Learn how many shrimp are in a serving so that you always know the correct amount of shrimp to buy when making different shrimp recipes! Of course, not all shrimp are the same size. Don't worry, I'm going to cover each variety of shrimp, and with this information, you will be able to quickly determine how many shrimp you'll need for any dish!
A Complete Shrimp Serving Size Guide
Shrimp is a popular seafood delicacy millions of people worldwide enjoy! Whether you prefer them boiled, fried, grilled, or in a soup, shrimp is a versatile ingredient that can elevate any dish! But have you ever wondered how many shrimp are in a serving?
When it comes to the serving size, the amount of shrimp you need can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the size of the shrimp, the preparation method, and the specific recipe you are using! Keep reading to learn about the different sizes of shrimp and how each has a different serving size!
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Be sure to check out my shrimp recipes post when shrimp is on the menu! I also have some quick and easy shrimp recipes and a full list of what to serve with shrimp for a complete meal!
How Many Shrimp In A Serving
First and foremost, the size of the shrimp can significantly impact the number of shrimp in a serving. Shrimp are sized according to their weight and categorized by their count per pound, with smaller shrimp having a larger count and larger shrimp having a lower count.
The count is used to indicate the number of shrimp that are in a pound. This is important to know so that it is easier to pick out the size of shrimp correctly and how many you'll need to buy for a recipe.
Also, shrimp heads and shells play a factor in the serving size. If the head is still on, then they're considered two counts higher, and if their shell is on (tail only), then it is just one count higher.
In this ultimate guide, I will cover the different serving sizes for shrimp and provide you with a better understanding of how many shrimp you can expect in a typical serving!
Most Common Shrimp Sizes
There are several different sizes of shrimp that you will commonly see in grocery stores! It's important to note that these sizing terms are not regulated, meaning you will see different names used across various stores.
One store may call "jumbo" shrimp "large", so it's always best to shop according to count and how many you'll need per person. Here are the most common names from largest to smallest:
- Colossal
- Jumbo
- Large
- Medium
- Small
- Mini
You may also see labels as extra-large, medium-large, extra-small, and tiny in the grocery store or market. Different kinds of shrimp, such as pink, white, and rock shrimp, will come in multiple sizes; however, mantis shrimp tends to only be colossal-sized.
Colossal Shrimp
Colossal shrimp is the largest shrimp you can buy, and they are typically 8-12 count per pound. They are often sought out for their juicy, meaty texture and sweet, delicate flavor! This type of shrimp is much bigger than most shrimp that you'll get served at restaurants and are usually the main focal point of a dish.
Colossal Shrimp Serving Size
When serving the largest size of shrimp, you won't need that many to make a satisfying meal.
- For an appetizer, serve 2-3 colossal shrimp per person.
- For an entree, serve 6-8 colossal shrimp per person.
How To Cook & Serve Colossal Shrimp
Because of their large size, colossal shrimp can take a longer amount of time to cook when compared to their smaller counterparts. They are typically used to make grilled shrimp skewers or large shrimp cocktails. You can also use this kind of shrimp to make crab-stuffed shrimp!
When grilling, sauteing, or frying, colossal shrimp need to cook for around 3-5 minutes per side if the heat is really high. They can take up to 15 minutes to bake. It's always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the shrimp with a food thermometer, which should read 145°F (63°C).
Jumbo Shrimp
Jumbo shrimp is the second-largest in size and are between 13-25 count per pound. This size of shrimp is the most commonly used in recipes, so when you aren't sure which size to use, it's a safe bet that jumbo shrimp will do the job.
Jumbo Shrimp Serving Size
When working with this size of shrimp, the number used will depend on the recipe you are making, but the average comes out to be around this:
- For an appetizer, use 4-5 jumbo shrimp per person.
- For an entree, use 8-10 jumbo shrimp per person.
How To Cook & Serve Jumbo Shrimp
Jumbo shrimp is used to make a lot of different appetizers and main dishes. When cooking them on the stove, this size of shrimp will take around a total of 3 minutes or until they turn pink and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Some popular jumbo shrimp recipes include coconut shrimp, a shrimp po'boy sandwich, and a two-bite-sized shrimp cocktail. You can also add them to your favorite salads for an extra boost of protein and flavor!
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Large Shrimp
Large shrimp are between 26-35 count per pound. You may also see them labeled as medium-large or extra-large.
Large Shrimp Serving Size
You'll want to serve a few more large shrimp per person over jumbo.
- For an appetizer, serve 4-6 large shrimp per person.
- For an entree, serve 10-12 large shrimp per person.
How To Cook & Serve Large Shrimp
Large shrimp will take a little less time to cook than jumbo, but not much so keep a close eye while you are cooking them. 2-3 minutes per side on the stove should be just enough time. When grilling, it's best to cook large shrimp over indirect heat and to skewer them so that they won't fall through the grate.
Large shrimp are great for making pasta dishes like shrimp scampi, risotto, and paella! You can even use them to make some tasty shrimp spring rolls or buffalo shrimp as appetizers or make a classic Southern shrimp and grits for dinner!
Medium Shrimp
To start off the smaller end of the shrimp size spectrum, medium shrimp are between 36-50 count per pound. They are your everyday shrimp and are prized for their tender and sweet meat. You'll see them commonly sold peeled, and deveined.
Medium Shrimp Serving Size
When you are working with medium shrimp, you'll need more than a handful to satisfy any seafood lover.
- For an appetizer, use 6 medium shrimp per person.
- For an entree, use 12-15 colossal shrimp per person.
