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Serving meals to large crowds can be incredibly intimidating, especially if you’re hosting an event that you are catering for and you’re in charge of determining how much of everything you need for each guest. Well, you’re in luck because there are a few different tips and pieces of information that help to lessen the burden on the caterer.
One serving of shrimp is about four ounces a person once cooked. However, it is not unlikely for adults to eat more than four ounces of shrimp if it is served alone as an entree. When buying shrimp that is not yet cooked, one should aim for about 3/4 to 1 pound of shrimp per person.
The golden four-to-one ratio of ounces of shrimp to a number of people is very helpful as a caterer, but there’s much more that goes into preparing, presenting, and serving dishes such as shrimp. Shrimp is one type of seafood (meat) that is considered more luxurious or fancy. If one knows how to properly serve shrimp to a crowd, the result can be wonderful.
How many ounces (or pounds) of shrimp do I need per person?
When catering events with crowds, it is essential that there is enough food for every guest, but you also want to avoid being wasteful and spending way more than you need to. Gathering as much information and detail as possible beforehand is the key to avoiding disaster on the day of your event.
How much shrimp will one person eat?
The basic standard serving size for one person is about four ounces. However, if the shrimp is not being served with any other food and as a lone entree, you may want to plan for six ounces per person. Whatever you decide based on your circumstances, do not exceed eight ounces of shrimp per person, or there will be too much wasted. [source]
The table below gives the minimum amount of shrimp needed in relation to how many people there are, all the way up to two hundred people.
| Number of People | Amount of Shrimp |
| 10 | 40 oz. (2.5 lbs.) |
| 25 | 100 oz. (6.25 lbs.) |
| 50 | 200 oz. (12.5 lbs.) |
| 100 | 400 oz. (25 lbs.) |
| 200 | 800 oz. (50 lbs.) |
Factors that may change the amount of shrimp you need per person
Is the amount of shrimp per person the same if the shrimp is bought raw or unpeeled?
If the shrimp you purchase to serve at an event is purchased raw or unpeeled, there will be a different proportion of shrimp to people.
The reason you’ll need to purchase a different (larger) amount of shrimp is that when you handle and peel shrimp it loses about 26% of its initial weight, and when you cook shrimp, it loses almost another 46% of its initial weight.
This means that when you’re doing preparing the shrimp and it’s ready to be served, the weight of the shrimp being served is only equivalent to about 38% of the weight of the raw, unpeeled shrimp that you purchased, to begin with.
Should I purchase more shrimp than I actually need?
You most definitely need to purchase more shrimp than you actually need, whether you’re buying the shrimp unpeeled, peeled, raw, or cooked.
Uncooked and unpeeled shrimp:
If the shrimp you’re buying is uncooked and unpeeled, you’ll need to multiply the amount of shrimp each guest will eat once it’s properly prepared by at least two and a half.
For example, assume you’re looking at hosting an event that is estimated to have somewhere around one hundred guests. Once cooked and peeled, the guests will eat at least four hundred pounds of shrimp.
You’ll then multiply four hundred by two and a half, which is one thousand ounces of shrimp, or sixty-two and a half pounds of raw, unpeeled shrimp that you’ll need to purchase initially.
Uncooked shrimp (already peeled):
If you are purchasing shrimp pre-peeled but not pre-cooked, you’ll need to multiply the amount of shrimp each guest will eat once it’s properly prepared by at least one and a half.
Sticking with the same example, if you’re preparing shrimp for one hundred guests, they would altogether eat at least four hundred pounds of cooked and peeled shrimp. You’ll then multiply four hundred by one and a half, which is six hundred ounces of shrimp, or at least thirty-seven and a half pounds of raw, peeled shrimp that you’ll purchase initially.
Fully prepared shrimp (already cooked and peeled):
Last, if the shrimp you’re buying for a crowd is already cooked and peeled when you purchase it, as we discussed at the beginning of this section, you should assume your guests will eat more than four ounces of shrimp, just to be safe.
Although it ultimately is up to your own personal discretion how much more shrimp to purchase than you think you’ll need, fifteen to twenty percent more shrimp (multiply the original amount by either 1.15 or 1.2, respectively) should give you enough leeway without wasting an unnecessary quantity of money.
