs | 12.5 lbs |
| 100 | 50 lbs | 25 lbs |
Still stumped? Don’t worry. Use this calculator to quickly determine how many pounds of tri-tip you need for your party. Just enter the number of guests (adults and children) and it’ll do the rest. So don’t stress, let it do the math for you!
Some examples of results with this calculator when it’s the main dish:
- Feeding 100 guests, including 75 adults and 25 children, requires about 44 lbs of raw tri-tip.
- Serving 12 guests, including 8 adults and 4 children, requires about 5 lbs of raw tri-tip.
*** Keep in mind that this formula is just a guideline, and there are other factors to consider.
Factors to Consider When Calculating
As mentioned above, some general guidelines exist, such as 1/2 pound of uncooked tri-tip per adult if it’s the main dish. However, several factors can affect how many pounds of tri-tip you must purchase to ensure everyone is well-fed. Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors.
1. Is Tri-Tip The Main Dish or Side Dish?
When planning for tri-tip, the size of servings is a major consideration. If it’s the main course, you’ll need a larger helping for each person. But if the meal is rounded out with other dishes, like grilled chicken, then the portion size can be slightly reduced – about 1/4 pound of tri-tip per person should suffice.
Remembering that the main dish vs side dish distinction is essential in determining the serving size. Extra sides can be served, but if tri-tip is the meal’s star, a larger portion is necessary.
2. Age and Gender of Guests
Understanding how much protein individuals need is important in calculating how much tri-tip you need to serve per person.
Age and gender can play a role in serving sizes, as men and older children generally require larger servings than women and younger children.
For example, a teenage boy may require closer to 3/4 pounds of tri-tip, while a young girl may only need 1/4 pound.
Here’s a breakdown of how much protein the average person needs per day based on their age and sex:
- 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)
However, keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and individual needs may vary based on factors such as activity level and overall health. In addition, below are the nutrition facts of raw tri-tip for your reference.
| Nutrition Facts | Serving Size 3 oz (85 g – 0.194 lb) |
Serving Size 8 oz (227 g – 0.5 lb) |
Serving Size 16 oz (453 g – 1 lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 148 | 395 | 789 |
| Total Fat | 8.1 g | 21.6 g | 43.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.0 g | 8.0 g | 16 g |
| Cholesterol | 58 mg | 155 mg | 309 mg |
| Sodium | 43 mg | 115 mg | 229 mg |
| Protein | 18 g | 48 g | 96 g |
| Iron | 1.2 mg | 3.2 mg | 6.4 mg |
| Calcium | 21 mg | 56 mg | 112 mg |
| Potassium | 266 mg | 710 mg | 1419 mg |
Note: The nutrition information is based on raw tri-tip meat. The values may vary depending on the brand and preparation method used.
3. Appetite of Guests
Some guests may have a heartier appetite than others and, therefore, may require a larger serving size. For example, if you’re serving a group of heavy exercisers who are particularly hungry after a long workout, you may want to plan for larger servings.
On the other hand, if you have guests who don’t eat much or are limited in their protein intake, you may be able to adjust the menu accordingly. Maybe consider offering smaller servings of tri-tip.
This way, everyone can enjoy the meal without any dietary restrictions or worries.
4. Amount of Shrinkage During Cooking
When preparing tri-tip, it’s critical to factor in the shrinkage that happens during the cooking process. Generally, you can count on the uncooked meat shrinking by about 25%.
So, if you buy 10 pounds of tri-tip, you’ll end up with roughly 7.5 pounds of cooked meat.
When determining the amount of tri-tip you need to serve your guests, you should keep this in mind. If you’re hosting a lot of people, it may be a good idea to buy extra meat to account for the shrinkage. That way, you’ll have enough to go around and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
The amount of fat can affect the weight of the meat after cooking, as well as the amount of meat that each person can consume.
5. Amount of Fat on The Tri-tip
Tri-tip with higher fat levels will shrink more while cooking, so you’ll need to buy more to get the desired number of servings. Leaner tri-tip may hold up better and require less.
The fat content also affects the taste and texture, so it’s important to pick the best option for your guests and dish.
Some may like the extra flavor and tenderness that comes with higher fat content, while others might opt for leaner tri-tip for health or preference.
Chat with your butcher or check a recipe to find the ideal fat content for your dish.
Tips for Preparing Tri-Tip
Preparing tri-tip is an art that requires careful selection, preparation, and grilling techniques. Here are tips and tricks for tri-tip that your guests will love.
1. Choosing The Right Cut of Tri-Tip
When prepping your tri-tip, choose the best cut of meat possible. Opt for one that is well marbled with fat, as it will keep the meat juicy and tender as it cooks.
It should also be of uniform thickness and shape so the cooking is even. Moreover, beware of tri-tip with too much visible gristle, or that is overly lean, as this could lead to a tough, dry final result.
2. Preparing The Tri-Tip Before Grilling
Before grilling, be generous with the salt and pepper on the tri-tip, or use a pre-made rub to give it an extra boost of flavor.
For even more deliciousness, marinate the meat for a few hours or overnight. Just a simple blend of olive oil, garlic, and herbs can really bring out the natural flavors of the tri-tip.
But be careful not to overdo it—too much acidity can lead to a tough texture.
3. Grilling Tips for A Perfect Tri-Tip
Grilling tri-tip requires some attention to detail, but the end result is worth it.
- Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F).
- Place the tri-tip on the grill and sear it for 2-3 minutes on each side to develop a nice crust.
- Then, reduce the heat to medium (around 350°F) and continue with indirect cooking until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 130-135°F for medium-rare.
- This should take around 20-25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the tri-tip.
- Once the tri-tip is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
4. How to Cut Tri-Tip
To cut tri-tip, start by identifying the grain of the meat (the lines of muscle fibers). Cut against the grain into slices that are about 1/4 inch thick. By following this guide, you can guarantee that the meat will be tender and effortless to bite.
If you’re serving a larger group, consider cutting the tri-tip into thinner slices to stretch it further.
5. What are Good Side Dishes for the Tri-tip?
Tri-tip pairs well with a variety of side dishes. For a classic barbecue vibe, consider serving it with coleslaw, baked beans, and corn on the cob.
If you’re looking for something a little lighter, try serving it with a green salad or grilled vegetables.
Roasted potatoes or garlic bread are also great options for a heartier meal. And don’t forget about the condiments.
Barbecue sauce, chimichurri, and salsa are all great accompaniments to tri-tip.
Conclusion
Planning a BBQ party doesn’t have to be a daunting task. When you need to figure out how much tri-tip to serve, there are a few things to consider.
The size of your guest list, the guests’ ages and genders, the amount of shrinkage that happens during cooking, and the fat content of your tri-tip should be taken into account.
With the calculation method outlined here and the table of examples, it’s easy to determine the right amount of tri-tip per person.
When hosting a BBQ, the food is just one part of the equation. Don’t forget to create an atmosphere that is inviting, fun, and memorable. To make sure everyone is well-fed, try to calculate the tri-tip relatively.
That way, you won’t have too much or too little. With a little bit of preparation, you can create a party that is sure to please.
If you’re curious about portion sizes for various meats, check out these insightful articles on chicken wings, pulled pork, pork tenderloin, and flank steak to ensure your guests’ satisfaction.
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.