How Many Shrimp are in 6 Ounces? Your Complete Size & Count Guide

Ever stood in the seafood aisle wondering exactly how many shrimp you need for dinner? I’ve been there! After years of cooking and experimenting with different shrimp sizes I’m here to break down everything you need to know about shrimp counts in 6 ounces.

Quick Answer

The number of shrimp in 6 ounces varies based on size ranging from 6-36 shrimp. For example

• Colossal (U/12): 6 shrimp
• Jumbo (21/25): 12-13 shrimp
• Large (31/35): 16-18 shrimp
• Medium (41/50): 20-24 shrimp
• Small (51/60): 24-30 shrimp
• Tiny (71/90+): 36+ shrimp

Understanding Shrimp Size Labels

When you’re shopping for shrimp, you’ll notice numbers like “21/25” or “U/12” on the packages. Let me explain what these actually mean:

• The numbers show how many shrimp make up one pound
• A slash between numbers (like 21/25) means you get between 21-25 shrimp per pound
• “U” means “under” – so U/12 means fewer than 12 shrimp per pound

Common Size Names & Counts Per 6 Ounces

Here’s a handy table I’ve put together showing approximately how many shrimp you’ll get in 6 ounces:

Important Factors That Affect Shrimp Count

Raw vs. Cooked

Here’s something lots of people don’t realize – shrimp shrink when cooked! A 6-ounce portion of raw shrimp will weigh less after cooking because:

• Shrimp lose about 25% of their weight during cooking
• 6 ounces raw = approximately 4.5 ounces cooked
• You’ll wanna buy more raw shrimp to get your desired cooked portion

Shell-On vs. Peeled

The shell makes a difference too:

• Shell-on shrimp weigh more than peeled
• Head-on shrimp are heaviest
• For accurate portion sizing, consider whether recipe calls for peeled or shell-on

Tips for Buying the Right Amount

1. For Main Dishes:

   • Plan for 4-6 ounces raw shrimp per person
   • Add extra if your crowd loves seafood
   • Better to have slightly too much than not enough!

2. For Appetizers:

   • 2-3 ounces per person usually works
   • Count on 3-4 jumbo shrimp per person
   • For cocktail shrimp, plan 5-6 large shrimp per guest

3. For Recipes:

   • When recipe calls for “6 ounces shrimp”, ask yourself:
   • Raw or cooked?
   • Shell on or peeled?
   • What size shrimp works best?

Best Uses for Different Sizes

I’ve learned through trial and error that certain sizes work better for specific dishes:

Large & Jumbo (21/35 per pound):

• Grilling (won’t fall through grates)
• Shrimp cocktail
• Stuffed shrimp
• Show-stopping main dishes

Medium (36/50 per pound):

• Stir-fries
• Pasta dishes
• Shrimp scampi
• General purpose cooking

Small & Extra Small (51/70+ per pound):

• Salads
• Soups
• Seafood stuffing
• Dips and spreads

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not checking if count is for raw or cooked shrimp

   • Always read labels carefully
   • Ask your fishmonger if unsure

2. Forgetting about shell weight

   • Shell-on prices look better but you get less meat
   • Factor in peeling time if buying shell-on

3. Assuming all “large” shrimp are the same size

   • Always go by the number count
   • Size names vary between brands

My Final Tips

After years of cooking with shrimp, here’s what I’ve learned:

• Buy a little extra if you’re unsure
• When in doubt, go with medium to large sizes (31/40 count)
• Keep some frozen shrimp on hand for last-minute meals
• Quality matters more than size – fresh (or properly frozen) is key

Remember, these are guidelines, not strict rules. You’ll get better at eyeballing amounts with practice. Now go forth and cook some awesome shrimp dishes!

Would you like to know more about cooking methods for different shrimp sizes or have specific recipe questions? Drop me a comment below!

The number of shrimp in one ounce varies based on the size of the shrimp. Larger shrimp will have fewer pieces per ounce, while smaller shrimp will have more.