How Many Shrimp in 1 Oz? Complete Guide to Shrimp Counts and Sizing

Hey there, fellow seafood lovers! I’ve been cooking with shrimp for years and one of the most common questions I get is about shrimp counts per ounce. Let me break this down for you in simple terms that’ll make your next shrimp purchase super easy!

Quick Answer

The number of shrimp in 1 oz varies based on size

• Tiny/Salad Shrimp: 4-5 shrimp per oz
• Small Shrimp: 3-4 shrimp per oz
• Medium Shrimp: 2-3 shrimp per oz
• Large Shrimp: 1-2 shrimp per oz
• Jumbo/Colossal: About 1 shrimp per oz

Understanding Shrimp Counts

Let’s dive deeper into how shrimp sizing actually works. I know it can be confusing when you’re standing at the seafood counter trying to figure out what all those numbers mean!

Shrimp Size Categories and Counts per Pound

Pro Tips for Buying Shrimp

Here’s what I’ve learned from years of cooking with shrimp

1. Understanding Package Labels

When you see numbers like “16/20” on a bag, that means you’re getting 16-20 shrimp per pound. The smaller the numbers, the bigger the shrimp!

2. Weight Changes After Cooking

Something important to remember – shrimp lose about 25% of their weight after cooking. So if you’re planning portions:

• 4 oz raw shrimp = roughly 3 oz cooked
• Plan accordingly when meal prepping!

Best Uses for Different Shrimp Sizes

Large to Colossal (31-40 count or bigger)

• Perfect for:
  • Shrimp cocktail
  • Grilling
  • Stuffed shrimp
  • Show-stopping appetizers

Medium (41-50 count)

• Great for:
  • Pasta dishes
  • Stir-fries
  • Tacos
  • General cooking

Small to Tiny (51+ count)

• Best used in:
  • Salads
  • Soups
  • Dips
  • Seafood stuffing

Serving Size Guidelines

For main dishes, here’s what I recommend:

• Appetizers: 2-3 oz per person
• Main course: 4-6 oz per person
• Buffet setting: 4 oz per person

Common Questions I Get Asked

Q: How many medium shrimp make a serving?

A: For a 3 oz serving of medium shrimp (41-50 count), you’ll get about 10-13 shrimp.

Q: What’s the best size for shrimp scampi?

A: I usually go with large (31-40 count) or extra-large (26-30 count) – they’re perfect for soaking up that yummy garlic butter sauce!

Money-Saving Tips

1. Buy frozen instead of “fresh” (most shrimp was frozen anyway!)
2. Watch for sales on larger bags
3. Don’t always go for the biggest shrimp – medium sizes are often better value and work great in most recipes

Storage Tips

Keep your shrimp fresh:

• Refrigerator: 1-2 days max
• Freezer: up to 6 months
• Always keep them in an airtight container

Final Thoughts

Understanding shrimp counts per ounce might seem tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty straightforward! Just remember – bigger isn’t always better. The best size depends on what you’re cooking.

And hey, don’t stress too much about getting the exact count perfect. As long as you’re in the ballpark, your dish will turn out great. Trust me, I’ve messed up plenty of times and still ended up with delicious meals!

Remember to save this guide for your next shrimp shopping trip. And if you’re still unsure, just ask your local seafood counter – they’re usually super helpful!

Happy cooking, everyone!

Note: Counts and sizes may vary slightly depending on your supplier and location. Use this as a general guide rather than exact science!