How much Rice Per Person For A Party or Big Group
Did you know rice comes from a grass seed [Wikipedia] and has the official species name – Oryza Sativa – Asian Rice.
Further, rice is one of the most important foods in the world, and it provides 20 percent of the worldwide calorie intake!
Rice, on one hand, is a simple dish, be it for risotto, paella, or even sushi.
But making the perfect rice for a big group can be a daunting task.
Even if you can easily make rice for your family, once you need to make rice for 20 people or more, you might find it hard to work out how many pounds to cook.
Or what quantity of rice to serve per person for a big family gathering or dinner party. It is not easy to calculate or determine the right quantities of rice or food to serve each person.
We do have a handy table below where the exact amounts of rice to cook and serve for 10 to 100 people are listed.
But if you just want a simple recipe or an easy side dish of 2 cups of rice, we have that answer also – how much water for 2 cups of rice?
Now before we dive into some of the numbers, it is always better to make a bit of extra rice because people do have a habit of scooping more rice onto their plates than necessary. However, any that is not used can be chilled down in the fridge and used to make a fried rice dish the next day,
- Perfect Cooked Rice in an Instant Pot – Step By Step Guide
- Turmeric Rice – Yellow Rice– a stunning rice dish to serve with turkey or any main.
Now back to just how much rice per person you need for a big group at a tailgate event or a party. Plus, how much rice per person for gumbo?
It is also interesting that Korea, one of the biggest rice-eating countries, has noted that there has been a steady decline in rice consumption in the last 30 years; if fact, they say it has been cut in half!
I have noticed the younger generation is eating twice as many french fries per person than rice.
How Much Rice To Serve Per Person
Rice is a staple food in Asian countries, and it’s easy to see why. It’s cheap, filling, and versatile.
The University in Hawaii says American folks eat up to 25 pounds of rice each year, compared to around 290 pounds for Asians.
But while rice might seem like a no-brainer choice for a meal, it can sometimes be tricky to figure out just how much rice to serve guests.
- How Much Rice should you have at dinner parties?
- How Many Servings of Rice Do I Have to Prepare?
At a typical dinner party, each person gets a serving of rice which is different for each person, so we need to work on averages when calculating how much rice to serve. While this seems like it’s not accurate, without using some complex catering equations which take into account the main dish, demographics, and ages of guests, we have done that work for you and present numbers that will work for your next big event.
What is important also rice takes a long time to cook, so you should always prepare an extra 20 percent.
How Much Rice is a Single Serving?
For one person, a single serving of rice is 1 cup (fill to 3mm below the top edge), so for a family dinner, serve 1 cup for each guest.
If, however, you are having a starter or side dish serve 1/2 cup of rice per person.
What Is The Average Serving Size Of Rice?
The average serving for an adult is 1 cup of cooked rice.
Handy Table For How Much Rice Per Person from 10,20,50 and 100 People.
We will show two rice calculations, the first for the Main course and the second for a starter (e.g, served with spring rolls at a wedding) or side dish.
Table of How Much Rice to Serve for A Main Meal for 10 to 100 People
- For 10 people serve 10 cups, 80 oz, 5.5 lb or 2.5kg of rice
- Purchase 2.5 lbs of raw rice
- For 20 people serve 20 cups, 160 oz, 11 lb or 5kg of rice
- Purchase 5 lbs of uncooked rice
- For 50 people serve 50 cups, 28 lb or 13 kg of rice
- Purchase 13 lbs of uncooked rice
- For 100 people serve 56 lb or 25 kg of rice
- Purchase 30 lbs of uncooked rice
Table of How Much Rice to Serve for A Side or Starter for 10 to 100 People
- For Sides of Rice for 10 people serve 5 cups
- Purchase 1.5 lbs of raw rice
- For Sides of Rice for 20 people serve 10 cups
- Purchase 3 lbs of raw rice
- For Sides of Rice for 50 people serve 25 cups
- Purchase 7.5 lbs of raw rice
- For Sides of Rice for 100 people serve 50 cups
- Purchase 15 lbs of uncooked rice
How Much Rice to Serve Per Person With Curry
When serving curry, a good portion of rice is 0.75 of a cup or 5 oz of basmati rice (140g) per person.
If you have a big group coming over, then you also make the rice in advance.
