How Many Shrimp are in 4 Ounces? A Detailed Look at Shrimp Sizes

Shrimp are a delicious and versatile seafood ingredient that can be used in everything from appetizers to main courses. But when cooking with shrimp, it’s important to understand how shrimp sizes work so you know how much to purchase and how to adjust cooking times. In this article, we’ll take a close look at shrimp sizes and give you the exact breakdown of how many shrimp make up 4 ounces.

Shrimp Sizes Explained

Shrimp are categorized by size using a count per pound. The number you see on a bag of shrimp represents how many individual shrimp make up one pound. For example, “21/25” means there are 21-25 shrimp in a one pound bag. The lower the number, the larger the shrimp size. Here are the common commercial shrimp size categories:

• Colossal – 8-12 or 13-15 per pound
• Super Colossal – 16-20 per pound
• Jumbo – 21-25 or 26-30 per pound
• Extra Large – 31-35 per pound
• Large – 36-45 per pound
• Medium – 46-55 per pound
• Small – 56-70 per pound

So colossal and super colossal shrimp are the biggest while small shrimp are the smallest. The difference in size is quite noticeable – colossal shrimp can be almost an inch long while small shrimp are less than half that size.

How Many Shrimp in 4 Ounces?

Now let’s look specifically at how many shrimp you get per 4 ounce serving for the different sizes:

• Colossal (16/20 count) – About 5-6 shrimp
• Super Colossal (8-12 count) – About 3-4 shrimp
• Jumbo (21/25 count) – About 7-9 shrimp
• Jumbo (26/30 count) – About 10-12 shrimp
• Extra Large (31-35 count) – About 12-14 shrimp
• Large (36-45 count) – About 14-18 shrimp
• Medium (46-55 count) – About 18-22 shrimp
• Small (56-70 count) – About 22-28 shrimp

As you can see, the number ranges quite a bit based on the size. With colossal shrimp, 4 ounces is just 5-6 shrimp, while with small shrimp that same 4 ounces will give you 22-28 shrimp.

Keep in mind that these numbers are approximations. The exact count can vary a bit based on factors like whether the shrimp are peeled and deveined or still have their shells on. But this gives you a good general guideline for the number of shrimp per 4 ounce serving.

Adjusting Recipe Quantities Based on Shrimp Size

Why does the shrimp size and count matter when you’re cooking? Two main reasons

1. You’ll need to adjust the quantity if a recipe calls for a certain weight but you’re using a different size shrimp. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 pound of 26/30 count shrimp but you have 16/20 count colossal shrimp on hand, you’ll need less quantity since the colossal shrimp are bigger.

2. Cook times may need to be adjusted based on size. Smaller shrimp cook faster than larger shrimp.

Here are some tips for adjusting your recipes based on shrimp size:

• If the recipe specifies a shrimp count size, use that. Don’t substitute a different size or your results may be off.
• If the recipe just lists a weight amount, use the shrimp count chart above to determine how many shrimp that equals for the size you’re using. Adjust the quantity accordingly.
• Add about 1-2 minutes to the cook time for colossal or jumbo shrimp compared to medium or small shrimp. They may need a little longer to cook through.
• For shrimp cocktails or presentations where size matters visually, try to use a larger shrimp size for the best appearance.
• For shrimp salads or pasta dishes, small or medium shrimp blend in well and cook quickly.
• For appetizers, colossal or jumbo shrimp make an impressive presentation.

Paying attention to shrimp sizes and adjusting quantities and cook times appropriately will ensure your recipes turn out perfectly no matter what size shrimp you have on hand. With this knowledge, you can master shrimp cookery!

Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp Size and Count

Here are answers to some common questions about working with shrimp:

How is shrimp size measured and labeled?

Shrimp size is measured by the number needed to make up one pound. The lower the count per pound, the bigger the shrimp size. Labels will usually include a count range, such as “21/25” which means there are between 21-25 shrimp per pound.

Why does cooked shrimp seem smaller than the raw size?

Shrimp shrinks a little when cooked because the proteins tighten and it releases moisture. This effect is more pronounced for larger shrimp sizes. Expect colossal cooked shrimp to be slightly smaller than their raw size.

Does shrimp size affect flavor?

Not significantly. While some people believe smaller shrimp may taste slightly sweeter, the major impact of size is texture and mouthfeel. Bigger shrimp tend to be meatier and more toothsome.

Should I remove the shell before cooking?

You can cook shrimp with shells on or peeled. Shells help retain moisture but make eating messier. Peel before cooking for easy eating or leave shells on for presentation. Adjust cook time up slightly if shrimp are peeled first.

Can I substitute different shrimp sizes in recipes?

It’s best not to substitute sizes if the recipe specifies a count per pound. If only a weight is listed, you can adjust the quantity based on the number of shrimp per serving for your size. Also extend cook times for larger shrimp.

How long do I cook different shrimp sizes?

A general guideline is:

• Colossal: 3-4 minutes
• Jumbo: 2-3 minutes
• Large: 1-2 minutes
• Medium: 1-1.5 minutes
• Small: 30 seconds – 1 minute

Monitor closely and adjust cook times as needed based on thickness.

How can I tell when shrimp is cooked through?

Check that shrimp have turned opaque and pink throughout. Peek at the thickest part near the tail. When fully cooked, they should be straight, not curled. Use a food thermometer to check – target 145°F.

How much does shrimp weight change with cooking?

Due to moisture loss, cooked peeled shrimp is about 70-80% of the raw weight. Shells help retain more weight when cooking. You’ll get a little more cooked weight keeping shells on versus fully peeled.

Should I buy shrimp with shells on or peeled?

Either way works! Shell-on shrimp holds up better when freezing but takes more prep work. Peeled is quicker for cooking but doesn’t freeze quite as well. Choose based on your needs and preferences.

Get the Most From Your Shrimp

Now that you know exactly how many shrimp are in those handy 4 ounce portions, you can pick the perfect shrimp size for your recipes and cooking needs. Keep this shrimp size conversion chart on hand whenever you shop for or prepare shrimp. Understanding shrimp count versus size will help ensure your recipes turn out picture perfect.