Hey there fellow seafood lovers! I’ve been cooking shrimp for years and one question keeps popping up in my DMs “How many large shrimp should I serve per person?” Today, I’m gonna break it down for you in the simplest way possible, so you’ll never have to guess again!
Quick Answer
For large shrimp (31-35 count per pound):
- Appetizer: 4-6 shrimp per person
- Main course: 10-12 shrimp per person
Detailed Breakdown by Serving Type
As an Appetizer (4-6 Large Shrimp)
When serving large shrimp as an appetizer you wanna aim for 4-6 pieces per person. This is perfect because
- It’s enough to satisfy initial hunger
- Leaves room for the main course
- Works great for cocktail parties
- Perfect for shrimp cocktails or light starters
️ As a Main Course (10-12 Large Shrimp)
For main dishes you’ll need to bump up those numbers to 10-12 large shrimp per person. This works well because
- Provides a filling portion
- Accounts for shell weight (if unpeeled)
- Satisfies bigger appetites
- Perfect for shrimp scampi or grilled shrimp dishes
Shrimp Size Guide
Here’s a handy table I’ve put together showing different shrimp sizes:
| Size Category | Count Per Pound |
|---|---|
| Extra Colossal | U/10 |
| Super Colossal | U/12 |
| Colossal | U/15 |
| Extra Jumbo | 16/20 |
| Jumbo | 21/25 |
| Extra Large | 26/30 |
| Large | 31/35 |
| Medium Large | 36/40 |
| Medium | 41/50 |
| Small | 51/60 |
Pro Tips for Buying and Serving
1. Calculate Total Amount Needed
For a party of 8 people, you’d need:
- Appetizer: 32-48 large shrimp (about 1-1.5 pounds)
- Main course: 80-96 large shrimp (about 2.5-3 pounds)
2. Consider Your Crowd
I always add extra shrimp when I’m serving:
- Big eaters
- Seafood lovers
- All-adult parties
- When it’s the only protein being served
3. Account for Preparation Method
Different cooking methods might affect serving size:
- Breaded or fried shrimp feel more filling
- Shell-on shrimp require larger portions
- Cold shrimp cocktail might need smaller portions
- Hot dishes usually need larger portions
Common Serving Scenarios
Party Appetizers
When I’m hosting a party, I usually plan:
- 4-5 large shrimp per person for mixed appetizers
- 6-8 large shrimp per person if it’s the only appetizer
- Extra 20% for safety margin
Main Course Combinations
For dinner parties, these combos work great:
- Shrimp scampi: 10-12 large shrimp + pasta
- Grilled shrimp: 10-12 large shrimp + sides
- Shrimp stir-fry: 10-12 large shrimp + vegetables and rice
Storage and Leftovers
Listen up! Don’t throw away extra shrimp! Here’s what I do:
- Cooked shrimp last 3-4 days in the fridge
- Can be used in salads
- Perfect for quick pasta dishes
- Great for lunch next day
Final Thoughts
Ya know what? At the end of the day, it’s better to have too many shrimp than too few. I always say, “When in doubt, add a few extra!” Trust me, leftovers are never a problem with shrimp – they’re just too yummy!
Remember these portions are just guidelines. You know your crowd best! If you’re serving shrimp lovers, maybe throw in a few extra pieces. And hey, if you’ve got any questions, drop ’em in the comments below – I’d love to help ya out!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this guide in more detail?
Budget Considerations for Large Groups
Thoughtful hosts know quality seafood neednt command premium prices. Watch for sales on frozen shrimp—those family-sized bags yield a surprising bounty. While fresh varieties command higher prices, frozen varieties deliver excellent value.
Maximize your seafood investment:
- Craft creative medleys mixing shrimp with complementary seafood choices
- Stretch portions with classic additions – sweet corn, potatoes, spicy sausage
- Choose individually frozen shrimp to control portions and prevent waste
- Master crowd-pleasing classics like paella or jambalaya
Heres an insider secret: Most “fresh” market shrimp arrives flash-frozen, making quality frozen varieties equally fresh and far more economical.
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 Pounds of Shrimp Do You Need Per Person for a Shrimp Boil?
FAQ
How many large shrimp are in one serving?
A serving of large shrimp typically consists of 8-9 shrimp for a 3-ounce portion.
Is 1 lb of shrimp enough for 4 people?
Yes, one pound of shrimp is generally enough for four people, especially if it’s being served as part of a larger meal with other dishes.
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).
How much shrimp do I need for 8 people?
For 8 people, you’ll need about 4 to 8 pounds of raw, shell-on shrimp, depending on whether it’s an appetizer or a main course and the size of the shrimp. If it’s a main course, 1/2 pound (8 ounces) per person is a good guideline.