How to Calculate the Perfect Amount of Basmati Rice for Curry
Use the table below, but also consider if you have bread as well. If this is the case, reduce the amount of rice by 20%.
Table Of Exact Rice Quantities to Serve With Curry
When I eat curry, I love to soak up the curry sauce with rice or some form of bread, roti, or naan bread, but I also like to tip the curry gravy over the rice; I like to think of it as seasoning my rice with curry gravy – for that reason I recommend serving a little more rice per person with curry.
- For Curry for four people, serve 3 cups (20 oz) of cooked rice
- For Red or Green Thai Curry for ten people, serve 7.5 cups (50 oz) of cooked rice
- For Chicken Katsu Curry for 12 people, serve 9 cups (3.75 lbs) of cooked basmati rice
- For Curry for 15 people, serve 11.25 cups (4.6 lbs) of cooked rice
- For Curry for 20 people, serve 15 cups (6.25 lbs) of cooked rice
- For Curry for 25 people, serve 18.75 cups (7.8 lbs) of cooked rice
- For Curry for 50 people, serve 37 cups (15 lbs) of cooked rice
- For Curry for 80 people, serve 60 cups (25 lbs) of cooked rice
- For Curry for 100 people, serve 75 cups (30 lbs) of cooked rice
Is Basmati Rice the Same as White Rice when Serving with Curry
Ultimately, once you mixed in the curry and start eating, only the real gourmets will. notice the difference. Clearly, if you have a choice serve basmati rice over plain white rice.
Basmati is considered one of the world’s finest kinds of rice, known for its unique aroma and flavor which pairs well with the curry flavor.
Other Factors to Consider Before You Make Rice for A Crowd
Rice is filling, nutritious, and versatile. But while rice is perfect for making a meal, it’s not always ideal for all types of dishes.
For example, rice tends to absorb odors and flavors very well, so it’s important to serve it hot and avoid letting it sit out for long periods of time.
Also, rice grains (especially short rice grains) tend to clump together, which can lead to a less appealing presentation.
What Type Of Rice Are You Serving
Do you know that there are at least 40,000 varieties of rice available in the world? With almost every country having its own type and way of cooking it. But today, let us discuss the most common types of rice that you can purchase everywhere.
There are two main different types of rice simplistically speaking: white and brown. White rice is perfect for serving alongside other mains that have good flavor and texture, while brown rice is used to bring some additional texture and rice flavor to a dish.
White rice is generally served in bowls, while brown rice is can be served on individual plates.
When serving white rice, consider serving it in smaller amounts and mixing it with sauces, vegetables, and meats.
Brown rice is usually served plain, but you can add spices and herbs to enhance flavor.
To avoid overserving, try measuring the amount of rice you plan to serve beforehand. Then, just adjust the servings based on how hungry your guests are.
Grain Size
Rice grain size matters because it affects cooking time. Smaller grains cook faster than larger ones, so you’ll need less rice to feed a person.
Long Grain
Long grain or polished long rice is approximately three times in length to its width.
When long grain rice is cooked properly, it becomes fluff and soft and should not be sticky.
What Dishes Is Long Grain Rish Used For
Long-grain rice is often called plain white rice because it’s not colored. However, there are many different types of long-grain rice, including brown rice, basmati rice, jasmine rice, wild rice, etc.
Long-grain rice is commonly used in Asian dishes, especially Chinese food. It can also be served with dishes like casseroles as it absorbs the flavors well.
Long-grain rice is usually served at room temperature, although some restaurants serve cold rice.
Medium Grain
Medium grain is a polished rice is not so long, usually only 2 times longer than its width.
When cooked, medium grain rice gives a soft texture that is more moist than long grain rice.
Short Grain
Short grain Rice is exactly that – it looks stubby. It is commonly used in sushi as it sticks together.
Cooking time varies depending on the type of rice used. Basmati takes less time to cook than long grain rice. White rice needs to be boiled less than brown rice.
White Rice
White rice is the most diverse type that is available in most markets today. Known as Endosperm, this is the type of rice that is very high in carbohydrates with 130 calories per 100 grams. In Southeast Asia, this is the most common type of rice that you can find, usually served steamed and paired with vegetables and meat.
Proper serving size of white rice gives the body numerous benefits, such as energy and prevents constipation.
