How Many Cups are in a Pound of Shrimp? A Helpful Breakdown

Shrimp is a versatile and healthy seafood ingredient that can be used in everything from appetizers to main courses. But when a recipe calls for a pound of shrimp, how many cups does that equate to? Let’s explore the details and find out.

Shrimp Sizes and Variability

The first thing to know is that shrimp come in a wide range of sizes from colossal to tiny. So there is no single answer for cups per pound. The count per pound determines the shrimp’s size and therefore how many pieces make up a cup.

For example, a pound of large shrimp with a 31-40 count could have 8-10 shrimp per cup. But a pound of smaller 51-60 count shrimp may have 12-15 pieces per cup.

This variability means checking the size on the packaging or seafood counter label is key before determining cup measurements.

Common Shrimp Size Guide

Here is an overview of common commercial shrimp sizes and typical counts per pound:

• Colossal – Under 15 pieces per lb
• Extra Jumbo – 16-20 per lb
• Jumbo – 21-25 per lb
• Extra Large – 26-30 per lb
• Large – 31-40 per lb
• Medium – 41-50 per lb
• Small – 51-60 per lb
• Extra Small – 61-70 per lb
• Tiny – 71+ per lb

So if you purchase a pound of “large” 31-40 count shrimp, you’ll get a different cup yield than “extra small” 61-70 count shrimp in one pound.

Estimating Cups in a Pound of Shrimp

As a general rule of thumb, here are some estimates for cups per pound of shrimp:

• Colossal or Jumbo Shrimp – 5 to 6 cups per lb
• Extra Large Shrimp – 6 to 7 cups per lb
• Large Shrimp – 7 to 8 cups per lb
• Medium Shrimp – 8 to 9 cups per lb
• Small Shrimp – 9 to 10 cups per lb
• Extra Small or Tiny – 10+ cups per lb

However, these are rough estimates. To get a precise measurement, you need to physically measure out one pound of your specific shrimp.

Measuring Process for Accurate Cup Count

Follow these simple steps for an exact cup-to-pound conversion:

1. Purchase shrimp in a 1 lb bag or portion.
2. Pour shrimp into a large bowl and set aside any liquid.
3. Grab a dry measuring cup.
4. Add shrimp to the cup, lightly pressing down, until full.
5. Count the number of full cups obtained from 1 lb of shrimp.

Performing this quick measurement will eliminate any size-related guesswork and tell you accurately how many cups are in that specific pound of shrimp.

Common Serving Sizes for Shrimp

In addition to pounds and cups, it helps to know typical shrimp serving sizes:

• 3 oz cooked shrimp is an average single serving
• 4 oz uncooked shrimp equals 3 oz cooked
• For appetizers, allow 4-6 pieces of large shrimp per person
• If shrimp is the main course, plan on 6-8 oz uncooked shrimp per diner

With these serving size guidelines, you can easily calculate how many people a pound of shrimp will feed.

Freezing Leftover Shrimp

Have extra shrimp after measuring cups and servings? Here are some freezing tips:

• Freeze shrimp in a single layer on a tray until firm.
• Transfer to zip top bags, press out air, and seal.
• Use within 2-3 months for best quality.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge or immerse sealed bag in cold water.

Properly frozen shrimp will retain flavor and texture for future recipes.

Common Substitutions for Shrimp

In a pinch, these make solid shrimp substitutions:

• Scallops – Similar sweetness and texture.
• Chicken – Use cooked, cubed chicken.
• Extra firm tofu – Drain and press tofu well before cooking.
• Heart of palm – Slightly different flavor but similar bite.
• Calamari – Cut into rings, tentacles work too.

While not exact matches, these alternatives can work well when shrimp is not on hand.

Cooking Tips for Shrimp

Follow these tips for delicious shrimp every time:

• Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge.
• Pat dry before cooking to prevent steaming.
• Don’t overcook – shrimp cooks very quickly.
• Nestle raw shrimp into dishes to bake or grill.
• Skewer shrimp for even cooking on the barbecue.
• Add pre-cooked shrimp at the end of soups and stir fries.

Using these simple tricks results in tender, juicy shrimp bursting with flavor.

Storing Cooked Shrimp

Properly stored, cooked shrimp will last 3-4 days in the fridge. Here’s how:

• Let shrimp cool completely before refrigerating.
• Store in airtight container.
• Place container on bottom shelf of fridge.
• Use within 3-4 days for best quality.

With proper storage, leftover cooked shrimp stays fresh and ready for more delicious meals.

The Takeaway

How many cups in pound of shrimp depends entirely on the shrimp’s size and count per pound. Carefully measuring out your specific shrimp is the only sure way to get an accurate cup amount. Arm yourself with this knowledge before your next shrimp recipe for success!