How many shrimp is a good serving?

December 5, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the FDA, a standard serving of cooked seafood, including shrimp, is 3 ounces. However, this 3-ounce measure can translate to a vastly different number of shrimp depending on their size, making proper portioning a nuanced art for home cooks and party planners alike.

Quick Summary

Determine the ideal shrimp serving size by considering the meal context, from appetizers to main dishes. The shrimp's count per pound and preparation method are also crucial for calculating the right portion for guests.

Key Points

Standard Serving: The FDA suggests a standard 3-ounce cooked serving, but the number of shrimp varies significantly by size.
Appetizer Portions: For cocktail parties with other foods, plan for 2-3 medium or larger shrimp per guest; for shrimp-only appetizers, serve 4-5 per person.
Main Course Portions: Aim for 4-8 ounces of cooked shrimp per person for an entree, adjusting for appetite.
Shrimp Count Explained: Shrimp are sold by the count per pound; a lower count means larger shrimp and fewer pieces per serving.
Party Planning: When budgeting for large gatherings like a seafood boil, plan for 1/2 to 1 pound of raw, unpeeled shrimp per person.
Buying Tip: Factor in weight loss from peeling and cooking when buying raw, shell-on shrimp.
Preparation: Simple cooking methods like grilling or steaming help preserve nutritional value.

Demystifying the Shrimp Serving Size

Calculating the right amount of shrimp for a meal or event can be confusing. The key factors to consider are the context of the meal, the size of the shrimp, and whether the shrimp is raw or cooked. By understanding these variables, you can confidently plan your next shrimp feast without worrying about running out or having too many leftovers.

The Golden Rule: Appetizer vs. Main Course

The most important distinction to make is whether the shrimp will be the main event or a smaller part of a larger meal. This will drastically change your serving size calculations. For a main course, a larger portion is expected, while a smaller serving is appropriate for an appetizer spread with other options.

Appetizer Portions:

For a cocktail party with other food: Plan for 2–3 medium or large shrimp per person.
When shrimp is the only appetizer: Increase the portion to 4–5 medium or large shrimp per person.
For small finger foods like skewers: One skewer per person is a good starting point.

Main Course Portions:

As the primary protein: A good rule of thumb is to aim for 4–8 ounces of cooked shrimp per person, depending on your guests' appetites.
For dishes like pasta or stir-fries: A 4–6 ounce serving per person is typical, as other ingredients will fill the plate.
For hearty meals like a shrimp boil: Guests tend to have larger appetites, so plan for a more generous 1/2 to 1 pound of raw, unpeeled shrimp per person to account for the shell weight.

The Importance of Shrimp Count

Shrimp are sold by their count per pound, a number that indicates how many individual shrimp you will find in a pound. A lower count per pound signifies larger shrimp, and vice-versa. This is critical for portioning, as a 3-ounce serving of colossal shrimp will contain far fewer pieces than the same weight of medium shrimp.

Shrimp Size vs. Number per Serving

Colossal (U/15): 2–3 pieces per 3-ounce serving.
Jumbo (21/25): 5–6 pieces per 3-ounce serving.
Large (31/35): 8–9 pieces per 3-ounce serving.
Medium (41/50): 10–12 pieces per 3-ounce serving.
Small (51/60): 12–15 pieces per 3-ounce serving.

Comparison Table: Serving Size by Occasion


Occasion/Meal Type	Recommended Weight (Cooked)	Colossal (U/15)	Jumbo (21/25)	Medium (41/50)
Appetizer (with other food)	2–3 oz per person	2-3 shrimp	4-5 shrimp	8-10 shrimp
Appetizer (shrimp only)	4–5 oz per person	3-4 shrimp	6-8 shrimp	12-15 shrimp
Main Course (Entree)	4–6 oz per person	3-5 shrimp	7-10 shrimp	12-18 shrimp
Shrimp Boil (Raw, Shell-On)	1/2–1 lb per person	7-15 shrimp	10-20 shrimp	20-50 shrimp

Tips for Buying and Preparing

When purchasing shrimp, remember that the preparation method can affect the final serving size. Raw, unpeeled shrimp will lose weight during cooking as the shell and moisture are removed. A good general guideline is that 8 ounces of raw, shell-on shrimp will yield roughly 6 ounces of cooked meat.

Buying Tips:

Budgeting for a crowd: For large gatherings, buying frozen shrimp in bulk is often more budget-friendly and just as high-quality as fresh.
Ask your fishmonger: If you are unsure about the count system or sizing, don't hesitate to ask your local fishmonger for assistance.
Consider the dish: Larger shrimp are better for grilling or standalone presentations, while smaller shrimp are ideal for stir-fries, salads, or dips.

Preparation Tips:

Don't overcook: To avoid a rubbery texture, cook shrimp until they are opaque and pink.
Maximize flavor: For simple preparations, sticking with fresh herbs, spices, and a healthy oil can boost flavor without unnecessary fats.
Save the shells: If you buy shell-on shrimp, consider saving the shells to make a flavorful seafood stock.

Conclusion: The Right Amount for a Perfect Meal

The right shrimp serving size is not a one-size-fits-all answer, but rather a calculation that depends on the meal's context. By understanding the difference between appetizer and main course portions, paying attention to the shrimp's count per pound, and factoring in the preparation method, you can master the art of portioning. Whether you are aiming for a generous half-pound per person for a rustic shrimp boil or a few elegant pieces for a cocktail party, knowing these simple guidelines will ensure a delicious and satisfying meal every time. Remember to always consider your guests' appetites and the other dishes being served to find the perfect balance.

For more information on seafood recommendations, consult the official guidelines from the FDA.

Frequently Asked Questions

For a main course where shrimp is the main protein, you should plan for about 4–8 ounces of cooked shrimp per person. For a large shrimp boil with other sides, budget 1/2 to 1 pound of raw, shell-on shrimp per person.

Shrimp size directly impacts the number of pieces per serving. For a 3-ounce serving, you would have fewer colossal shrimp (2-3) than medium shrimp (10-12). The count per pound on the packaging indicates the size.

According to nutrition experts, a healthy portion of cooked shrimp is typically 3–4 ounces. This provides a good source of protein and nutrients while remaining low in calories.

For a shrimp cocktail served with other appetizers, plan for 2-3 large or medium shrimp per person. If it's the only appetizer, increase that to 4-5 shrimp per person.

Yes, always buy more if your shrimp are raw and unpeeled. Shrimp will lose weight when peeled, deveined, and cooked. A general estimate is that 8 ounces of raw, shell-on shrimp will yield about 6 ounces of cooked meat.

Yes, you can typically use a smaller portion of shrimp for a pasta dish (around 4–6 ounces per person) compared to a standalone entree. The pasta and sauce will make the meal more substantial.

To handle leftover shrimp, refrigerate them as soon as possible, within two hours of cooking. Properly stored cooked shrimp can last up to five days in the refrigerator and can be used in salads, tacos, or other dishes.