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a great substitute for white rice if you opt to have a healthier food intake. Naturally, rice is brown in color through its shedding in the outer husk and keeps its germ layers. Brown rice or whole grain rice has higher levels of vitamins and minerals than short grain rice that is white. It contains more fiber, magnesium, B vitamins, and iron.
Brown rice can help control blood sugar and the risk of cancer. If consumed in a moderate amount, it will help in maintaining the weight since it has high amount of fiber and antioxidants.
Basmati Rice
Considered to be one of the best-quality white rice, this fragrant long-grained rice is grown in the Himalayan foothills. The grains are light and fluffy, reminiscent of the Pandan leaf, and it has a distinctive aroma. Basmati rice is common in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Central Asian cuisine. It is a native grain in India usually cooked with the famous Biryani or Pilaf. It is also cooked along with curries and stews.
Jasmine Rice
Jasmine rice is another long-grain white rice that is known as Thai fragrant rice. It has a long kernel and sticky texture when steamed. It does not have a Jasmine aroma, but it has a subtle floral smell, especially when cooked properly.
Sushi Rice or Japanese Rice
Sushi rice is the short-grain version of Jasmin rice. As its name says, it is mostly used in making Sushi combined with sugar, vinegar, and salt. It is one of the tastiest types of rice since it is very sticky and moist, but it does not have the same benefits as glutinous rice. This comes in three varieties such as Akitakomachi, Koshihikari, and Hitomebore.
How Much Sushi Rice per Person?
Sushi rice, without oil or mayonnaise, is low in fat content and calorific value. When wrapped in seaweed. it aids portion control and can help you avoid overeating.
Purchasing The Best Rice
Buy high-quality rice grains from a reputable supplier. Before storing rice at home, inspect it for any signs of insect infestation or discoloration.
You want to get rice that is not too old.
Rice Packaging
Always keep rice tightly sealed or in an air-tight container.
I like to use Food safe plastic like (PETE) containers. But equally, glass jars are good. For longer-term storage of rice, try #10 cans (holds 5.6 lb of rice) that have the inside lined or covered with food-grade enamel lining.
For even longer storage, include a food-safe oxygen absorber. These are available from good food storage supply outlets and preserve rice quality as well as protection from insects and infestation.
How Much Rice per Person for Hibachi
When cooking Hibachi Rice, you will need 1 cup of rice per person this is then mixed with all the other ingredients. Thus only 1 cup ends up making a full meal or a single serving.
For a small group of 10 people, you will need 10 cups of cooked rice.
Note: For Hibachi Rice – the rice needs to be cooled so that it does not stick together when cooking.
How Many Tablespoons of Rice per Person?
All Cooked rice like brown rice, white rice, jasmine rice, and basmati rice has a similar volume, so how many tablespoons do I serve per person?
The answer to how many tablespoons of rice per person is 8 tablespoons.
How Many Cups in A Pound of Rice
For white rice, there is 7.25 cups of rice per pound
– For 1 pound of long grain rice there are 7 cups of rice
– For 1 pound of basmati rice, there is 6 cups of rice in a pound
– For 1 pound of jasmine rice there is 6.25 cups
Rice-Water Ratio
The rice-water ratio is crucial in cooking rice since it determines how moist, soft, and sticky your rice can become. It should be measured reasonably carefully since more of it can make the rice like porridge, and less of it can make crispy rice.
How Much Water for Half a Cup of Rice?
A 1/2 cup of rice will need at least 1 cup of water. Most rice will need to have double the amount of water for the rice to be cooked well.
1/4 Cup Dry Rice Is How Much Cooked
1/4 cup dry rice is 1/2 cup when cooked.
How Much Water Do I Add to 1 Cup of Rice in A Rice Cooker?
If you cook in a rice cooker, please read the manufacturer’s manual first. Usually, the rice cooker will only need a 1:1 ratio between water and rice.
What Is the Best Water to Rice Ratio?
Two cups of water to one cup of white rice is the basic water-to-white rice ratio when cooking in a pot. Make sure you use a pot that is large enough to hold the rice as it cooks and expands to make sure you can double or triple the recipe.
How Much Rice is in a Serving For a Party
A party usually consists of more than 50 people. As such, cooking rice in a huge amount takes exact calculations for the best results.
How Many Cups of Rice Do I Need for 80 People?
