How much do I need for fajitas?

How the estimate works

We start from about 6–7 oz of raw protein per adult (a little less for shrimp, a little more for vegetables, which cook down), scale kids to roughly half, and adjust for appetite and whether you want leftovers. Substantial sides like rice and beans reduce the protein slightly. Peppers and onions are sized so every plate gets a generous tangle, and tortillas assume 2–3 per adult.

Why pan batches matter

A 12-inch skillet only sears about 1¼ lb of protein at a time. Add more and the pan temperature crashes, the meat releases water, and you steam instead of char. For big groups, cook in batches or move to a 15-inch pan or a flat-top griddle.