How Many Shrimp Are in a Serving? A Complete Portion Guide

October 27, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), a standard serving of cooked seafood is 3 ounces. However, this simple weight measurement translates to a vastly different count of pieces depending on the shrimp’s size. Understanding how many shrimp are in a serving is the key to accurate recipe planning and balanced, nutritious meals.

Quick Summary

The number of shrimp constituting a single serving varies significantly based on size and meal context. A standard 3-ounce serving can range from just a few large shrimp to over a dozen small ones, with portion recommendations changing for appetizers versus main courses.

Key Points

Size Matters: The number of shrimp in a serving depends directly on their size, identified by a count-per-pound label.
Weight is Key: The FDA-recommended standard serving is 3 ounces of cooked seafood, but the count varies widely by shrimp size.
Appetizer Portions: For cocktail platters and appetizers, aim for 2–5 medium or larger shrimp per person.
Main Course Portions: For a main course where shrimp is the star, 4–6 ounces of cooked shrimp per person is recommended.
Cooked vs. Raw: Shrimp lose weight when cooked; buy ~4 ounces raw, peeled for a 3-ounce cooked serving.
Consider the Meal: Adjust portions based on whether shrimp is the main feature or an ingredient in a larger dish.

Understanding Shrimp Sizing: The Count-per-Pound System

Shrimp are commonly categorized by a count-per-pound system, like "41/50," indicating the number of shrimp needed to make one pound. A lower count means larger shrimp. For instance, 16/20 are extra-jumbo, while 51/60 are smaller. This system is key to determining serving sizes.

Common Shrimp Size Categories

Shrimp sizes range from Colossal (U/15, fewest per pound) to Extra Small (61/70, most per pound). Colossal are best for grilling or cocktails, Jumbo (16/20 to 21/25) work well for scampi, Large (26/30 to 31/35) are versatile for pasta, Medium (36/40 to 41/50) suit salads and soups, and Small (51/60 to 61/70) are ideal for salads or dips.

Calculating a Standard 3-Ounce Serving

The FDA recommends a 3-ounce serving of cooked seafood. Due to cooking water loss, you'll need about 4 ounces of raw, peeled shrimp to get 3 ounces cooked. For shell-on, you need even more, potentially up to half a pound raw per person. The piece count in a 3-ounce serving varies by size:


Shrimp Size (Count per Pound)	Approx. Count per 3 oz. Serving (Cooked)	Best For
Colossal (U/15)	3–4 shrimp	Shrimp cocktail, grilling
Jumbo (21/25)	5–6 shrimp	Scampi, skewers
Extra Large (26/30)	6–8 shrimp	Pasta, stir-fries
Large (31/35)	8–9 shrimp	Salads, pasta
Medium (41/50)	10–12 shrimp	Soups, curries
Small (51/60)	12–15 shrimp	Salads, dips, fried rice
Extra Small (61/70)	15–17 shrimp	Salads, dips

Adjusting Portions for Different Meal Types

While 3 ounces is a standard guideline, the portion size depends on the meal's context.

Appetizers

For appetizers like shrimp cocktail, 2–3 medium or larger shrimp per person is typical. If it's the main appetizer, increase to 4–5 pieces.

Main Courses

As a main course, aim for 4–6 ounces of cooked shrimp per adult, which is about 8–12 ounces raw, unpeeled. For a shrimp boil, up to one pound of raw, unpeeled shrimp per person is often planned.

Mixed Dishes

When shrimp is an ingredient in dishes like scampi or paella, a smaller portion suffices. Plan 4–5 ounces of raw, peeled shrimp per person for pasta/rice, or 3–4 ounces cooked (4–5 ounces raw) for soups/stews.

The Impact of Preparation on Your Shrimp Count

Preparation significantly affects yield. Raw shrimp lose 10%–25% weight when cooked. Shells and heads on unpeeled shrimp are also significant waste. Always consider if your shrimp are raw, cooked, peeled, etc., when calculating.

Texas Gold Shrimp serving guide offers additional portion planning insights for various scenarios.

Conclusion: The Final Word on Your Perfect Portion

Determining how many shrimp are in a serving involves considering size (count-per-pound), meal type (appetizer vs. main), and preparation (raw/cooked, peeled/unpeeled). Using the count system and adjusting for context ensures you get the right amount for any dish, making you a confident seafood cook.

Frequently Asked Questions

For large events or shrimp boils, plan for 1/2 to 1 pound of raw, unpeeled shrimp per person. For cooked, peeled shrimp, 1/3 to 1/2 pound per person is a safe bet.

Yes, shrimp loses weight during cooking due to moisture loss, potentially up to 25% of its raw weight. Buy more raw shrimp to achieve the desired cooked weight.

The count-per-pound system, like '41/50,' indicates the number of shrimp in one pound. A lower number means larger shrimp; U/15 means fewer than 15 colossal shrimp per pound.

For a shrimp cocktail appetizer, 2 to 3 medium or larger shrimp per guest is typical. If it's the only appetizer, serve 4 to 5 shrimp per person.

For a pasta dish where shrimp is an ingredient, aim for about 4–5 ounces of raw, peeled shrimp per person, typically 5–10 large to medium shrimp.

While sizes differ, the nutritional profile per ounce is similar across different shrimp sizes. Larger shrimp offer a meatier texture, but calorie, protein, and fat content per serving are largely consistent.

Jumbo shrimp are usually 21/25 count per pound, while large shrimp are around 31/35 count. Jumbo are larger, with fewer per pound compared to large shrimp.