How do I make sure I’m serving the right amount of shrimp?
It’s great to know how many ounces or pounds of shrimp you need per guest at an event with a crowd, but that’s practically pointless if you don’t know how to measure out that pre-decided amount for each guest. [source]
There are two possible types of shrimp that you will have to measure out:
- medium shrimp
- large shrimp
Medium shrimp: If you’re serving medium-size shrimp and want to shoot for at least four ounces a person, give each guest at least eight pieces of medium shrimp.
Large shrimp: If you’re serving large size shrimp and want to shoot for at least four ounces of shrimp a person, give each guest at least six pieces.
How to present shrimp- shrimp platters
Since shrimp is more of a culinary delicacy, it is incredibly important that it be presented as such.
Of course, there is always the option of single portions on individual plates, but if you are catering or organizing an event that is not intended to be a full course meal, it will likely be much better to consider alternative and more practical presentation options. [source]
Why should I serve shrimp on a platter?
Shrimp on a platter is an iconic culinary setup. Platters are generally seen as fancy and upscale, and anything presented on one automatically looks nicer and more refined. You’ve likely seen shrimp on a platter before and just haven’t thought much of it.
The practical benefit to serving shrimp on a platter is that there is less food wasted. For example, if you give one hundred guests six pieces of shrimp each, and half of them only eat four, there have been one hundred pieces of shrimp waste.
Alternately, if shrimp is served on a platter, most people will take shrimp as they eat, and will end up wasting less because most will only take what they will eat.
What sizes do shrimp platters come in?
There are three main sizes for shrimp platters to come in. They are twelve inches, sixteen inches, and eighteen inches. Each size has a different appeal, depending on how many people are going to be at a table with however many platters.
12 in. platters – Hold somewhere between 8-14 servings.
16 in. platters – Hold somewhere between 14-18 servings.
18 in. platters – Hold around20-30 servings.
How much does a shrimp platter cost?
Shrimp platters can be very cheap. If you want a good-quality one that doesn’t look like it’s as cheap as it really is, you’ll want to shoot for somewhere in the $20-30 range. Really nice shrimp and serving platters can be sometimes up to about fifty or sixty dollars.
For the three sizes of serving platters listed above (12, 16, & 18 in.), the respective prices would be about $25 for a 12-inch platter, $45 for a 16-inch platter, or $55 for an 18-inch shrimp serving platter.
What are some different ways to serve shrimp?
What are the different edible types of shrimp?
There are six main types of shrimp that are generally used as seafood, or for culinary purposes. They are pink shrimp, brown shrimp, white shrimp, rock shrimp, tiger shrimp, and spot shrimp. [source]
Why are shrimp cocktails so popular?
Shrimp cocktails have been incredibly popular from somewhere around the 1960s to the 1980s. Shrimp cocktails are served in a glass, so they are already viewed as more of a luxurious drink.
Shrimp cocktails incorporate the same conceptual appeal as a lemon on the size of a cold glass of ice water, which is the combination of a drink and an appetizer into one. [source]
What should I pair with shrimp for an event?
Best sides to serve with shrimp
Noodles are one of the most popular side dishes to go with shrimp. This could be in the form of gourmet macaroni, zoodles (zucchini noodles), traditional pasta or Alfredo, etc. [source]
Another popular side dish that goes with shrimp is a salad. [source] A few of the most popular side dish salads are:
- Mandarin broccoli salad
- kale salad
- spinach apple salad
- strawberry salad with poppy seed dressing
- roasted sweet potato salad
- caesar salad
- & blueberry chicken salad
Best desserts to serve with shrimp
Any dessert that incorporates fruit will go amazingly with any type of seafood, including shrimp. Strawberry, raspberry, and cherry flavors are particularly popular in fruit-based desserts popularly paired with seafood. [source] A few popular ideas to draw from are:
- strawberry or lemon cheesecake
- cherry pie
- cinnamon and banana combinations
- lemon pudding
- fruit kebabs
- chocolate covered strawberries
- frozen, chocolate-covered bananas
- orange upside-down cake
- & strawberry shortcake
Serving shrimp as a main dish
What kinds of events usually serve shrimp as the main dinner entree?
