Ever stood at the seafood counter, scratching your head about how many shrimp you need? I’ve been there! Today, I’m gonna break down everything you need to know about 4 oz shrimp portions in the simplest way possible.
Quick Answer
The number of shrimp in 4 ounces varies based on size:
- Colossal (U/10): 2-3 shrimp
- Super Jumbo (16/20): 4-5 shrimp
- Jumbo (21/25): 5-6 shrimp
- Large (26/30): 6-8 shrimp
- Medium (31/40): 8-10 shrimp
- Small (51/60): 12-15 shrimp
Understanding Shrimp Sizes (It’s Not Rocket Science!)
What’s With Those Numbers?
Ya know those weird numbers on shrimp packages like “21/25” or “U/10”? Here’s the deal:
- The numbers show how many shrimp make up one pound
- Lower numbers = bigger shrimp
- “U” means “under” (like U/10 = less than 10 shrimp per pound)
Size Chart for 4 oz Portions
| Size Name | Count per Pound | Shrimp in 4 oz |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Colossal | U/10 | 2-3 |
| Super Colossal | U/12 | 2-3 |
| Colossal | U/15 | 3-4 |
| Extra Jumbo | 16/20 | 4-5 |
| Jumbo | 21/25 | 5-6 |
| Extra Large | 26/30 | 6-7 |
| Large | 31/35 | 8-9 |
| Medium | 41/50 | 10-12 |
| Small | 51/60 | 12-15 |
Practical Tips for Buying & Cooking
Shell On or Off?
Here’s something most folks don’t know – shell-on shrimp weigh more! So if your recipe calls for 4 oz:
- Shell-on: You’ll get fewer shrimp
- Peeled: You’ll get more shrimp
- Rule of thumb: Shell-on shrimp are about one size larger than peeled
Choosing the Right Size for Your Dish
I’ve learned through trial and error that different sizes work better for different dishes:
Large/Jumbo (26/30 or bigger):
- Perfect for grilling
- Great for shrimp cocktail
- Awesome for skewers
Medium (31/40):
- Ideal for pasta dishes
- Great for stir-fries
- Perfect for tacos
Small (51/60 or smaller):
- Best for salads
- Great for soups
- Perfect for dips
Common Cooking Mistakes to Avoid
-
Overcooking – Bigger shrimp need more time! Here’s a rough guide:
- Colossal: 3-4 minutes per side
- Medium: 2-3 minutes per side
- Small: 1-2 minutes per side
-
Wrong Size Selection – Don’t use tiny shrimp for grilling or huge ones for salads!
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
-
Buying Frozen? Remember that ice glazing adds weight Buy a bit extra to compensate
-
Meal Prep? A good rule of thumb
- Appetizer portion: 4 oz per person
- Main dish: 6-8 oz per person
-
Budget Tip: Smaller shrimp are usually cheaper per pound. For dishes where size isn’t crucial (like pasta), go smaller!
FAQ (Stuff People Always Ask Me)
Q: How do I know when shrimp are cooked?
A: They turn pink and curl into a loose “C” shape. If they’re a tight “O”, they’re overcooked!
Q: Can I use different sizes in the same recipe?
A: Nah, stick to one size or they’ll cook unevenly.
Q: Fresh or frozen?
A: Unless you live by the coast, frozen is usually fresher! Most “fresh” shrimp were frozen anyway.
Wrapping It Up
Now ya know exactly how many shrimp make up 4 oz across all sizes! Remember, these numbers aren’t set in stone – they’re more like guidelines. The most important thing is getting the right size for your dish and cooking them properly.
Got any other shrimp questions? Drop ’em in the comments! I love helping fellow seafood enthusiasts figure this stuff out. Happy cooking!
Perfect Shrimp Sizes for Soups and Stews
Smaller shrimp are often better for dishes like seafood gumbo or shrimp soup. Small (51/60) or extra-small (71/100) shrimp are perfect for mixing into soups, stews, and dips, where their smaller size doesnt overwhelm the other ingredients. Try our recipes for vegan baby shrimp salads or baby shrimp bites.
Shrimp Sizes and Their Nutritional Value
Knowing the nutritional values of different shrimp sizes can be helpful if youre watching your protein intake or planning meals around your dietary needs. In general, shrimp is one of the highest-protein seafood in the market and is low in fat. Heres a breakdown of the protein content per shrimp size:
- Colossal shrimp: 18g of protein per serving
- Jumbo shrimp: 23g of protein per serving
- Large shrimp: 21g of protein per serving
- Medium shrimp: 20g of protein per serving
- Small shrimp: 15g of protein per serving