Understanding Shrimp Size and Count
Shrimp are sold by weight, but their size is often indicated by a count per pound (e.g., 51/60). This number, found on packaging or at the seafood counter, tells you how many individual shrimp are in one pound. A lower count number signifies larger shrimp, while a higher count number indicates smaller shrimp.
For small shrimp, common counts per pound can range from 51/60 to as high as 71+, with the 51/60 count being a frequently cited standard for what is considered a "small" size. An 8-ounce portion is exactly half of a one-pound (16-ounce) package. To find the approximate number of shrimp in 8 ounces, simply take the count per pound range and divide it by two.
Calculating Small Shrimp in 8 Ounces
Using the common 51/60 count for small shrimp:
- For the lower end of the range (51): 51 shrimp / 2 = 25.5 shrimp
- For the higher end of the range (60): 60 shrimp / 2 = 30 shrimp
This means a typical 8-ounce portion of small shrimp will contain roughly 25 to 30 pieces. If you are dealing with extra-small or tiny shrimp, which have a higher count per pound (e.g., 71/90), the number in 8 ounces would be even greater, around 35 to 45 pieces.
Factors Influencing the Final Count
The number of shrimp you receive can be affected by several factors. Always consider these when planning your meal:
- Supplier Variations: While counts like 51/60 are common, they are not regulated standards across the entire seafood industry. One supplier's "small" may be slightly larger or smaller than another's, leading to a small difference in the final count. The most accurate way to know is to check the count-per-pound number on the package.
- Shell-on vs. Peeled: The weight count is almost always based on the state in which the shrimp are sold. Shells add weight, so if you buy 8 ounces of shell-on shrimp, the number of individual shrimp will be fewer than if you bought 8 ounces of peeled shrimp.
- Head-on vs. Headless: Shrimp sold with their heads on will also have a lower piece count per pound compared to headless versions. The industry often uses a "two counts larger" rule for head-on shrimp, meaning their size category is effectively larger due to the extra weight.
- Weight Loss from Cooking: Shrimp lose water weight during cooking, which means the 8-ounce portion you start with will weigh less once it's cooked. This doesn't change the initial piece count, but it's an important consideration for recipes that call for a specific weight of cooked shrimp.
Choosing the Right Shrimp Size for Your Recipe
Knowing the number of shrimp per ounce is key to choosing the correct size for your culinary needs. Small shrimp are best for dishes where the shrimp are an ingredient blended with other components, whereas larger shrimp are better suited for standalone applications.
| Shrimp Size Category | Common Count per Pound | Approximate Count per 8 oz | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 51/60 | 25-30 | Salads, pasta, stir-fries |
| Extra Small | 61/70 | 30-35 | Salads, fillings, popcorn shrimp |
| Tiny/Salad | 71+ | 35+ | Seafood salads, dips, fillings |
| Medium | 41/50 | 20-25 | Scampi, tacos, stir-fries |
| Large | 31/40 | 15-20 | Grilling, skewers, pasta |
Conclusion
To answer how many small shrimp is 8 ounces, the most reliable answer is approximately 25 to 30 shrimp. This calculation is based on the common industry standard of 51 to 60 shrimp per pound. However, the exact number can vary depending on the specific supplier's grading, whether the shrimp are peeled, and if they were originally sold with heads on. For the most accurate result, always check the count-per-pound label on the package and remember that you are getting half of that count for an 8-ounce portion. This knowledge empowers you to confidently buy and portion your seafood for any dish, ensuring perfect texture and flavor every time.
For more detailed information on shrimp sizes and cooking methods, the Striped Spatula has a helpful guide on their website, providing additional context on the various culinary applications for different sizes.
