What Does a 1⁄2 Pound of Shrimp Look Like? A Helpful Guide to Shrimp Sizes

When it comes to seafood, shrimp is one of the most popular choices. Its versatility allows it to be prepared in many different ways – grilled, baked, sautéed, boiled, or fried. Shrimp can be enjoyed hot or cold and makes a tasty addition to pasta, tacos, salads, and more.

But when buying shrimp, especially in smaller quantities, it can be confusing to visualize how much you’re actually getting. For example, have you ever wondered what a 1⁄2 pound of shrimp looks like?

In this article, we’ll break down shrimp sizes so you know exactly what to expect when you purchase a 1⁄2 pound bag or order a 1⁄2 pound serving at a restaurant.

How Shrimp Size is Determined

In the seafood industry shrimp are categorized by “count per pound” which refers to the number of individual shrimp in one pound. The lower the count per pound, the larger the shrimp size.

For example, “16/20 count” means there are 16 to 20 shrimp in a one pound bag Whereas “21/25 count” indicates 21 to 25 shrimp per pound, which are slightly smaller.

Some common shrimp size counts are

• Colossal (under 15 per pound)
• Extra Jumbo (16-20 per pound)
• Jumbo (21-25 per pound)
• Large (26-30 per pound)
• Medium (31-35 per pound)
• Small (36-45 per pound)
• Miniature (over 100 per pound)

The total number of shrimp in a pound can vary based on factors like where they were farmed or caught. But the count per pound gives a good estimated size range.

What Does a 1⁄2 Pound of Shrimp Look Like?

Now that we understand how shrimp size is determined, let’s look at what you can expect in a 1⁄2 pound serving.

Since there are 16 ounces in one pound, a 1⁄2 pound of shrimp contains approximately 8 ounces.

• Extra Jumbo (16-20 count): A 1⁄2 pound serving would include around 8-10 shrimp.
• Jumbo (21-25 count): Expect approximately 10-13 shrimp per 1⁄2 pound.
• Large (26-30 count): A 1⁄2 pound provides 12-15 large shrimp.
• Medium (31-35 count): Yields about 14-18 medium shrimp.
• Small (36-45 count): You’ll get 17-23 small shrimp in 1⁄2 pound.

As you can see, the lower the count per pound, the fewer total pieces you get in a 1⁄2 pound. But each individual shrimp is larger in size.

Whereas higher counts per pound, like “small” or “miniature,” will contain more shrimp (upwards of 20-25 pieces) but they will be quite small.

Popular Uses for 1⁄2 Pound of Shrimp

Knowing approximately how many shrimp come in a 1⁄2 pound package or serving is helpful for planning recipes and meals. Here are some great ways to use 1⁄2 pound of shrimp:

Appetizers

A 1⁄2 pound of Jumbo, Extra Jumbo or Large shrimp is perfect for creating a shrimp cocktail appetizer. You’ll have enough for a nice starter portion or side salad.

For shrimp cocktail, boil the shrimp until pink. Then chill and serve with cocktail sauce.

Main Dishes

A 1⁄2 pound of Medium or Small shrimp can make a tasty main dish like:

• Shrimp tacos – Dice up 1⁄2 pound of shrimp and mix with taco seasoning. Stuff into soft tortillas with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo and Mexican crema.

• Shrimp pasta – Sauté 1⁄2 pound shrimp in olive oil and garlic. Toss with linguine and top with Parmesan cheese.

• Coconut shrimp curry – Bread and fry 1⁄2 pound shrimp. Add to Thai red or green curry with coconut milk. Serve over rice.

Soups and Salads

For shrimp soups, salads, or rice bowls, Miniature salad shrimp are a smart choice. A 1⁄2 pound provides 20-25 small shrimp which add flavor, protein and visual appeal.

Try adding to:

• Shrimp bisque
• Shrimp and veggie stir fry
• Shrimp fried rice
• Shrimp salad sandwiches
• Shrimp and avocado salad

Snacks

A 1⁄2 pound of shrimp goes a long way for appetizers and snacks for a small group. You’ll have plenty to make:

• Shrimp skewers – Alternate Jumbo shrimp and veggies on skewers. Grill or broil until cooked through.

• Popcorn shrimp – Toss Bite Size, Miniature or Small shrimp in flour, egg wash and breadcrumbs. Deep fry until golden brown and crispy.

• Baked bacon-wrapped shrimp – Wrap Jumbo or Extra Jumbo shrimp in bacon and bake until done.

Shrimp Size Recommendations

As a quick recap, here are the best shrimp sizes to use for different dishes:

• Shrimp cocktail – Jumbo, Extra Jumbo or Large
• Main dishes – Medium or Small
• Soups and salads – Miniature or salad shrimp
• Snacks and appetizers – Jumbo, Bite Size or Small

Of course, you can adapt any recipe to the size shrimp you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times up or down accordingly.

Purchasing Precise Amounts of Shrimp

Many grocery stores now offer the option to purchase precise weights of shrimp from the seafood counter, often starting as low as 1⁄4 pound.

This allows you to buy just what you need for a recipe versus having leftovers. It also helps reduce food waste.

When meal planning, remember that 1⁄2 pound of shrimp serves approximately 2 people. A 1⁄4 pound would serve 1.

For a helpful visual, remember:

• 1⁄4 pound of Jumbo shrimp = about 5-7 pieces
• 1⁄2 pound of Jumbo shrimp = approximately 10-13 pieces
• 1⁄4 pound of Miniature salad shrimp = around 10-13 small shrimp
• 1⁄2 pound of Miniature salad shrimp = 20-25 shrimp

Knowing what you can expect from different shrimp sizes takes the guesswork out of shopping and cooking. Now you’ll be ready to pick the perfect shrimp for any meal or occasion.