80 cups would be enough for 80 guests with an average appetite. Depending on what else you are serving, you might get some leftover rice.
Since rice is relatively cheap, I wouldn’t reduce this amount any further it is always a good idea to have some extra.
But for those who have bigger appetites, for an instance, 80 football players would need double the number of cups per person. Hence, you will need 160 cups of rice per person. For children, half a cup of rice would suffice, so for 20 youngsters, you may only need 10 cups of rice.
How Many People Will 12 Cups of Rice Serve?
For average guests, 12 cups of rice would serve at least 10 to 14 people.
How Many People Will 1.5 Cups of Rice Feed?
A 1.5 uncooked rice would serve at least 3 people.
How Much Rice Do I Need for 45 People?
It will be safe to cook 5 kilograms (12 lbs) of uncooked rice for 45 people. Or if you are serving more than one dish, you will need to have 90 grams of uncooked rice to serve at least half a cup per person. That is around 8 pounds of uncooked rice.
How Much Rice Do I Need for 4 Adults?
If you want to make sure you have enough rice for the entire meal, prepare 1 1/2 cups of uncooked rice for 3 or 4 people and 2 cups of uncooked rice for 6 or more people.
How Much Rice Do I Need for 8 Adults?
A cup of uncooked rice weighs around 170 to 180 grams. Means, that you need to prepare around 3 1/2 cups of uncooked rice for 8 adult guests.
How Many Servings Do 2 Cups of Rice Make?
Two cups of uncooked rice will make a maximum of four servings in a meal.
What Is the Best Way to Cook Rice for A Big Group?
The best way to cook rice is by using a rice cooker. Some may use different cookware but Asians, who consume rice as their staple food, know that rice cookers are the best way to use for cooking it.
You may need more than one rice cooker it a large commercial one with your group is large.
The science behind cooking rice is explained by the fact that rice starches need both heat and water to form. The starches in the rice can be broken down by the right amount of heat, as well as water absorption.
The rule for white rice is to use the same amount of rice in order to get the amount of water you need in rice cooker which is different than boiling– so one cup of rice and one cup of water.
But your rice maker may have different instructions, so read them carefully first.
For example, some would require 3-cups of dry rice to have 2 cups of water only; while some require a ratio of 1:1.
Also, it is important to consider what kind of rice you are using because some absorb water very well and some do not. So also take this into account and the manufacturer’s instructions written on your cookware. You can also use your slow cooker to make cooked white rice – and again, follow the instructions.
More recently, the Instant Pot (electric pressure cooker) has also become a popular way to cook long grain rice or jasmine rice. See our recipe on how to cook rice in an instant pot and our video here.
If you are stuck for time – or maybe you need rice for one – you can always use instant rice cups, which still produce loverly fluffy rice – but they are much more expensive.
What Is the Ratio of Water to Rice For Stovetop Cooking?
We normally weigh 2:1 water to rice, so 100g of water to 50g. The type of rice you are using and the equipment you are using will affect the amount of water you need.
How Long Do You Boil Rice?
On the stovetop method – Bring it to a boil for 15 to 20 minutes or until the water is completely absorbed, and the rice is tender. You know you have cooked a good one if there isn’t any excess water found. After that, turn off the heat, remove the lid, fluff with a fork, and put the lid back on.
Do not eat immediately and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the moisture to completely get into the rice.
How to Cook Rice in a Rice Cooker
Using the rice cooker is the most popular way of cooking rice.
Start by washing the rice. To get rid of extra starch build-up from broken grains, drain the water from the rice 1 to 2 times with cold water and lightly rinse. It is good to be able to pick up your rice with chopsticks if you keep some of the starch.
Using your hand, you can wash the rice in the cooker pot. Pour out the cloudy water from the pot and repeat a few times – keep a little cloudy as you want some starch to remain.
It is important to note that some white rice produced in the US is enriched with iron and other vitamins, and washing it could potentially remove them.
This works for almost all types of grain size (short, medium, or long) you can follow a 1:1 ratio of 1 cup water to 1 cup rice. To add more rice, you can add 2 cups of rice to 2 cups of water. This method should produce fluffy, sticky grains of rice.
Every time this ratio is used, I get fluffy rice. It is possible that you will need to adjust them to your tastes and specific brands of rice.
See our web story on How Much Rice Per Person.