1.Appetite and Serving Size:
- Estimate an approximate serving size of fish per person. Generally, you can plan for 6 ounces (170 grams) of cooked fish per person.
2. Cooking Method:
- Determine how you plan to cook the fish. Different cooking methods may result in varying portion sizes. For example, frying fish tends to shrink its size compared to baking or grilling.
3. Fish Type:
- Consider the type of fish you will serve. Some fish species may yield more edible flesh than others. For instance, fish fillets with fewer bones, like salmon or tilapia, provide more usable portions.
4.Accompanying Dishes:
- Assess the other food items that will be served alongside the fish. If there are substantial side dishes, you might adjust the fish portion size accordingly.
5. Leftover Considerations:
- Decide whether you want to have leftovers or not. If you prefer some leftovers for potential seconds or future meals, you might increase the quantity slightly.
Calculations:
- Multiply the serving size per person by the total number of people.
For 400 people, it would be:
6 ounces per person x 400 people = 2400 ounces of cooked fish.
Converting Ounces to Pounds:
- There are 16 ounces in a pound.
2400 ounces / 16 ounces per pound = 150 pounds of cooked fish.
Conclusion:
Based on these assumptions and calculations, you will need approximately 150 pounds of cooked fish to feed 400 people. However, it's important to adjust this amount based on the specific circumstances, preferences, and other food options available in your menu.