This low country shrimp boil recipe will help you decide just how many shrimp per person. Then again I say there can never be too many shrimp!.
I love a low country boil when it’s hot outside and I don’t want to heat up the kitchen too much.
You can feed a lot of people with just one big pot of fresh shrimp, small red potatoes, sweet corn, and andouille sausage. It doesn’t take long to cook.
You only need a big stock pot, cold water, shrimp boil seasoning, and a beer to make this easy shrimp boil recipe taste even better.
The hardest part about making this frogmore stew is deciding how much shrimp per person to use.
Shrimp boils are a quintessential summer tradition in many parts of the country. Their fun, casual communal nature makes them a great way to gather friends and family for a tasty meal. But an important question arises when planning a shrimp boil – how much boiled shrimp do you actually need per person? Get the amount right and you’ll have happy bellies all around. Skimp on the shrimp, and you’ll leave eaters wanting more.
Below we’ll explore how to determine the ideal shrimp portion so everyone walks away satisifed.
Key Factors For Shrimp Boil Portions
Several key factors go into figuring how much boiled shrimp to serve per person
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Shrimp size – Count per pound provides a guideline. Go with large or jumbo.
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Shells on or off – Shells add flavor but reduce edible meat per shrimp.
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Other foods – More sides like sausage and corn means less shrimp needed.
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Appetite – Big eaters will want more generous shrimp portions.
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Leftovers – No harm in cooking extra shrimp for next day meals.
Keeping these factors in mind will help you settle on the right amount of shrimp for your particular boil.
Shrimp Counts – What The Numbers Mean
With shrimp, descriptive size names like small, medium or large can be ambiguous. Instead, look for a count per pound indicator. Common counts include:
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Colossal – Under 10 shrimp per pound
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Jumbo – 16 to 20 per pound
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Extra Large – 21 to 25 per pound
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Large – 26 to 30 per pound
Lower counts equal bigger shrimp and higher counts smaller shrimp. For a shrimp boil, large, extra large or jumbo shrimp are best.
How Many Shrimp Per Person – General Guidelines
As a general rule of thumb for peeled, deveined shrimp:
- Jumbo shrimp – 4 to 5 per person
- Extra large shrimp – 5 to 6 per person
- Large shrimp – 6 to 8 per person
But shell-on shrimp, additional foods, and other factors can shift these numbers.
Shell On vs Peeled – Making Adjustments
Boiling shrimp with the shells on adds lots of flavor. But shells take up weight that doesn’t get eaten.
Increase shrimp counts around 25% – 33% for shell-on shrimp:
- Jumbo – 5 to 7 per person
- Extra Large – 7 to 8 per person
- Large – 8 to 10 per person
Just provide a bowl for peels and remember to adjust seasonings since shells contribute their own taste.
Factor In Other Boil Elements
Typical shrimp boils include sides like sausage, potatoes, corn and other veggies.
If serving 2 or more hearty sides, you may be able to reduce shrimp portions around 25%:
- Jumbo – 3 to 4 per person
- Extra Large – 4 to 5 per person
- Large – 5 to 6 per person
But don’t skimp too much – shrimp still stars in this show!
Appetite – Know Your Crowd
Consider the appetite levels of your boil guests. Are they big eaters? Do they love shrimp?
For heartier appetites, increase amounts 25% – 50%:
- Jumbo – 5 to 8 per person
- Extra Large – 6 to 9 per person
- Large – 8 to 12 per person
It’s easy to cook more shrimp than needed. Better too much than too little!
Planning For Leftovers
Leftover shrimp keep well for 1 to 2 days refrigerated. They make excellent shrimp salad, sandwiches, pasta topping or cocktail.
So don’t be afraid to increase amounts, knowing excess won’t go to waste. Just account for fridge space!
Sample Shrimp Boil Shopping Math
Let’s do some shrimp boil math for a hypothetical boil for 6 average eaters.
We’ll boil extra large shell-on shrimp along with corn, sausage and potatoes. Moderate appetites all around.
With these factors, we’ll plan on:
- 6 people
- 5 to 6 extra large shrimp per person
- So need 30 to 36 shrimp minimum
- Using shell-on shrimp, so increase 25% to 40 shrimp
- Round up and buy 2 pounds (45 to 50 shrimp) for a little extra
Always safer to have leftovers than leave guests craving more. The numbers serve as a starting point but flexibility is key.
Shrimp Boil Hacks
- Mix shrimp sizes for visual appeal
- Skewer a few shrimp as appetizers
- Grill or fry a few shrimp as a crunchy topping
- Save shells for seafood stock
Get creative with extra shrimp for the tastiest next-day shrimp dishes!