A few events that commonly serve shrimp as a dinner dish are weddings and wedding receptions, banquets or work parties, birthday gatherings, family funeral gatherings, and other large celebratory or appreciatory events.
Why is shrimp so popular?
Shrimp originally became popular because it was available all throughout the year instead of during just one season, and because it wasn’t incredibly expensive. The popularity remained, as shrimp is now a very popular dinner food, sometimes even as most of the meal. [source]
Other than just pure popularity, shrimp does also offer some health benefits, due to its richness in selenium and vitamin B12. [source]
Is shrimp considered a fancy dish?
Shrimp has come to be considered a delicacy, or a generally pretty fancy thing to eat, along with most other seafood.
Seafood became considered such around the 7th century, so the popularity of shrimp with the public is not a new concept. [source]
A shrine for shrimp
Shrimp is one of the most popular meats, or seafood dishes, in the world.
Shrimp is particularly popular in many traditional Chinese dishes and is subsequently popular for consumption in the United States as a bit more of a delicacy than in other parts of the world.
Whatever event intends for the crowd to be served shrimp will be a hit. Since shrimp is so beloved, there are a few specific tactics that will ensure the event is a success, just make sure you remember the main points we have discussed in this article:
- Decide if you want your shrimp pre-peeled or pre-cooked.
- Get more shrimp than you need.
- Present shrimp like the delicacy it is.
- Pair the right things with shrimp.
If your catering services incorporate the above reminders, the crowd is sure to be more than pleased. Shrimp is popular for a reason, and if you allow it to do its job, you will be successful.
FAQs
How Much Shrimp For a Crowd? | Cook For Folks? ›
Figure about 6 – 8 shrimp per person which means 2 pounds of shrimp will serve about 6 – 8 people.
How many pounds of shrimp do I need for 30 people? ›Buying Tips for Shrimp
The rule of thumb when you are buying shrimp is that you should get 1 pound of raw and unpeeled shrimp per person or, if you are buying it cooked and peeled, 1/2 -1/3 pound per person.
The answer largely depends on two factors: how large each piece of shrimp is and how you are using the seafood in your meal. A good rule of thumb is to plan for a quarter-pound per person for an appetizer, or a half-pound for a main course. But, the answer gets a bit more specific when it comes to weighing out shrimp.
How much shrimp do I need for 8 people? ›To ensure that everyone gets their fill, we recommend allowing at least half a pound of shrimp of raw shrimp per person. However, it's always better to plan for ¾ pound per guest just to be safe. Remember that if you're serving 25 people, you'll need about 18-19 pounds of shrimp, which can add up quickly.
How many shrimp per person for shrimp cocktail appetizer? ›We recommend using 16-20 count or larger shrimp for shrimp cocktail. How many shrimps do I need per person for shrimp cocktail? For 16-20 count shrimp plan on each person taking 4-5 pieces each.
How many shrimp is a serving size? ›A: 4 oz. is a standard serving size for protein-based foods; depending on the size grade of your shrimp, this translates to the following approximate shrimp serving sizes: Jumbo (21/25 count per pound): 5-6 shrimp. Large (31/35 count per pound): 8-9 shrimp. Medium (41/50 count per pound): 10-11 shrimp.
How many pounds of shrimp are in a 5 gallon bucket? ›On average a 5-gallon bucket of shrimp will weigh around 35 pounds — so there's plenty of eating at the end of the day.
Is it better to boil or saute shrimp? ›You can cook shrimp on a lower heat for a longer period of time, but for the best result, we like to sear or sauté shrimp on high heat. It gives them the best texture, juicy and tender, without any stringy chewiness.
How much is 1lb of shrimp? ›That means there are between 16 and 20 shrimp per pound.
How many large shrimp is 1lb? ›This means that every pound contains 8 to 12 big, fresh shrimp. In fact, colossal is the largest shrimp size you can find!
How many prawns do I need for 10 adults? ›
Allow about 300g-400g of prawns per person for a main course, as you will lose at least half the weight in shells.
