What does “26/30” mean? This guide will teach you how to read shrimp sizes, help you figure out what size and number of shrimp you need for your recipe, and give you ideas for cooking.
Shrimp are a tasty and versatile seafood ingredient used in many cuisines. They can be boiled, grilled, sautéed, baked into casseroles, added to salads or pasta dishes, and more But when cooking for a crowd or meal planning for your family, an important question is – how many shrimp make up one serving?
The number of shrimp per serving can vary greatly depending on the size of the shrimp and how they are being served Keep reading for a complete guide to determining shrimp portion sizes for appetizers, entrees, or any type of dish!
Factors that Determine Shrimp Serving Sizes
Several factors come into play when figuring out shrimp portion sizes:
Shrimp Size/Count
The most significant factor is the size grade of the shrimp. Shrimp are typically categorized by “count per pound” – how many individual shrimp make up one pound. The bigger the shrimp, the lower the count per pound will be. Common shrimp size classifications are:
- Colossal – under 10 per pound
- Super Colossal – under 15 per pound
- Extra Jumbo – 16-20 per pound
- Jumbo – 21-25 per pound
- Extra Large – 26-30 per pound
- Large – 31-35 per pound
- Medium – 36-50 per pound
- Small – 51-60 per pound
Jumbo or colossal shrimp of course require fewer individual shrimp per serving than smaller shrimp.
Serving Style
- Appetizer – Smaller portions, typically 2-5 shrimp
- Side dish – Moderate portions, around 6-12 shrimp
- Main dish – Larger portions, 10-16 shrimp
- Shrimp cocktail – Allow 3-5 jumbo shrimp per person
Preparation Method
Breaded or battered fried shrimp tend to be larger and more filling than boiled shrimp of the same size. So fried shrimp servings may have slightly fewer pieces.
Other Menu Components
If shrimp is one of multiple appetizers, smaller servings of 2-3 per person will suffice. For shrimp cocktail as a standalone appetizer or shrimp scampi as an entree, plan for larger portions.
How Many Shrimp Per Serving?
Now that we’ve covered the factors that go into shrimp portioning, here are some general guidelines on number of shrimp per serving:
For Appetizers
- Colossal shrimp – 2-3 per person
- Jumbo shrimp – 3 per person
- Extra Large shrimp – 3-4 per person
- Large shrimp – 4-5 per person
Allow 2-3 more shrimp if serving as a standalone appetizer.
For Main Dishes
- Colossal shrimp – 4-5 per person
- Jumbo shrimp – 5-7 per person
- Extra Large Shrimp – 8-10 per person
- Large shrimp – 10-12 per person
- Medium shrimp – 12-16 per person
For main dishes, plan for larger portions if shrimp is the core focus of the meal.
For Shrimp Cocktail
- Colossal shrimp – 3-4 per person
- Jumbo shrimp – 4-5 per person
- Extra Large shrimp – 5-6 per person
- Large shrimp – 6-8 per person
Allow extra jumbo or colossal shrimp for larger appetites. Provide cocktail sauce and lemon wedges for dipping.
For Salads or Pasta Dishes
- Jumbo shrimp – 4-5 per person
- Extra Large shrimp – 5-7 per person
- Large shrimp – 7-9 per person
- Medium shrimp – 8-12 per person
Mix shrimp pieces throughout pasta or salad dishes. Serve extra salad dressings or sauce on the side.
Shrimp Serving Size Guidelines
Beyond shrimp count, general serving size guidelines can also help determine portions.
By Weight
The standard serving size recommendation for fish and shellfish like shrimp is around 3-4 ounces per person. Using a food scale can be helpful for measuring out portions accurately.
- Jumbo shrimp – About 4 ounces or 1/4 pound
- Large shrimp – About 3 ounces or just under 1/4 pound
- Medium shrimp – Around 2 ounces
This equals approximately 5-8 jumbo shrimp per person or 8-12 large shrimp per serving.
By Volume
If you don’t have a food scale handy, volume measurements can work too. Though the weight can vary greatly depending on size.
- 1/2 cup chopped or pieces – averages a 3-4 ounce portion
- 3/4 cup whole large shrimp in shells – about 4 ounce portion
- 1 cup small or medium whole shrimp in shells – around 3 ounce portion
By Handful
For casual meals, a rough handful can approximate a serving for an average appetite.
- Large shrimp – About 1 handful, or 6-8 shrimp
- Medium shrimp – About 2 handfuls, or 12-14 shrimp
- Small shrimp – Around 3 handfuls
For plated meals or formal dinners, stick to weighed portions for accuracy. But for simple weeknight dinners, handful portions work in a pinch.
