Shrimp is a beloved seafood choice enjoyed worldwide, whether grilled, fried, or served in flavorful dishes. A common question when preparing shrimp is, “How Many Shrimp Is A Serving?” Getting the portion size right ensures your guests are satisfied without overspending or running out. This guide will help you determine the ideal number of shrimp per serving, whether you’re planning appetizers or a main course.
Understanding Shrimp Sizes and Counts
Shrimp sizes can be confusing because terms like “Jumbo” or “Large” aren’t standardized across all stores. The most reliable way to determine shrimp size is by the “count per pound.” This number indicates how many shrimp make up one pound. Here’s a helpful chart to understand common shrimp sizes based on count:
| Size | Count Per Pound |
|---|---|
| Extra Colossal | U/10 |
| Super Colossal | U/12 |
| Colossal | U/15 |
| Extra Jumbo | 16/20 |
| Jumbo | 21/25 |
| Extra Large | 26/30 |
| Large | 31/35 |
| Medium Large | 36/40 |
| Medium | 41/50 |
| Small | 51/60 |
| Extra Small | 61/70 |
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As you can see, “U/10” means “under 10” shrimp per pound, indicating very large shrimp, while “61/70” means significantly smaller shrimp. Always check the count per pound when purchasing shrimp to accurately estimate servings.
Shrimp Serving Sizes for Appetizers
When serving shrimp as an appetizer, the portion size will be smaller than for a main course. If you are offering several appetizers, plan for about 2 to 3 medium or larger shrimp per person. This allows guests to sample a taste without filling up before the main meal. However, if shrimp is the primary or only appetizer, you should increase the serving to 4-5 shrimp per person to ensure everyone gets enough.
Consider the preparation method for appetizer shrimp. For example, battered and deep-fried shrimp are richer and more filling, so slightly fewer may be needed. Boiled shrimp with a light cocktail sauce can be a lighter option, allowing for a slightly larger serving.
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Shrimp Serving Sizes for Entrees
For shrimp as a main course, the serving size naturally increases. The American Heart Association recommends a 3-ounce serving of fish or seafood. However, for shrimp, and considering varying appetites, it’s practical to plan for about 4 ounces of shrimp per adult and roughly 2 ounces for children.
If you are serving shrimp that is unpeeled or head-on, such as in a shrimp boil, you should allow for a larger portion, approximately 6 to 8 ounces per person. This accounts for the weight of the shells and heads that are not eaten. When in doubt, it’s always better to prepare a little extra to accommodate heartier appetites and ensure no one goes hungry.
Shrimp Servings By the Numbers for Entrees:
- Medium and smaller shrimp (41/50 count and higher): About 9 to 11 shrimp per serving.
- Large to Jumbo shrimp (21/25 to 31/35 count): About 5 to 7 shrimp per serving.
- Extra Jumbo and larger shrimp (U/10 to 16/20 count): About 3 to 5 shrimp per serving.
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Nutritional Information for Shrimp
Understanding the nutritional content of shrimp can also help in planning serving sizes, especially for those mindful of their diet. Here’s a look at the nutritional facts per 1 ounce of cooked shrimp:
Nutritional Facts Per 1 Ounce Cooked Shrimp
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 40 |
| Total Fat | 0.66g |
| * Saturated Fat | 0.125g |
| * Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.255g |
| * Monounsaturated Fat | 0.096g |
| Cholesterol | 58mg |
| Sodium | 172mg |
| Potassium | 49mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 0.35g |
| * Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| * Sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 7.73g |
Shrimp is a lean source of protein, low in fat and carbohydrates, making it a healthy addition to your diet. However, keep in mind that added fats from cooking methods like frying or rich sauces can significantly increase the calorie and fat content of your shrimp dish. A 4-ounce serving of plain boiled shrimp contains approximately 115 to 120 calories and only about 1 gram of fat, making it a nutritious choice.
Cooking Methods and Serving Suggestions
Shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be prepared in numerous delicious ways. Whether you choose to serve it as an appetizer, a snack, or a main course, the cooking possibilities are endless.
For a classic appetizer or main course, consider shrimp scampi, a garlic-rich dish that pairs wonderfully with pasta or rice. Louisiana-style dishes like shrimp Creole and etouffee offer flavorful tomato-based sauces and are perfect served over rice. For a spicy Italian option, shrimp Fra Diavolo is a great choice. If you prefer cold shrimp dishes, pickled shrimp or a refreshing shrimp salad are excellent options, particularly for lighter meals or gatherings.
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By understanding shrimp sizes, recommended serving quantities, and nutritional information, you can confidently plan your next shrimp dish, ensuring perfectly portioned and satisfying meals for everyone.