How To Cook & Serve Medium Shrimp
Medium shrimp can be cooked in many different ways, depending on personal preference and the dish being prepared. They can be boiled, steamed, grilled, sauteed, or baked. In general, it will take around 2 minutes to cook through. As with any shrimp, it's important to keep an eye on the shrimp as they cook and remove them from the heat as soon as they are pink and opaque.
Medium shrimp are typically too small for a shrimp cocktail and are best used as a part of larger dishes such as fried rice, stir-fries, or pasta dishes like my lemon garlic shrimp pasta!
Small Shrimp
Small shrimp is one of the smallest sizes of shrimp available, next to mini shrimp. There are measured between 51-60 count per pound.
Small Shrimp Serving Size
Instead of counting, it may be easier to measure them in ounces or by cups. A standard serving of shrimp is 3 ounces.
- For an appetizer, serve 6-8 small shrimp per person.
- For an entree, serve 15-20 small shrimp per person.
How To Cook & Serve Small Shrimp
Sauteing is the most popular way to cook small shrimp; they can also be boiled, grilled, or baked. It will take around 1 minute to saute this size of shrimp on the stovetop, but be careful because they cook very quickly!
Small shrimp are ideal for making delicious soups, stews, and gumbos because they are one-bite-sized! They also can be used as a topping for pizza or mixed in with other seafood to make a seafood salad. Personally, I love keeping shrimp stocked in the freezer for when I'm craving my easy and tasty shrimp enchiladas!
Mini Shrimp
Mini shrimp are the tiniest size of shrimp that's available. A general serving of mini shrimp is between 60-70+count per pound.
Mini Shrimp Serving Size
Just like small shrimp, it will be easier to measure them by ounces. You can count them if you'd like, and here is how many you will need:
- For an appetizer, use 8-10 mini shrimp per person.
- For an entree, use 20-25 mini shrimp per person.
How To Cook & Serve Mini Shrimp
Mini shrimp are easy to grind down to make a filling for sushi rolls, or they are a great option to add to salads, stews, soups, and sauces. Just like small shrimp, they cook extremely fast. You might even want to enjoy them chilled!
You can bread them to make some tasty and crispy popcorn shrimp! I like to add mini shrimp in the filling for my delicious shrimp rangoons!
Table 1: Shrimp Serving Size Chart
Here is a helpful chart so you can easily refer back to it when grocery shopping for your favorite shrimp recipes. *The U on shrimp package labels stands for "under" and represents the number of shrimp per pound.
| Shrimp Size | # Of Shrimp Per Pound | # Of Shrimp Per Serving (Entree) | # Of Shrimp Per Serving (Appetizer) |
| Colossal | 8-12 | 6-8 | 2-3 |
| Jumbo | 13-25 | 8-10 | 4-5 |
| Large | 26-35 | 10-12 | 4-6 |
| Medium | 36-50 | 12-15 | ~6 |
| Small | 51-60 | 15-20 | 6-8 |
| Mini | 60-70+ | 20-25 | 8-10 |
The number of shrimp per serving may vary based on individual preferences and recipes. Additionally, the weight of the serving size also can impact the number of shrimp per serving.
These numbers are based on fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Also, the number of shrimp per serving is based on how many you'll need per person for your recipes.
Now that you know all of the different sizes of shrimp and their serving sizes, go ahead and bookmark this page for all of your favorite shrimp recipes! Leave a comment down below to let me know what you think!
🦐 Tasty Shrimp Recipes To Try
- Shrimp Burrito Bowl - This shrimp burrito bowl is bursting with flavor and can be customized with your family's favorite toppings!
- Shrimp Fajitas - An easy and flavorful Mexican-inspired dinner full of perfectly seasoned shrimp and tasty vegetables!
- Fried Shrimp - A classic Southern shrimp appetizer or dinner that is loaded with flavor and has a delightful crunch in each bite!
- Buffalo Shrimp - An effortless shrimp appetizer that brings the heat of your favorite chicken wing sauce!
- Southern Shrimp & Grits - Warm and cheesy grits are topped with Cajun shrimp that's mixed with tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions!
- Cajun Shrimp - A quick and easy shrimp dinner that is packed full of Cajun flavor and ready to serve in just 10 minutes!
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📖 Recipe Card
How Many Shrimp In A Serving: Air Fryer Shrimp (+Everything You Need To Know About Shrimp Servings!)
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (spray bottle or drizzled)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2-4 lemon wedges (optional)
- cocktail sauce (optional)
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- Lightly coat the basket of your air fryer with coconut oil (or olive oil) and preheat your air fryer to 400°F (205°C).
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket.
- Cook at 400°F (205°C) for about 3-4 minutes, then open the basket and use tongs to flip the shrimp over.
- Close the air fryer and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Check the shrimp to see if they are cooked fully. If not, return them to the air fryer and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Carefully remove the shrimp from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Season to taste with sea salt and serve with lemon wedges and/or cocktail sauce if desired.
Notes
- Always use spray cooking oil or a pastry brush to coat your air fryer basket. Aerosolized non-stick cooking spray can damage the interior coating of your air fryer basket.
- Frozen shrimp can be used and cooked directly from frozen (see recipe) or thawed and follow these instructions.
- Try not to crowd the basket because air needs to be able to circulate around each shrimp to ensure they cook evenly. It is best to cook your shrimp in a single layer with space between each shrimp.
- The cooking times are approximate and can vary a little bit based on the model of your air fryer.
- To store: Keep leftover cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat: Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (149°C) and arrange the already cooked shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes, flip, and then another 1-2 minutes on the opposite side.
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