Ever stood in front of the seafood counter scratching your head about how many shrimp you actually need? Trust me I’ve been there! Let me break down everything you need to know about 3 oz shrimp portions in this super helpful guide.
Quick Answer
For a 3 oz serving of shrimp, you’ll typically get:
- Small shrimp (51-60 count): 10-12 pieces
- Medium shrimp (41-50 count): 8-10 pieces
- Large shrimp (26-40 count): 5-8 pieces
- Jumbo shrimp (16-25 count): 3-5 pieces
- Colossal shrimp (U8-12 count): 1-3 pieces
Understanding Shrimp Counts and Sizing
Okay, let’s talk about those weird numbers you see on shrimp packages! When you see something like “16/25” or “26/40”, these numbers actually tell you how many shrimp are in one pound Pretty neat, right?
Here’s a handy chart I’ve put together
| Shrimp Size | Count Per Pound | 3 oz Portion |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 51-60+ | 10-12 shrimp |
| Medium | 41-50 | 8-10 shrimp |
| Large | 26-40 | 5-8 shrimp |
| Jumbo | 16-25 | 3-5 shrimp |
| Colossal | U8-12 | 1-3 shrimp |
How Much Shrimp Per Person?
When I’m planning a dinner party, I usually follow these guidelines:
- Appetizer portion: 3-4 oz per person
- Main course portion: 6-8 oz per person
Pro tip: Always buy a bit extra! Better to have leftovers than hangry guests, ya know what I mean?
Best Uses for Different Shrimp Sizes
Colossal Shrimp (U8-12)
- Perfect for grilling
- Show-stopping shrimp cocktails
- Fancy dinner party centerpieces
- Takes about 15 mins to cook
Jumbo Shrimp (16-25)
- Great for:
- Grilling
- Shrimp scampi
- Stir-fries
- Takes about 10 mins to cook
Large Shrimp (26-40)
- Ideal for:
- Pasta dishes
- Seafood salads
- General cooking
- Takes 4-6 mins to cook
Medium Shrimp (41-50)
- Best for:
- Shrimp scampi
- Mixed dishes
- Pastas
- Takes 3-4 mins to cook
Small Shrimp (51-60+)
- Perfect for:
- Salads
- Dips
- Soups
- Takes 1-2 mins to cook
Tips for Buying and Preparing Shrimp
-
Shell On vs. Peeled
When you buy shrimp with shells on, remember they’ll be about one size smaller once peeled. For example, jumbo shell-on shrimp become large-sized once peeled. -
Weight Loss During Cooking
Your shrimp will shrink a bit during cooking – it’s totally normal! Fresh shrimp without added water will shrink less than those with preservatives. -
Nutritional Info
A 3 oz serving of shrimp contains about 84 calories. Not too shabby for all that protein!
Common Shrimp Cooking Methods
Different sizes work better with different cooking methods:
- Grilling: Use colossal or jumbo shrimp
- Sautéing: Medium to large work best
- Frying: Small to medium are perfect
- Soups/Stews: Small shrimp are ideal
- Pasta Dishes: Medium to large shrimp
FAQ
Q: How many calories are in 3 oz of shrimp?
A: About 84 calories in plain, cooked shrimp. But ya know, once you add butter and garlic, all bets are off!
Q: How much is one serving of shrimp?
A: Usually 3-4 oz for appetizers and 6-8 oz for main courses. But hey, who’s counting when it’s this good?
Q: Do shrimp sizes really matter?
A: You betcha! Different sizes cook differently and work better in certain dishes. Using the right size can make or break your recipe.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re throwing together a quick weeknight dinner or planning a fancy dinner party, knowing your shrimp sizes is super helpful. Just remember: bigger numbers mean smaller shrimp, and always buy a little extra – trust me on this one!
Now that you’re basically a shrimp expert, go forth and cook up something amazing! And if you mess up? Well, there’s always takeout.
Pro tip: Keep this guide handy next time you’re shopping – your future self will thank you!
Extra Small Shrimp
Extra small shrimp is the second smallest shrimp size. You get 61/70 shrimp per pound, while an ounce contains 15-17 shrimp. These shrimp are often used for shrimp salads. They may be labeled as “mini” or “baby shrimp” at your local grocery store.
Small shrimps contain more pieces than extra small shrimp, clocking in at 51/60 per pound. As a result, small shrimp serve your guests perfectly if you integrate it into delicacies such as shrimp pasta salad or pork dumpling soup. You can also add them as a source of protein to pasta dishes with sauce, like shrimp Alfredo.
If you like versatility in your seafood, then medium shrimps are your go-to. These tiny powerhouses come in 26/30 to 31/40 per pound, so its easy to find the perfect size for whatever dish you have in mind. With just two minutes of cook time when boiling, sautéing or pan-searing, theyre ideal for:
- Shrimp cocktails
- Lemon-y pasta dishes
- Extra-crispy coconut shrimp
- Stir fries and more
Medium shrimp with 31/40 pieces per pound is a great option for any recipe, as they offer the perfect balance between size and convenience. These versatile beauties can be served in sauce dishes, placed over vegetables or grains, and make for the perfect shrimp cocktail.
The mouthwatering lemon pepper shrimp below falls into the medium-sized category.
Large shrimp contain between 16 and 20 shrimp per pound. The shrimp make an excellent centerpiece for entrées, such as cilantro rice and broiled shrimp with black beans. You can also add it as a source of protein to pasta dishes with sauce, like shrimp Alfredo. Cooking large shrimp takes about three minutes.
Jumbo shrimp range between 10 and 12 shrimp per pound. Use jumbo shrimp for appetizers like bacon-wrapped shrimp. Jumbo works perfectly with entrees, such as grilled shrimp skewers with chimichurri. Cooking defrosted jumbo shrimp in hot, boiling water or a skillet takes approximately three minutes.
How Does Shrimp Sizing Work?
Lets begin by cutting through the jargon. The bigger the shrimp size, the lower the count per pound. For instance, the 61/70 label on the extra-small shrimp package means a pound contains 61 to 70 fresh shrimp.
What does “U” mean in shrimp packaging? The letter stands for “under” and is used on the biggest-sized shrimp. U15 indicates that one pound of shrimp contains 15 pieces or less.