How much does one grilled shrimp weigh? A Guide to Nutrition and Portion Control

October 25, 2025 •

4 min read

Shrimp lose approximately 15-20% of their weight during the cooking process due to moisture loss, meaning a raw shrimp will weigh less after grilling. To calculate precisely how much does one grilled shrimp weigh?, one must first understand shrimp sizing and how heat impacts density.

Quick Summary

A single grilled shrimp's weight varies depending on its raw size, with significant water weight loss occurring during cooking. Shrimp are categorized using a 'count per pound' system that indicates their size before preparation. This guide details the impact of grilling on weight, outlines the nutritional benefits, and provides guidance on proper portioning for a healthy meal.

Key Points

Weight Varies by Size: A grilled shrimp's weight is not universal but depends on its original size, which is indicated by a 'count per pound' system.
Weight Loss During Grilling: Shrimp loses approximately 15-20% of its weight during grilling due to water loss, making the cooked weight less than the raw weight.
The Count System is Key: When shopping, rely on the count-per-pound number (e.g., 21/25 for jumbo) for accurate size information, as descriptive labels like 'jumbo' are not standardized.
Healthy Grilling: Grilling is a nutritious cooking method that adds minimal fat to shrimp, preserving its lean, high-protein profile.
Portion Control is Sizing-Dependent: A standard 3-ounce serving of cooked shrimp can be 3 colossal shrimp or 12 medium shrimp, so knowing the size is crucial for accurate portioning.
Grilled Shrimp is Nutrient-Dense: It is a rich source of protein, essential minerals like selenium and phosphorus, and beneficial antioxidants with few calories.

Understanding the 'Count Per Pound' System

When buying shrimp, the most accurate indicator of size is the numerical count per pound, not the descriptive terms like "jumbo" or "large," which can vary between suppliers. This number tells you how many individual shrimp are in a one-pound bag. The smaller the count number, the larger the individual shrimp. For example, a bag labeled 16/20 contains 16 to 20 shrimp per pound, whereas a 41/50 bag contains 41 to 50, indicating they are much smaller. This sizing system is the foundation for determining how much a single shrimp will weigh, both before and after grilling.

Common Shrimp Size Classifications and Weights

U/15 (Under 15): The largest size, often called "super colossal" or "colossal." A raw, shelled shrimp can weigh an ounce or more. Grilling times are longer to cook through their thick flesh.
16/20 (Extra Jumbo): Meaty and ideal for grilling, with 16 to 20 raw shrimp per pound. Each raw, shelled shrimp weighs approximately 0.75 ounces.
21/25 (Jumbo): A popular choice for grilling, offering a balance of size and value. Raw, shelled shrimp in this category weigh about half an ounce each.
31/35 (Large): Versatile for many dishes, including grilling. Each raw, shelled shrimp weighs around 0.33 ounces.
41/50 (Medium): This size is often used in stir-fries and pasta but can be grilled on skewers. Raw, shelled shrimp are about 0.23 ounces each.

How Grilling Affects Shrimp Weight

The heat from the grill causes shrimp to lose moisture, leading to a reduction in both size and weight. A significant portion of the weight loss is simply water being cooked out of the protein. The estimated weight loss during cooking is around 15-20%. Additionally, if you start with heads-on or shell-on shrimp, the final edible weight will be even lower, as the inedible parts must also be accounted for. The weight provided by retailers, especially for count-per-pound, typically refers to the raw weight, so the final grilled weight will always be less. This is an important consideration for tracking calories and nutrients accurately.

Raw vs. Grilled Shrimp Weight Comparison

This table illustrates the approximate weight of a single raw versus a single grilled shrimp for common sizes. The grilled weight is estimated by subtracting 15% from the raw, shelled weight.


