How much fish per person: a portions guide
How much fish to buy per person is the question we answer most at the counter. The figures below are general guidance for raw weight. Appetites vary, and a fish supper with plenty of sides needs less than a plain fillet with lemon. When in doubt, ask and we will weigh it out for you.
How much per adult for a main course
| What you are buying | Per adult, main course |
|---|---|
| White fish fillet (cod, haddock, hake and similar) | 140g to 180g |
| Salmon fillet | 120g to 150g |
| Sea bass or bream fillet | 110g to 140g, often two small fillets |
| Fish steaks (tuna, swordfish and similar) | 150g to 180g |
| Whole flat fish (plaice, lemon sole) | 350g to 450g whole |
| Whole round fish (bass, bream) | 400g to 500g whole |
| Mussels in the shell | 500g |
| Prawns in the shell | 300g to 400g |
| Scallop meat | 150g to 170g |
For a starter, halve the main-course figure. As a reference point, the NHS counts a portion of fish as about 140g.
Why does a whole fish need to weigh more than a fillet?
The head, frame and skin all carry weight. As a rough rule a whole fish yields somewhere between 40 and 50 percent of its weight as fillet, which is why a 400g whole bass feeds one where a 140g fillet does the same job. If you buy whole we fillet, pin-bone and skin free of charge, and you can keep the bones for stock.
How much fish per person for a main course?
As general guidance, 140g to 180g of fillet per adult. Go to the top of the range for lean white fish served simply, and the lower end for richer fish such as salmon or for dishes with plenty else on the plate.
How big should a whole fish be for one person?
Typically 400g to 500g for a round fish such as bass or bream, and 350g to 450g for a flat fish such as plaice or lemon sole. A 900g to 1kg fish generally does two.
How much fish should I buy for a child?
Roughly half an adult portion for younger children, so around 70g to 90g of fillet, moving toward a full portion for teenagers. Parents remain the best judges of a hungry twelve-year-old.
How many mussels per person?
About 500g in the shell for a main course and 250g for a starter. A standard 1kg net feeds two as a main.
How much fish for a starter?
Half the main-course figure, so around 70g to 90g of fillet or 150g to 200g of shell-on prawns. For oysters, three each is a taste and six each is a proper start.
Feeding a crowd? Read how to build a seafood platter or browse our seafood boxes.
