Shrimp are sold by count per pound in the United States. The number on the label will indicate the number of shrimp in the package. If it reads 21/25, you know there should be from 21 to 25 shrimp in each pound.
Here is a general list of sizes and weights per pound. The “U” in the list means “under” or “less than.” “.
One thing to keep in mind is that the size designation isnt standard. What one store or vendor might call “Large,” another might call “Jumbo. ” Its best to shop according to count, calculating how many shrimp youll need for each person.
Nutritional factors might come into play as well. In 4 ounces of plain boiled shrimp, there are only about 115 to 120 calories and 1 gram of fat. However, garlic shrimp that is deep-fried or covered in butter will have a lot more calories and fat.
Planning to serve shrimp at your next cocktail party but not sure how much to buy? You want to make sure every guest gets their fill of these tasty morsels without breaking the bank. Follow this handy guide to get the perfect shrimp-to-guest ratio for a seamless event.
The Standard Serving Size
The general recommendation is 4-6 shrimp per person if shrimp is one of several passed appetizers. For a shrimp-focused event, plan on 8-10 pieces per guest.
Jumbo shrimp may allow you to serve fewer per person since they’re more filling If serving cocktail sauce, allow 2-3 oz per person
Calculating Based on Shrimp per Pound
An average pound of medium shrimp contains about 20-25 shrimp Use this to calculate quantities
- For 50 guests at 5 shrimp each, you need 50 x 5 = 250 shrimp
- Dividing by 25 shrimp per lb, you’ll need 250/25 = 10 lbs of shrimp
Always round up and buy extra. Leftovers freeze well!
Other Handy Shrimp Calculations
- For peeled, cooked shrimp: Get 1⁄2 to 1⁄3 lb per person
- For a shrimp cocktail platter: Allow 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 lb per person
- For shrimp salad or pasta: Plan on 1⁄3 to 1⁄2 lb per person
- For shrimp as an entree: Allow at least 1⁄2 lb per person, up to 3⁄4 lb for big eaters
Shopping Tips for Shrimp
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Buy raw, shell-on shrimp and peel them yourself to save money.
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Choose wild-caught American shrimp if possible for sustainability.
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Opt for frozen shrimp if not serving immediately. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
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Inspect shrimp for firmness and healthy color with tight shells.
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Ask your fishmonger for quantity recommendations based on your menu.
Serving Suggestions
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Offer a shrimp cocktail station with chilled peeled shrimp, cocktail sauce, lemons and limes.
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Pass bite-sized shrimp skewers or shrimp wrapped in bacon.
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For a build your own taco bar, let guests add blackened shrimp.
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Mix shrimp into grits or rice dishes for heartier apps.
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Set up a DIY shrimp ceviche bar with lime, peppers, onion and avocado.
Accommodating Dietary Needs
Provide veggie-based apps, plus a few non-shrimp seafood options for pescatarians. Label dishes clearly for allergies. Offer a meat or vegan entree choice if serving shrimp as a main course.
Creative Alternative – Vegetarian “Shrimp”
For vegetarian or vegan guests, serve sustainably sourced heart of palm “shrimp” with cocktail sauce. Jackfruit and banana blossom work too. Add Old Bay seasoning for a “shrimp” feel.
Sample Cocktail Party Shrimp Menu
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Pass around bacon-wrapped shrimp, coconut shrimp, and shrimp summer rolls.
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Shrimp cocktail bar with spicy cocktail sauce and lemon wedges.
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Build your own shrimp taco station with mango salsa, cabbage, avocado and tortillas.
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Garlic shrimp pasta salad and garden salad with shrimp on the side.
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Coconut curry shrimp skewers with peanut dipping sauce.
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Heart of palm “shrimp” with vegan cocktail sauce for non-seafood eaters.
Mouthwatering Shrimp for All
Armed with these shrimp serving size estimates, you can confidently plan a party filled with tender, juicy shrimp dishes everyone will rave about. Just don’t forget the wet naps and extra napkins!
Appetizer Servings
If you are serving several appetizers, allow 2 to 3 (medium or larger) shrimp per person. Calculate even more shrimp per person if there are no other appetizers on the menu.
A tasty appetizer is battered and deep-fried shrimp with remoulade sauce. However, you might want to serve boiled shrimp with cocktail sauce if you know some of your guests have food allergies or if you are serving a lot of other appetizers.
Jumbo Shrimp Platter
FAQ
How many shrimp per person for a cocktail party?
How much shrimp do I need to feed 100 people?
How many shrimp in a pound of shrimp cocktail?
How many shrimp is 8 ounces?
How much shrimp do you need for a party?
For a party of four, you’ll need about 1/2 pound of shrimp. If the shrimp are small, you can probably get away with 1/2 a dozen per person. If the shrimp are larger, you’ll need 1/4 pound per person. If you’re making shrimp cocktail for a crowd, plan on 1/2 pound of shrimp per person. You can buy shrimp by the pound or by the dozen.
How much shrimp do you need for a cocktail?
If you buy them by the pound, you’ll need about 2-3 pounds of shrimp for a party of 10-12 people. If you buy them by the dozen, you’ll need about 1/2-3/4 a pound per person. Most shrimp cocktails are made with boiled shrimp that are then chilled and served with a cocktail sauce. You can buy cocktail sauce or make your own.
How much shrimp should I make per person?
How much you make really depends on several factors. What else are you making with your meal and how large are the shrimp? If it is a sit-down meal with large or extra large shrimp, account for 4-5 per person. If you are hosting a party and it is buffet style, 2-3 ounces per person should be good.
How many shrimp per pound?
Large shrimp, labeled as medium-large or extra-large and ranging from 26-35 count per pound, are a popular choice for appetizers. When serving large shrimp as the star of your appetizer, it is recommended to serve 4-6 shrimp per person to ensure that each guest gets a satisfying portion.