Serving Size Considerations
Some additional factors to keep in mind when portioning shrimp:
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For appetizers featuring multiple finger foods or dishes, allow 2-4 shrimp per person.
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If heads are left on shell-on shrimp, the edible shrimp meat weight will be reduced. Add 1-2 extra shrimp.
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Kids and seniors often have smaller appetites. Reduce portions by 1-2 shrimp.
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Breaded or fried shrimp can absorb cooking oil. Reduce portion sizes slightly compared to boiled.
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For buffets, allow 4-6 ounces total to accommodate second servings.
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When in doubt, err on the side of caution and make extra! Leftover shrimp keeps well.
Nutritional Content per Serving
Now that proper shrimp portion sizes are clear, what can you expect nutrition-wise in a serving?
Here are the averages for a 4-ounce cooked shrimp serving:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 1g
- Carbs: 1g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Vitamin B12: 2.4mcg (100% DV)
- Selenium: 28mcg (40% DV)
Shrimp offer lots of lean protein, selenium, vitamin B12, and other nutrients. Just watch sodium levels in seasoned dishes, and limit higher fat preparations like fried shrimp.
Cooking Methods and Serving Ideas
Shrimp are endlessly versatile. They pair well with so many flavors and ingredients.
Healthy Cooking Methods
- Grilled
- Broiled
- Baked
- Air fried
- Sautéed or stir-fried
- Steamed
- Added to soups, salads, pasta, rice dishes
Tasty Seasonings and Sauces
- Lemon
- Garlic
- Old Bay seasoning
- Creole seasoning
- Chili powder or cayenne
- Cajun spice blends
- Soy sauce or teriyaki
- Alabama white barbecue sauce
- Cocktail sauce
- Tartar sauce
- Drawn butter
- Salsa
- Chimichurri
Easy Shrimp Dish Ideas
- Shrimp cocktail
- Shrimp scampi over pasta
- Blackened shrimp tacos
- Shrimp fried rice
- Shrimp salad wraps
- Shrimp skewers or kabobs
- Creole shrimp with grits
- Garlicky grilled shrimp
- Coconut shrimp curry
- Buffalo shrimp lettuce wraps
Do Head-On or Unpeeled Shrimp Affect Shrimp Counts?
According to Louisiana Direct Seafood’s Handbook, shrimp are two counts larger with the head on and 1 count larger with the shells. So, say you buy U/15 shrimp with the heads and shells on. Once the heads are removed, they’ll weigh in two steps smaller at 21/25 shrimp per pound, and when peeled, they’ll be 26/30’s.
When I buy shrimp, I usually leave the shells on because they keep the meat juicy and give the shrimp a great flavor. So, when I go shopping, I base my serving sizes on the shrimp that are next to the smallest on the chart based on the label’s count.
How Big is a Standard Shrimp Serving?
The FDA lists the serving size for cooked seafood, including shrimp, as 3 ounces. I’ve listed the approximate recommended counts per serving in the table above.
As with any rule, you should test it and make changes based on how hungry your guests are and the food you’re serving. Most of the time, you can get away with a lower price for an appetizer, especially if you’re serving other food with it. If shrimp are the main course, you might round up.
Honestly, rounding up is common here. Our love of shrimp is strong!
How Many Shrimp Are in A Pound | What Is The Shrimp Count
How many shrimp are in a serving?
Because shrimp can lose up to 25% of their weight after cooking, a serving size is 3 ounces cooked, and approximately 4 ounces raw. The number of shrimp per serving depends on the size of the shrimp. A serving of tiny salad shrimp (71+ per pound) is close to 17+ shrimp, while a serving of Colossal (U/15) shrimp is 3 to 4 shrimp.
How many shrimp per pound?
There are measured between 51-60 count per pound. Instead of counting, it may be easier to measure them in ounces or by cups. A standard serving of shrimp is 3 ounces. For an appetizer, serve 6-8 small shrimp per person. For an entree, serve 15-20 small shrimp per person.
How many ounces of shrimp should a person eat?
If the shrimp are unpeeled or head-on, such as in a shrimp boil, allow roughly 6 to 8 ounces per person. If you aren’t sure about appetites, err on the side of more. Whether you will be serving it as a main dish, snack, or appetizer, there are many ways to prepare and cook shrimp.
How many shrimp per person in a shrimp cocktail?
Typically, a single serving of shrimp cocktail is 3 shrimp per person, if you are serving other appetizers and sides. If a shrimp cocktail is your only appetizer, then 5-6 shrimps are more appropriate. However, this greatly depends on the size of the shrimp you choose. I usually choose jumbo or large.