How Much is 3 Ounces of Shrimp? A Detailed Guide

Shrimp is one of the most beloved seafoods in America. From shrimp cocktails and scampi to stir fries and soups, shrimp adds delicious flavor and texture to any dish. But when cooking with shrimp, it’s important to understand how much to use, especially when a recipe calls for a measurement like 3 ounces.

So how much is 3 ounces of shrimp? The amount can vary based on the size of the shrimp. Here’s a helpful guide to shrimp sizes, counts per pound, and how to determine the number of shrimp in 3 ounces.

Understanding Shrimp Counts Per Pound

When purchasing shrimp at the grocery store or fish market in the United States, shrimp is typically sold by the number of shrimp per pound This “count per pound” provides useful information for determining how many shrimp you’re getting and what the size of the shrimp will be

Here’s how it works:

• The shrimp count is shown as two numbers separated by a forward slash, like 16/20 or 21/25.
• The first number represents the minimum number of shrimp in one pound.
• The second number is the maximum number of shrimp in one pound.
• So for 16/20 shrimp, you’ll get between 16-20 shrimp in one pound.

The higher the shrimp count, the smaller the shrimp are. For example:

• 16/20 means larger shrimp with 16-20 per pound
• 31/35 means smaller shrimp with 31-35 per pound

Some packages may also have a “U” prefix which stands for “under.” For example, U12 means there are under 12 shrimp in a pound which indicates very large shrimp.

Common Shrimp Size Categories

While shrimp counts give specific numbers, shrimp is also categorized into general size labels like small, medium, large, jumbo, etc. However, there are no standardized size guidelines across different brands and retailers. Here are some typical shrimp size categories and corresponding counts per pound:

• Colossal or Super Colossal: Under 12 per pound
• Jumbo: 16-20 per pound
• Extra Large or Extra Jumbo: 21-25 per pound
• Large: 26-30 per pound
• Medium Large: 31-35 per pound
• Medium: 36-40 per pound
• Small: 51-60 per pound
• Extra Small: 61-70 per pound

So if a recipe calls for “large” shrimp, you’d want to look for a count per pound around 26-30. The context of the recipe can provide clues too – “large” shrimp for shrimp cocktails are likely bigger than “large” shrimp used in stir fries, for example.

How Many Shrimp are in 3 Ounces?

Now that we understand shrimp counts and sizes, we can determine how many shrimp make up a 3 ounce serving.

Since 1 pound = 16 ounces, we can calculate:

• If the count per pound is 16-20 shrimp, then in 3 ounces there will be:

  • 16 shrimp (minimum) ÷ 16 ounces = 1 shrimp per ounce
  • So 3 ounces = about 3-5 shrimp

• For 31-35 count shrimp:

  • 35 shrimp (maximum) ÷ 16 ounces = 2.2 shrimp per ounce
  • So 3 ounces = about 6-7 shrimp

As a general guideline:

• Colossal or Super Colossal Shrimp: 1-3 per 3 ounces
• Jumbo Shrimp: 3-5 per 3 ounces
• Large Shrimp: 5-8 per 3 ounces
• Medium Shrimp: 8-10 per 3 ounces
• Small Shrimp: 10-12 per 3 ounces

Of course, the specific counts vary from package to package, so check the label for the exact numbers.

Here is a helpful shrimp size chart summarizing the counts per pound, size categories, and number per 3 ounce serving:

Shrimp Size	Count per Pound	Shrimp per 3 Ounces
Colossal	Under 12	1-3
Jumbo	16-20	3-5
Extra Large	21-25	3-5
Large	26-30	5-8
Medium Large	31-35	6-7
Medium	36-40	8-10
Small	51-60	10-12
Extra Small	61-70	15-17

Shrimp Size Considerations

When determining what size shrimp to purchase, keep in mind:

• Use: The recipe and cooking method can dictate the best size to buy. Delicate sautéed shrimp may call for medium or small, while you may want jumbo or colossal for grilling.

• Presentation: Larger shrimp can be more impressive for shrimp cocktails or as a main dish. Go smaller for shrimp used in soups, pastas, or stir fries where presentation isn’t as important.

• Budget: Larger shrimp are more expensive per pound. Opt for medium or small shrimp to save money if you need a lot of shrimp for recipes like gumbo or etouffee.

• Preparation time: Peeling and deveining smaller shrimp takes more time and effort than larger shrimp. Consider opting for peeled and deveined shrimp if using extra small or small.

How Many Ounces of Shrimp per Serving?

A typical shrimp serving size is around 3-4 ounces. This equals approximately:

• 9-10 jumbo shrimp
• 12-15 large shrimp
• 15-20 medium shrimp
• 20-24 small shrimp

For a shrimp-focused main course, you may want to serve 6-8 ounces of shrimp per person. For appetizers, side dishes, or shrimp as part of a larger meal, stick with the 3-4 ounce serving size.

If you need a certain total number of shrimp for a recipe or dinner party, determine the counts per pound that will give you the right amount in the total weight you plan to purchase. Having a few extra shrimp on hand is always better than not having enough!

Tips for Cooking 3 Ounces of Shrimp

Cooking 3 ounces of shrimp is easy with a few simple tips:

• Weigh the raw, uncooked shrimp on a kitchen scale before cooking to get exactly 3 ounces.
• Pat the shrimp dry before seasoning or coating to help them sear and cook properly.
• Brine the shrimp for added moisture and flavor – soak in a saltwater solution for 20-30 minutes.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking to ensure even cooking. Cook shrimp in batches if needed.
• Shrimp cooks very fast, usually 2-3 minutes per side. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
• Check for opacity and a curled shape to see if shrimp is fully cooked.

With the right shrimp size, count, and cooking method, 3 ounces makes for a perfect single serving or delicious addition to all kinds of dishes.

Common Questions about 3 Ounces of Shrimp

How many jumbo shrimp are in 3 ounces?

For jumbo 16/20 shrimp, there will be approximately 3-5 shrimp in 3 ounces.

How many large shrimp equal 3 ounces?

3 ounces is around 5-8 large 26/30 shrimp.

Is 3 ounces of shrimp enough for a meal?

3 ounces makes a good single serving, but you may want to serve 6-8 ounces of shrimp for a full entree meal focused on shrimp.

How do I portion 3 ounce servings?

Use a kitchen scale to weigh out the raw, uncooked shrimp into 3 ounce piles before cooking.

How long does it take to cook 3 ounces shrimp?

Expect 2-3 minutes per side for 3 ounces of medium, large, or jumbo shrimp. Smaller shrimp may cook slightly faster.

Get Perfectly Portioned Shrimp with Ease

With this comprehensive guide to shrimp sizes, counts, and weights, you’ll be ready to purchase, portion, and cook shrimp for any recipe or occasion. Understanding the relationship between shrimp count per pound, typical size categories, and weights in ounces is the key to shrimp mastery.

Armed with this handy reference, you can determine exactly how many shrimp are in 3 ounces or any other measurement your heart desires. Shop for shrimp with confidence, wow guests with perfectly cooked shrimp every time, and most importantly – enjoy the delicious shrimp dishes you’ll be preparing kitchen ninja-style!