How Many Cooked Shrimp Are in 7 Ounces?

Shrimp are a tasty and nutritious seafood choice packed with protein. Whether enjoying shrimp scampi, shrimp salad, or crispy fried shrimp, most recipes call for a specific quantity. But if you buy shrimp by the pound instead of pre-portioned, how many cooked shrimp will you get in a 7 oz serving?

In this article, I’ll provide a detailed breakdown of just how many cooked shrimp make up 7 ounces. You’ll learn about shrimp sizes, counts per pound, and how to estimate portions. I’ll also share some cooking tips and healthy shrimp recipe ideas.

Average Size of Shrimp

Shrimp are categorized by size, with the most common classifications being:

• Colossal – Under 10 per pound
• Jumbo – Under 15 per pound
• Extra Large – 16 to 20 per pound
• Large – 21 to 25 per pound
• Medium – 26 to 30 per pound
• Small – Over 30 per pound

The larger the shrimp, the fewer needed to make a pound Jumbo shrimp may have 12 or less per pound, while small may have 40 or more

Most shrimp you buy at the grocery store are large or extra large. The average medium-sized shrimp is about 1 ounce after cooking. Jumbo shrimp weigh closer to 1.5 ounces each.

Count of Shrimp per Pound

Here are the approximate counts for shrimps per pound based on size:

• Colossal shrimp: 5 to 8 shrimp per lb
• Jumbo shrimp: 9 to 12 shrimp per lb
• Extra large shrimp: 13 to 15 shrimp per lb
• Large shrimp: 16 to 20 shrimp per lb
• Medium shrimp: 21 to 30 shrimp per lb
• Small shrimp: 31 to 35 shrimp per lb

Shrimp are sold fresh or frozen either with the shells still on, peeled but with tails on, or peeled and deveined Shells and tails account for about 1/3 of the weight.

So 7 oz of uncooked shrimp with shells would yield approximately 5 oz of cooked, peeled shrimp.

Estimating Count of Cooked Shrimp in 7 oz

If most of the shrimp you buy are extra large size here is how to estimate the count

• 1 extra large uncooked shrimp weighs about 0.6 oz with shell
• It loses about 1/3 its weight when cooked and peeled
• So 1 cooked, peeled extra large shrimp weighs approx. 0.4 oz

For a 7 oz portion:

• 7 oz equals about 17 to 18 extra large shrimp when cooked and peeled

If the shrimp are large size:

• 1 large uncooked shrimp weighs roughly 0.5 oz
• It loses 1/3 its weight when cooked and peeled
• 1 cooked, peeled large shrimp weighs approx. 0.33 oz

For a 7 oz portion:

• 7 oz equals about 21 to 22 large cooked, peeled shrimp

For medium shrimp:

• 1 medium shrimp weighs around 0.4 oz with shell
• It loses 1/3 its weight when cooked and peeled
• 1 cooked, peeled medium shrimp weighs approx. 0.27 oz

For a 7 oz portion:

• 7 oz equals about 26 to 27 medium cooked, peeled shrimp

Keep in mind that if some shrimp are smaller and others larger, the count could vary. But in general, a 7 oz portion of cooked, peeled shrimp will provide around 15 to 27 individual shrimp depending on their size.

Cooking Times for Shrimp

To ensure your shrimp come out tender, follow these approximate cooking times:

• Colossal shrimp: 4 minutes
• Jumbo shrimp: 3 minutes
• Extra large: 3 minutes
• Large: 2-3 minutes
• Medium: 2 minutes
• Small: 1-2 minutes

Cook just until the flesh turns opaque white throughout. Avoid overcooking shrimp or they can become rubbery.

Steaming, sauteing, grilling or baking are all healthy cooking methods. Deep frying adds unnecessary calories and fat.

Tips for Storing Shrimp

For best quality and food safety, follow these storage guidelines:

• Store raw shrimp in its packaging or in a sealed container.
• Keep in the coldest part of the fridge, 35-40°F.
• Use raw shrimp within 2 days of purchase.
• Freeze if not using within 2 days, for up to 3 months.
• Thaw frozen shrimp in the fridge, not at room temperature.
• Cooked shrimp lasts 3-4 days in the fridge.

Discard any shrimp with an unpleasant odor. Look for shrimp that smells mildly briny or like the ocean.

Health Benefits of Shrimp

Shrimp offer impressive nutrition in a low calorie protein package. Here are some of the biggest benefits:

• High in lean protein – 24g per 3.5 oz serving
• Low in fat and calories – under 130 calories for 7 oz
• Contains omega-3 fatty acids
• Excellent source of selenium and vitamin B12
• Provides iodine, zinc, copper and iron

Shrimp is a smart choice as part of a balanced, healthy diet. Enjoy it in moderation as it is high in cholesterol – 166mg per 3.5 oz.

Healthy Ways to Eat More Shrimp

Here are some nutritious recipes for enjoying more shrimp:

• Shrimp salad wraps with avocado
• Shrimp tacos with mango salsa
• Garlic butter shrimp with whole wheat pasta
• Citrus grilled shrimp skewers
• Coconut curry shrimp with cauliflower rice
• Air fried or baked crispy shrimp
• Shrimp fajitas with peppers and onions
• Summer shrimp rolls with fresh herbs

Flavor shrimp with fresh citrus, garlic, spices and herbs instead of heavy sauces. Pair it with plenty of vegetables and whole grains.

The Bottom Line

So how many shrimp are in 7 ounces when cooked and peeled?

• Extra large: Around 17 to 18 shrimp
• Large: Approximately 21 to 22 shrimp
• Medium: Roughly 26 to 27 shrimp

The exact count can vary a bit based on size. For food safety, store shrimp properly and cook to an internal temperature of 145°F.

Enjoy shrimp in moderation as part of a healthy diet. Choose nutritious cooking methods and flavorings to avoid excess calories.

Shrimp provides an impressive nutritional package – high in protein, low in fat, and loaded with key vitamins and minerals. Follow my tips to incorporate more of this tasty and healthy seafood into your meal plan.