Hey there, fellow seafood lovers! I’ve been cooking shrimp for years in my home kitchen, and let me tell you – figuring out shrimp portions can be super confusing! Today, I’m gonna break down everything you need to know about 4 oz shrimp portions in simple terms.
Quick Answer
4 oz of shrimp typically contains:
- Jumbo (21/25 count): 7-9 shrimp
- Extra Large (26/30 count): 10-12 shrimp
- Large (31/35 count): 12-14 shrimp
- Medium (41/50 count): 18-22 shrimp
- Small (51/60 count): 22-28 shrimp
Understanding Shrimp Sizes
Okay, so here’s the deal – when you’re buying shrimp you’ll see these weird numbers like “21/25” or “26/30” on the package. What the heck do they mean?
These numbers actually tell you how many shrimp make up one pound. So like, if you see “21/25”, it means you’ll get between 21 to 25 shrimp per pound. Pretty neat, right?
Here’s a simple breakdown of common shrimp sizes:
| Size Name | Count Per Pound | 4 oz Portion (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Colossal | 13-15 | 3-4 shrimp |
| Super Jumbo | 16-20 | 4-5 shrimp |
| Jumbo | 21-25 | 7-9 shrimp |
| Extra Large | 26-30 | 10-12 shrimp |
| Large | 31-35 | 12-14 shrimp |
| Medium | 41-50 | 18-22 shrimp |
Why Does Shrimp Size Matter?
Trust me, picking the right size shrimp makes a huge difference! Here’s why
- Cooking Time: Bigger shrimp need more time to cook. If ya use the wrong size, you might end up with rubbery shrimp (yuck!)
- Presentation: For fancy dishes like shrimp cocktails, bigger shrimp look more impressive
- Cost: Larger shrimp usually cost more per pound
- Recipe Requirements: Some recipes work better with specific sizes
Tips for Measuring 4 oz of Shrimp
Here’s what I’ve learned from experience:
- Use a Kitchen Scale: This is the most accurate way, honestly
- Consider Shell Weight:
- Shell-on shrimp weigh more
- Peeled shrimp give you more meat per ounce
- Raw vs Cooked: Raw shrimp shrink when cooked, so you might wanna buy a bit extra
- Frozen vs Fresh: If using frozen, weigh after thawing
Common Questions I Get Asked
Does cooking change the weight?
Yep! Shrimp typically lose about 20-25% of their weight during cooking due to water loss.
Can I measure without a scale?
You can estimate using the count per pound, but a scale is way more accurate. I learned this the hard way when I messed up a recipe once!
How long can I store 4 oz of shrimp?
- Fresh raw shrimp: 1-2 days in fridge
- Cooked shrimp: 3-4 days in fridge
- Frozen shrimp: up to 6 months
Nutritional Info for 4 oz Shrimp
For all you health-conscious folks out there:
- Calories: About 120
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: Less than 1g
- Carbs: 1g
Cooking Tips for 4 oz Shrimp
- Don’t Overcook: Seriously, this is like the #1 mistake people make
- Season Well: A little garlic and lemon goes a long way
- Pat Dry: Before cooking, especially if they were frozen
- Watch the Time:
- Large shrimp: 2-3 minutes per side
- Medium shrimp: 1-2 minutes per side
- Small shrimp: 30 seconds – 1 minute per side
Final Thoughts
Getting your shrimp portions right might seem tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty straightforward. I always keep this guide handy when I’m cooking, and it hasn’t failed me yet!
Remember, when in doubt, it’s better to have a bit extra than not enough. You can always save leftover cooked shrimp for a yummy salad the next day!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article further?
Extra Small Shrimp
Extra small shrimp is the second smallest shrimp size. You get 61/70 shrimp per pound, while an ounce contains 15-17 shrimp. These shrimp are often used for shrimp salads. They may be labeled as “mini” or “baby shrimp” at your local grocery store.
Small shrimps contain more pieces than extra small shrimp, clocking in at 51/60 per pound. As a result, small shrimp serve your guests perfectly if you integrate it into delicacies such as shrimp pasta salad or pork dumpling soup. You can also add them as a source of protein to pasta dishes with sauce, like shrimp Alfredo.
If you like versatility in your seafood, then medium shrimps are your go-to. These tiny powerhouses come in 26/30 to 31/40 per pound, so its easy to find the perfect size for whatever dish you have in mind. With just two minutes of cook time when boiling, sautéing or pan-searing, theyre ideal for:
- Shrimp cocktails
- Lemon-y pasta dishes
- Extra-crispy coconut shrimp
- Stir fries and more
Medium shrimp with 31/40 pieces per pound is a great option for any recipe, as they offer the perfect balance between size and convenience. These versatile beauties can be served in sauce dishes, placed over vegetables or grains, and make for the perfect shrimp cocktail.
The mouthwatering lemon pepper shrimp below falls into the medium-sized category.
Large shrimp contain between 16 and 20 shrimp per pound. The shrimp make an excellent centerpiece for entrées, such as cilantro rice and broiled shrimp with black beans. You can also add it as a source of protein to pasta dishes with sauce, like shrimp Alfredo. Cooking large shrimp takes about three minutes.
Jumbo shrimp range between 10 and 12 shrimp per pound. Use jumbo shrimp for appetizers like bacon-wrapped shrimp. Jumbo works perfectly with entrees, such as grilled shrimp skewers with chimichurri. Cooking defrosted jumbo shrimp in hot, boiling water or a skillet takes approximately three minutes.
For Shrimp Cocktails
Cook the shrimp for three to four minutes (depending on the size) before removing the shells or deveining them. You can opt for boiling or steaming your shrimp or pan-fry it. However, steaming is the perfect method of cooking shrimp for cocktails to prevent overcooking. Medium shrimp are the best shrimp for cocktails.
Deep-fry the shrimp for two-three minutes, depending on the size of your shrimp, until they have a golden-brown color on the outside and are opaque at the center. Sauté or stir-fry over medium heat and add butter, olive, or margarine.
Deep fry colossal to extra-large shrimp when butterflying and large to extra small if you choose to fry the whole shrimp.
The following are some of the frequently asked questions about shrimp count.