What is a Serving Size of Shrimp? Everything You Need to Know

December 3, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), a standard serving of cooked seafood, including shrimp, is 3 ounces. However, that small number belies a much more complex answer that depends heavily on the size of the shrimp, how it's prepared, and the overall dish.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the standard 3-ounce serving size for shrimp and how to determine the correct portion based on its role in a dish. It covers how shrimp size affects the number of pieces per serving, and also explores nutritional facts and cooking considerations for both raw and cooked shrimp.

Key Points

Standard Serving: The FDA recommends 3 ounces of cooked, peeled shrimp, roughly the size of a deck of cards.
Nutritional Value: A 3-ounce cooked serving contains about 84 calories, over 20 grams of protein, and numerous vitamins and minerals.
Size Matters: Shrimp are sold by count per pound. A lower count (e.g., U/15) means larger shrimp, while a higher count (e.g., 51/60) means smaller shrimp.
Cooked vs. Raw: Cooked shrimp weigh approximately 20-25% less than raw shrimp due to moisture loss.
Role in Dish: Portion size should be adjusted based on the meal context. Plan for more if it's a main course (6-8 oz raw) and less if it's an appetizer (2-4 pieces) or mixed dish (3-4 oz cooked).
Cooking Time: Shrimp size affects cooking time; smaller shrimp cook faster and risk becoming rubbery if overcooked, while larger shrimp are more forgiving.

Standard Serving Size: The 3-Ounce Guideline

The recommended standard for a seafood serving is 3 ounces (85 grams) of cooked, peeled shrimp. For a visual reference, this portion is approximately the size of a deck of cards or the palm of an adult's hand. This guideline helps manage calorie and protein intake, making it a valuable tool for meal planning and health-conscious eating.

The Nutritional Profile of a 3-Ounce Shrimp Serving

One 3-ounce serving of cooked shrimp provides an impressive nutritional boost with relatively few calories. It is primarily composed of protein and water, and is a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Here is a breakdown of the nutrients found in a typical 3-ounce portion:

Calories: ~84.2
Protein: ~20.4 g
Fat: ~0.2 g
Cholesterol: ~161 mg
Sodium: ~94.4 mg
Phosphorus: ~201 mg
Vitamin B12: ~1.4 mcg
Selenium: ~31.8 mcg

It is worth noting that while shrimp is high in dietary cholesterol, for most people, this has a minimal impact on blood cholesterol levels. The liver regulates blood cholesterol and produces less when you consume cholesterol-rich foods.

How Shrimp Size Affects the Number of Pieces Per Serving

Shrimp are sold by count per pound, meaning the numerical value indicates how many shrimp make up a pound. The smaller the number, the larger the shrimp. This is a crucial factor when translating the 3-ounce weight-based serving size into an actual number of pieces.

Common Shrimp Sizes and Approximate Counts per 3-ounce Cooked Serving

Colossal (U/15): 2-3 shrimp
Jumbo (16/25): 5-7 shrimp
Large (26/35): 8-9 shrimp
Medium (36/50): 10-12 shrimp
Small (51/60): 12-15 shrimp

Adjusting Serving Sizes Based on the Dish

The standard 3-ounce serving is a great starting point, but the context of the meal can significantly change the optimal portion size.

As a Main Course: If shrimp is the star of the plate, such as in a shrimp scampi or grilled skewers, a heartier portion of 6 to 8 ounces of raw shrimp per person is often recommended. For unpeeled shrimp in a seafood boil, plan on even more, closer to ½ to 1 pound per person to account for shells and heads.
As an Appetizer: When served as a cocktail or finger food, a smaller portion is appropriate, with 2-4 pieces of medium to large shrimp per person alongside other appetizers. If it's the only appetizer, you may consider more.
In Mixed Dishes: For dishes like pasta, stir-fries, or soups, the shrimp plays a supporting role. Using 3-4 ounces of cooked shrimp per person ensures a satisfying portion without overwhelming the other ingredients.

The Raw vs. Cooked Weight Conundrum

Understanding the difference between raw and cooked shrimp weight is essential for accurate portioning. Raw shrimp contain a significant amount of water, which is lost during the cooking process. As a result, cooked shrimp will weigh approximately 20-25% less than their raw counterparts. This means if you buy 1 pound of raw, peeled shrimp, you will end up with about ¾ of a pound of cooked meat. Shells also add weight, so raw, shell-on shrimp yield even less cooked meat.

Why Serving Size is Crucial for Cooking Success

Choosing the right size of shrimp impacts more than just portioning; it affects the cooking time and the dish's overall success.

Cooking Time: Smaller shrimp cook very quickly, sometimes in a minute or two, and can easily become rubbery if overcooked. Larger shrimp have a more forgiving cooking time, allowing for grilling, broiling, or stuffing.
Texture and Flavor: The size of the shrimp determines its texture and how it holds up to different cooking methods and sauces. Smaller shrimp work well in delicate applications like salads or soups, while larger, meatier shrimp are ideal for grilling or searing.

Comparison Table: Shrimp Size, Use, and Serving Count


Shrimp Size (Approx. Count/lb)	Best Use Cases	Cooked Piece Count per 3 oz Serving	Considerations
Colossal (U/15)	Shrimp cocktail, grilling, stuffing	2-3	Impressive presentation, meatier texture
Jumbo (16/25)	Grilling, scampi, stand-alone entrees	5-7	Versatile, meaty bite
Large (26/35)	Pasta dishes, stir-fries, tacos	8-9	Good balance of size and versatility
Medium (36/50)	Stir-fries, soups, tacos	10-12	Absorbs flavors well, quick-cooking
Small (51/60+)	Salads, dips, seafood stews	12-15+	Cooks fastest, can become rubbery if overcooked

Conclusion

Determining what is a serving size of shrimp is not as simple as a single number. While the nutritional recommendation is 3 ounces of cooked shrimp, the actual portion you serve should be guided by its role in the meal, its size, and the cooking method. By considering these factors, you can accurately plan meals, control your nutritional intake, and ensure a delicious culinary result. Whether you're hosting a party with impressive colossal shrimp or whipping up a quick pasta dish with medium shrimp, understanding these nuances will help you make the right choice every time.

For more information on the official guidelines for seafood consumption, you can visit the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 3-ounce cooked serving typically contains 10 to 12 medium shrimp, which are usually sold in packages marked 36/50 count per pound.

To get a 3-ounce cooked serving, you should measure out a larger amount of raw shrimp, accounting for the 20-25% weight loss during cooking. Approximately 4 ounces of raw, peeled shrimp will yield a 3-ounce cooked portion.

For a shrimp cocktail served as an appetizer with other dishes, a portion is typically 2 to 4 pieces of medium to large shrimp per person. If it's the only appetizer, you might serve 4 to 5 pieces per person.

For a main course, a good rule of thumb is to plan for 6 to 8 ounces of raw, headless, shell-on shrimp per person. For raw, peeled shrimp, 4 to 6 ounces per person is a generous portion.

Yes. When buying shrimp with the shell and head on, you will need to purchase more per person to achieve the desired portion of edible meat. The shell and head account for significant weight.

Yes, larger shrimp generally have a more robust and meatier texture, which can make them more satisfying and filling compared to smaller shrimp. They are often used as the focal point of a dish for this reason.

A 3-ounce portion of cooked shrimp is roughly the size of the palm of an average adult's hand or a standard deck of playing cards. This is a simple visual guide for portion control.

Shrimp shrink when cooked because they are primarily composed of water. The cooking process causes this moisture to evaporate, resulting in a smaller size and a reduced weight of the cooked shrimp.