What to buy for a fish barbecue

A fish barbecue needs more than fish and charcoal. Plan the main ingredients around your confirmed guest count, then add chilled drinks, salads, sauces, serving dishes and enough plates and cutlery for the buffet. Fresh fish and produce should be collected close to the event and kept refrigerated until cooking. This checklist also covers the items people often arrange too late: coolers, thermometers, extension leads, shelter and fire safety equipment.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 45
Buffet tablesqty 2

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 50
Bowlsqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Drinking glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 40
Napkin dispensersqty 4

Equipment

Barbecuesqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Kitchen thermometersqty 2
Power stripsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 2

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8
Grill tongsqty 6
Aluminum foilqty 3
Reusable storage containersqty 10

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Menusqty 6
Name badgesqty 45
Buntingqty 4

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broom setsqty 2
Mopsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Salmon fillet - 5 kilograms
- Sea bream - 10 pieces
- Shrimp skewers - 40 pieces
- Tofu - 1,5 kilogram
- Lemons - 20 pieces
- Limes - 12 pieces
- Garlic - 6 bulbs
- Fresh dill - 6 bunches
- Fresh parsley - 4 bunches
- Fresh coriander - 3 bunches
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Sesame oil - 1 bottle
- Soy sauce - 2 bottles
- Honey - 1 jar
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Mayonnaise - 3 jars
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 3 bottles
- Chili sauce - 2 bottles
- Sea salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Cumin - 1 jar
- Potatoes - 6 kilograms
- Rice - 3 kilograms
- Mixed salad - 3 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Bell peppers - 20 pieces
- Zucchini - 8 pieces
- Red onions - 10 pieces
- Corn cobs - 40 pieces
- Mushrooms - 2 kilogram
- Feta - 1,5 kilogram
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Herb butter - 1 kilogram
- Vegan sandwich spread - 4 tubs
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Lemonade - 6 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 72 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Ice cubes - 15 kilograms
- Charcoal - 3 bags
- Firelighters - 2 boxes
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Aluminium trays - 50 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Hand soap - 2 bottles

Tips

Order the fish only after you have the final guest number and dietary requirements. As a starting point, allow about 200–250 g of boneless fish per adult, or 250–300 g when buying bone-in portions.
Buy non-perishable items several days ahead, but collect fish and fresh produce on the day or no more than 24 hours before serving. Keep the fish below 5°C in coolers until it goes on the barbecue.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then roughly one drink per person for each additional hour. Chill drinks in more than one cooler so food and beverages can be kept separate.
Count one dinner plate, one cutlery set and one drinking glass per guest, plus at least 10% extra. Put serving platters, bowls, serving spoons and grill tongs on the shopping list rather than relying on kitchen supplies.
Check power and safety supplies before setup day. Confirm that extension cords and power strips reach the coffee machine or kettle, and place a fire extinguisher beside each barbecue before lighting it.

Frequently asked questions

How much fish do I need per person for a fish barbecue?: Allow 200–250 g of boneless fish per adult, or 250–300 g for bone-in portions. Add around 10% extra if the barbecue is the main meal or guests are likely to take second servings.
How far in advance should I order fish for a barbecue?: Confirm the guest count and dietary requirements first, then place the order as soon as the final number is known. Collect fresh fish on the day, or at most 24 hours beforehand, and keep it refrigerated below 5°C.
How many drinks should I buy for a fish barbecue?: Plan for two to three drinks per person during the first hour, followed by about one drink per person per hour. Buy extra drinking water and keep all drinks chilled before guests arrive.
How many plates and glasses do I need for a barbecue?: Buy one dinner plate, one cutlery set and one drinking glass per guest, then add at least 10% spare. For 30 guests, that means at least 33 of each, before allowing for replacements or second rounds.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.