Shrimp Size (Count per Pound)	Raw Weight (oz)	Raw Weight (g)	Approximate Grilled Weight (oz)	Approximate Grilled Weight (g)
U/15 (Colossal)	1.0	28.3	0.85	24.1
16/20 (Extra Jumbo)	0.75	21.3	0.64	18.1
21/25 (Jumbo)	0.5	14.2	0.43	12.1
31/35 (Large)	0.33	9.4	0.28	8.0
41/50 (Medium)	0.23	6.5	0.20	5.5

Mastering Portion Control for a Healthy Diet

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends a 3-ounce serving of cooked seafood as a standard portion. For grilled shrimp, this translates to different numbers of individual pieces depending on their size.

Here is a breakdown of how many grilled shrimp equate to a standard serving:

Colossal (U/15): 3-4 grilled shrimp make up a 3-ounce serving.
Jumbo (21/25): Approximately 6-7 grilled shrimp constitute a serving.
Large (31/35): Around 8-9 grilled shrimp to reach the 3-ounce mark.
Medium (41/50): 10-12 grilled shrimp are needed for a serving.

For a main course, you might increase the portion to 4 ounces, or 6-8 ounces if the shrimp is the star protein.

The Nutritional Profile of Grilled Shrimp

Grilled shrimp is a lean protein powerhouse that fits well into many nutrition plans. Grilling is one of the healthiest cooking methods as it adds minimal fat and preserves the inherent nutrients.

Key nutritional highlights of a 3-ounce (85g) serving of grilled shrimp include:

High Protein, Low Calories: A typical 3-ounce serving contains around 90 calories and nearly 20 grams of high-quality protein.
Rich in Minerals: Shrimp provides essential minerals like selenium, which supports thyroid health, and phosphorus, crucial for bone health. It's also a source of zinc, copper, and magnesium.
Contains Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Though not a primary source like salmon, shrimp offers polyunsaturated fatty acids that possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Source of Astaxanthin: This compound is an antioxidant that may help protect against certain chronic conditions.

It is important to remember that preparation methods can impact the nutritional profile. Healthy grilling involves minimal added fats, while methods like deep-frying would significantly increase the calorie and fat content.

Conclusion

Knowing how much does one grilled shrimp weigh is less about a single number and more about understanding the count per pound sizing system and the effects of cooking. The final weight depends entirely on the raw size of the shrimp and the moisture loss that occurs during grilling. By understanding these factors, you can accurately manage portion sizes and calculate nutritional intake. With its high protein, low calorie count, and abundance of essential minerals, grilled shrimp is a healthy and delicious addition to any balanced nutrition plan.

For more information on shrimp sizing and cooking methods, you can visit a resource like the Fulton Fish Market.

Frequently Asked Questions

To calculate the approximate weight, take one pound (16 ounces) and divide it by the midpoint of the count range on the package (e.g., for 21/25 count, divide by 23). Then, multiply that result by 0.85 to account for the approximately 15% weight loss from grilling.

Shrimp get smaller and lose weight during grilling due to moisture loss. As the heat cooks the shrimp, the water content evaporates, causing the meat to shrink and become denser.

The number of grilled shrimp in a 3-ounce serving depends entirely on their size. For example, it takes 3-4 colossal shrimp, 6-7 jumbo shrimp, or 10-12 medium shrimp to make a 3-ounce serving.

Larger shrimp, such as jumbo (21/25) or extra jumbo (16/20), are often recommended for grilling. Their larger size helps prevent them from becoming rubbery or overcooked before they can develop a nice char.

Grilled shrimp is a lean, nutrient-dense food. A 3-ounce cooked serving offers nearly 20 grams of protein for only about 90 calories and is rich in minerals like selenium and phosphorus.

Yes, grilling is generally considered one of the healthiest methods for cooking shrimp because it requires little to no added fats. This helps preserve shrimp's naturally low-calorie count compared to frying, which adds significant fat.

Yes, the size of the shrimp can affect its texture and flavor. Larger shrimp tend to have a firmer texture and more pronounced flavor, while smaller shrimp are softer with a milder taste.