Key Takeaways For Shrimp Boil Portions
- Size names like jumbo or large indicate shrimp counts per pound – lower numbers equal bigger shrimp
- For peeled shrimp allow 4 – 6 per person depending on size
- Add 25% – 33% more shrimp to account for shells
- Reduce shrimp 25% if serving 2 or more hearty sides
- Increase portion 25% – 50% for bigger appetites
- Have extra shrimp on hand – better too much than too little
With these guidelines, you’ll serve up just the right amount of succulent shrimp for satisfied boil guests. Adjust as needed based on your crowd’s unique appetite!
The beauty of shrimp boils is flexibility – easily add more spuds, corn, sausage or shellfish to stretch it out. But shrimp should still shine as the star.
For a truly memorable boil, don’t skimp on quality ingredients – especially the shrimp! Seek out fresh, responsibly sourced shrimp for the best flavor, texture and eating experience.
And most importantly – embrace the delicious fun and messy community of a shrimp boil! Gather close friends and family and dive hands-first into peel-and-eat shrimp straight from the pot. Share food, memories and laughs as you peel, sip and feast.
Shrimp boils celebrate the joy of simple, tasty food bringing people together. Just be sure to have plenty of napkins on hand for the saucy fun!
Frequently Asked Shrimp Boil Questions
Still hungry for more shrimp boil knowledge? Here are answers to some common queries:
What are the best shrimp to buy for boils? Go for fresh wild-caught or sustainably farmed shrimp if you can. Look for firm, shiny shells without black spots or lingering odors. Medium to large shrimp work best to balance ease of eating and meatiness.
Should I peel the shrimp before or after boiling? Leaving shells on while boiling infuses more flavor. Just provide small plates or bowls for peels during eating and expect messier fingers!
How long should I boil extra large shrimp? Boil shell-on extra large shrimp for just 1 to 3 minutes once the water returns to a boil. This prevents overcooking.
Can I prep and boil shrimp a few hours before guests arrive? It’s best to cook shrimp as close to serving as possible for optimum texture and flavor. But if needed, you can boil and chill shrimp up to 6 hours early and briefly reheat before your event. Just account for a little more shrinkage and loss of juiciness.
What’s the easiest way to spice up boiled shrimp? Let guests sprinkle on extra Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, sautéed garlic, lemon pepper or other favorite spices. Provide melted butter, cocktail sauce and lemon wedges for dipping.
How can I use up leftover boiled shrimp? They’re great in seafood pasta, salad, sandwiches, tacos or soup. Or simply peel, wrap tightly and store in fridge for snacking within 2 days. The possibilities are endless!
In Closing
Hopefully these tips give you confidence to nail the shrimp portions for your next boil. Stay flexible, focus on freshness, and most importantly – have fun! A shrimp boil brings people together through food and community. Just be sure to line those tables with newspaper first!
How many shrimp per person do I need for a shrimp boil?
The size of the shrimp helps determine the amount of shrimp per person for a shrimp boil.
I use large shrimp, no less than 21-25 shrimp per pound. About 6 to 8 shrimp will be enough for each person, so 2 pounds of shrimp will feed 6 to 8 people.
Jumbo shrimp are also delicious and those are labeled as 16-20 per pound.
In that case, figure 4 – 6 shrimp per person.
Truth be told, I think it doesn’t matter how many shrimp you make because everyone eats them!
Remember that the shrimp are the main attraction, and if your guests are big eaters, don’t be shy about adding more.
In general, I figure 4 people to 1 pound of shrimp.
I like shrimp served with the shells on.
The shell keeps the shrimp from drying out and also provides more flavor.
Honestly, the shells come off easily. And even easier when folks are hungry!
Just put out an extra bowl that isn’t being used to hold the corn cobs and shells.
Cajun Shrimp Boil or Old Bay Shrimp Boil?
To make this seafood boil, first you have to decide do you what shrimp boil seasoning you prefer.
Do you want this on the spicier Cajun side or more on the East Coast Old Bay side?
Not familiar with Old Bay? It contains many herbs and spices but predominantly celery salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and paprika.
Zatarain’s contains mustard seed, coriander seed, cayenne pepper, bay leaves, dill seed,and allspice.
I love both and yes, they can be combined!
Generally they are found by the seafood counter.
When you open the box, you will see they are in net packages.
Throw the whole thing into the pot. Do not cut it open and empty the contents in!
Begin with your largest stockpot. Add 4 quarts of water and 1 bottle of beer, and your favorite shrimp boil packet.
Throw in some onions, celery, garlic and a few bay leaves, and smoked Andouille sausage.
While the lid is on the big pot, heat it over high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
After 15 minutes, add the lemon wedges and the juice from 5 lemons.
I used a light Modelo because that is what was in the fridge. Be cautious about using an IPA because you don’t want your stock to be bitter.
For extra heat, you can add 1 tablespoon of cayenne or your favorite Louisiana hot sauce now.
Now stir in the raw shrimp. Let boil 1 minute, remove from heat and add the corn.
Let stand 5 minutes while covered before serving.
