Hey there, fellow seafood lovers! I’ve been cooking shrimp for family gatherings and events for years, and lemme tell you – figuring out how many shrimp to serve can be tricky! Today I’m gonna break down exactly how many large shrimp make up a proper serving size, whether you’re planning an appetizer or main course.
Quick Answer
For large to jumbo shrimp (21-35 count per pound), plan on:
- Appetizer portion: 2-3 shrimp per person
- Main dish portion: 5-7 shrimp per person (about 4 ounces)
Understanding Shrimp Sizes
Before we dive deeper, ya gotta understand how shrimp are sized. In the U.S. shrimp are sold by “count per pound.” Here’s a handy size chart I’ve put together
| Size Label | Count Per Pound |
|---|---|
| Extra Colossal | Under 10 |
| Super Colossal | Under 12 |
| Colossal | Under 15 |
| Extra Jumbo | 16-20 |
| Jumbo | 21-25 |
| Extra Large | 26-30 |
| Large | 31-35 |
Detailed Serving Guidelines
For Appetizers
When I’m planning appetizers, I follow these guidelines:
- If shrimp is the only appetizer: 3-4 per person
- If serving multiple appetizers: 2-3 per person
- For cocktail parties: 2 per person
For Main Courses
Here’s what we recommend for entree portions
- Adults: 4 ounces (about 5-7 large shrimp)
- Small children: 2 ounces (about 3-4 large shrimp)
- For shell-on shrimp: Add 2-3 extra pieces per person
Nutritional Considerations
Just so ya know a 4-ounce serving of plain boiled shrimp contains
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 1g
- Carbs: <1g
Tips for Buying & Serving
-
Calculate Extra: I always buy about 10% more than needed – better safe than sorry!
-
Consider Preparation Method:
- Breaded/fried shrimp might need larger portions
- Shell-on preparations need more weight per serving
- Cold shrimp cocktail portions can be smaller
-
Event Type Matters:
- Formal dinner: Stick to exact portions
- Casual buffet: Add extra for second helpings
- Holiday parties: People tend to eat more
Common Serving Scenarios
Dinner Party for 8 Adults
- As main course: 40-56 large shrimp total (5-7 per person)
- As appetizer: 16-24 large shrimp total (2-3 per person)
Cocktail Party for 20 People
- With other appetizers: 40-60 large shrimp
- As main appetizer: 60-80 large shrimp
Storage & Prep Tips
When you’re buying shrimp for a party, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Buy fresh shrimp no more than 1-2 days before serving
- Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below
- If buying frozen, thaw overnight in fridge
- Don’t refreeze thawed shrimp
Special Considerations
Dietary Restrictions
- Some folks might be allergic – always have alternatives
- For health-conscious guests, grilled or boiled is better than fried
- Consider having both shell-on and peeled options
Budget Tips
- Larger shrimp cost more per pound but require fewer pieces per serving
- Medium shrimp can work fine for casual events
- Frozen shrimp are usually cheaper than fresh
Remember, these are guidelines, not strict rules! I’ve found that it’s better to have a few extra shrimp than not enough. The most important thing is knowing your crowd and the type of event you’re hosting.
Quick Reference Card
- Appetizer: 2-3 large shrimp per person
- Main Course: 5-7 large shrimp per person
- Shell-on: Add 2-3 extra per person
- Party Planning: Add 10% extra for safety
Happy cooking, y’all! And don’t forget – when in doubt, throw in a few extra shrimp. Nobody ever complained about having too much shrimp at a party!
Would you like me to explain any part of this guide in more detail? Drop your questions in the comments below!
How Does Shrimp Size Affect Serving Portions?
Size selection dramatically shapes your serving strategy. Professional kitchens consider three ounces standard, yet this translates differently across sizes:
- Colossal shrimp: 2-3 magnificent pieces per serving
- Jumbo shrimp: 5-6 impressive specimens per serving
- Large shrimp: 8-9 satisfying pieces per serving
- Medium shrimp: 10-12 perfect bites per serving
- Small shrimp: 12-15 delicate morsels per serving
Each size shines in specific preparations. Majestic U/15 and 16/20 shrimp command attention in cocktail presentations and grilled dishes.
Medium varieties (36/50) create harmony in pasta and stir-fries, while smaller sizes (51/60+) enhance salads, soups, and dips with delicate flavor.
Thoughtful portion planning considers both presentation and purpose. Appetizer services suggest 4 pieces per guest, while main courses demand 4-8 ounces, depending on appetite and accompaniments.
What’s the recommended serving size for shrimp appetizers?
When offering multiple appetizers, serve about 2-3 medium or larger shrimp per person. If shrimp is the only appetizer, consider increasing this amount to 4-5 shrimp per person.
HOW Many SHRIMP Are IN A POUND | WHAT Is The SHRIMP COUNT?
FAQ
How many large shrimp are a serving size?
The recommended shrimp serving per an average person is three ounces. This translates to 11-12 “medium” shrimp, 8-9 “large” shrimp, or just 3 “colossal” shrimp.
How much shrimp for 2 adults?
How many pieces of large shrimp is 3 ounces?
For large shrimp, a 3-ounce serving typically contains about 8 to 9 pieces.
What’s bigger, 13/15 or 16/20 shrimp?
The lower the number, the larger the shrimp. For instance, our Colossal Shrimp are U-8/12, meaning you’ll get 8 to 12 big, fresh shrimp per pound. Colossal is the largest size available! Our wild-caught shrimp are slightly smaller and fall into the Jumbo range, with 16 to 20 shrimp per pound (U-16/20).