Hey there fellow seafood lovers! I’ve been cooking shrimp for family gatherings for years, and lemme tell you – figuring out how much shrimp to buy can be tricky. Today I’m gonna break down exactly how much shrimp you need for 4 adults, plus share some pro tips I’ve learned along the way.
Quick Answer
For 4 adults, you’ll need:
- Main course: 4 pounds of raw, unpeeled shrimp (or 2 pounds if buying peeled)
- Appetizer: 1.5-2 pounds of raw, unpeeled shrimp (or 1 pound if buying peeled)
Detailed Breakdown by Serving Type
Main Course Portions
- Per person: 1 pound raw unpeeled (or 1/2 pound peeled)
- For 4 adults: 4 pounds raw unpeeled (or 2 pounds peeled)
Appetizer Portions
- Per person: 6-8 ounces raw unpeeled (or 4 ounces peeled)
- For 4 adults: 1.5-2 pounds raw unpeeled (or 1 pound peeled)
Shrimp Size Guide
The number of shrimp you’ll get per pound varies by size
| Size Category | Count per Pound | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Jumbo | Under 10 | Grilling, Main Dishes |
| Jumbo | 10-15 | Scampi, Main Courses |
| Large | 21-25 | Pasta Dishes, Stir-fry |
| Medium | 26-30 | Appetizers, Salads |
Pro Tips for Buying Shrimp
1. Consider the Shell
When buying shrimp with shells remember
- Shells make up about 1/3 of total weight
- You’ll need to buy more if getting shell-on
- Shell-on often has better flavor but needs more prep
2. Fresh vs. Frozen
Honestly frozen shrimp is totally fine! In fact I usually prefer it because
- Often frozen right on the boat
- More affordable
- Longer shelf life
- Consistent quality
3. How to Calculate for Different Dishes
Different recipes need different amounts. Here’s what I usually plan for 4 adults:
- Shrimp Cocktail: 2 pounds (shell-on)
- Shrimp Scampi: 2 pounds (peeled)
- Pasta with Shrimp: 1.5 pounds (peeled)
- Grilled Shrimp: 2-3 pounds (shell-on)
Storage Tips
Storing Fresh Shrimp
- Keep on ice in fridge
- Use within 2 days
- Don’t let sit in water
Freezing Leftovers
If ya end up with too much:
- Clean and shell first
- Put in freezer bags
- Remove all air
- Good for 6 months
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not buying enough (better to have extra!)
- Forgetting to account for shells
- Getting wrong size for your recipe
- Not checking for freshness
Final Thoughts
Getting the right amount of shrimp for 4 adults ain’t rocket science, but it does need a bit of planning. My rule of thumb? When in doubt, buy a little extra – nobody ever complained about leftover shrimp! Just remember the basic guidelines:
- 1 pound unpeeled per person for main dish
- 1/2 pound peeled per person for main dish
- Half those amounts for appetizers
And don’t stress too much – as long as you follow these guidelines, your guests will leave happy and well-fed!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this guide in more detail?
Appetizer Servings
If you are serving several appetizers, allow 2 to 3 (medium or larger) shrimp per person. Calculate even more shrimp per person if there are no other appetizers on the menu.
Battered and deep-fried shrimp with remoulade sauce make a tasty appetizer, but you might want to go with boiled shrimp with cocktail sauce if youre aware of guests dietary restrictions or if you are serving many other appetizers.
Red Flags When Buying Shrimp ❌
FAQ
Is 1 lb of shrimp enough for 4 people?
The rule of thumb when you are buying shrimp is that you should get 1 pound of raw and unpeeled shrimp per person or, if you are buying it cooked and peeled, 1/2 -1/3 pound per person. The number of shrimp per pound will vary by the size of shrimp.
How many servings is 2 pounds of shrimp?
If the shrimp is the main dish, plan for about 1/2 pound (8 ounces) of shrimp per person. This will give each person a generous serving size of 6 to 8 large shrimp or 12 to 15 small to medium shrimp.
How many large shrimp for 4 people?
Size dictates your perfect portion: Medium shrimp (41-60 count): 9-11 plump pieces per person. Large to jumbo shrimp (21-40 count): 5-7 succulent specimens per person. Extra jumbo and larger (U/15-20 count): 3-5 magnificent shrimp per person.Apr 1, 2025
How much will 1 lb of shrimp feed?
Enjoy 4-5 pieces for an appetizer or 8-10 as a main course per person when serving shrimp. The size of this order is 1lb (16-20 per lb), which serves 2-4 people.
How much shrimp for 4 people?
From there, we recommend adding an extra 1/2 of a pound for every 4 people to be safe. For example, 4 people would traditionally need about 1 pound of shrimp, but in this case, go ahead and plan 1.5 pounds for 4 people. When you calculate this out, 25 people breaks down into 6 groups of 4, plus another person.
How many pounds of shrimp do I Need?
So when you plan 1.5 pounds by 6, this means you need 9 pounds of shrimp. You have an extra person there still to account for also, so you could round up to 9.5 or 10 pounds of shrimp in this instance. Remember, this is assuming you are following the guidelines for cooked, deveined, and peeled shrimp.
How many ounces of shrimp should a person eat?
A serving of shrimp for one person is typically about 3 ounces according to the FDA. This amount is generally recommended as a standard portion size. It is important to note that the recommended counts per serving can vary, so it is advisable to refer to individual tables or guidelines for specific recommendations based on the dish being prepared.
How many shrimp should be served per person?
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 do shrimp sizes affect portion planning?
How much boiled shrimp per person?
To ensure everyone is satisfied with their share of boiled shrimp, it is recommended to plan for approximately ½ to 1 pound of shell-on shrimp per person. The specific amount depends on individual preferences and the inclusion of additional sides like corn, potatoes, and sausage.
How many colossal shrimp per pound?
Colossal shrimp, which typically come in 8-12 count per pound, steal the spotlight in any dish and require careful consideration to ensure gastronomic delight for your guests. For this magnificent appetizer, it is recommended to serve 2-3 colossal shrimp per person.