How many large shrimp in 8 oz? ›This number (which is clearly marked on the packaging) represents raw, unfrozen weight, so if your recipe calls for 8 ounces of large shrimp, simply count out 15 shrimp—half of the top of the range.
What is the difference between jumbo shrimp and colossal shrimp? ›Colossal shrimp are designated as “U/15.” This means you're getting less than 15 shrimp per pound. Meanwhile, jumbo shrimp are designated as “21/25, ” which means you're getting between 21-25 shrimp per pound.
How do you serve shrimp at a party? ›Fill a glass bowl or trifle dish about halfway full of ice. Place a small glass bowl in the center for the cocktail sauce and then place sliced lemons on the sides of the larger bowl. What is this? Top off the bowl with more ice and add the shrimp around the top and resting on the sides.
How many jumbo shrimp per person for appetizer? ›For appetizers, allow 2 to 3 (medium or larger) shrimp per person. For entrees, allow 4 oz per adult serving : Medium size & below, 9 to 11 shrimp; large to jumbo, 5 to 7 shrimp; extra jumbo & above, 3 to 5 shrimp. (For small children allow 2 oz per serving.)
How many pounds of shrimp for shrimp cocktail? ›When it comes to shrimp cocktail, the bigger, the better (within reason) is the rule of thumb. I use 16-20 count shrimp. That means that you'll get 16-20 shrimp per pound (also referred to as Jumbo Shrimp).
How many pieces of shrimp is 3 servings? ›Medium shrimp run anywhere from 41 to 60 shrimp per one-pound bag. This is about 10 to 15 shrimp per 3 oz serving and 0.23 oz per shrimp. Large shrimp are about 31 to 40 shrimp per pound making for about 8 or 9 shrimp per serving.
How many shrimp are in a 12 oz bag? ›They come in a 12-oz bag containing 41 to 60 pieces. Enjoying your favorite seafood is easy with these Frozen Cooked Peeled Deveined Tail-On Medium Shrimp.
How many ounces is 15 pieces of shrimp? ›Cooked Shrimp, Medium (3 Oz., 15 Pieces)
How many shrimp cocktails are in a pound? ›| Size (Number of shrimp per pound) | Typical Recipes |
|---|---|
| 26/30 | Peeled, baked/roasted, grilled, shrimp cocktail |
| 31/35 | Pasta, soup, stew, salad, baked/roasted, grilled, shrimp cocktail |
| 41/50 | Pasta, soup, stew, salad |
| 51/60 | Salad, shrimp rolls, paste/filling, popcorn shrimp |
How many gallons do 10 shrimp need? ›
You can have up to 10 dwarf shrimp per 1 gallon of water.
Is 2 gallons enough for shrimp? ›What kind of shrimp? If you are going for dwarf shrimp like RCS, I would be comfortable with around 5 adult shrimp (and countless shrimplets) to a gallon - but it really depends on the shape and the way the tank is set up.
Why add vinegar to shrimp boil? ›Day Dream Kitchen explains that vinegar helps to loosen the attachment between the shell and the meat of the shrimp. They claim it is not 100 % effective, but it does help. Vinegar also helps to add flavor to the shrimp. Live Strong says that adding vinegar enhances the taste of shrimp, and Black Tail NYC agrees.
Do you rinse shrimp before boiling? ›Should I rinse the shrimp? Rinse the shrimp to make sure it is all cleaned off. You can clean shrimp when they're raw or previously cooked. Rinse the shrimp in cold water to remove any loose shell bits or gunk from the inside of the shrimp.
Do you rinse shrimp after boiling? ›- If you plan to serve them cold, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- If you're serving them as part of another dish, consider when you incorporate them.
31-40 Extra Large Cooked Shrimp (2 Lb.)
Are shrimp healthy to eat? ›The short answer to this question is yes! Shrimp is good for you. Shrimp is full of nutrients and supports brain health and thyroid function while also serving as a source of omega-3 fatty acids.
What does 16 20 shrimp mean? ›Shrimp is sold by size and the sizes are expressed in counts per pound. For example, 16/20 means 16 to 20 shrimp per pound. The larger sizes are expressed as U/10 or U/12 which means “under” 10 or 12. Small sizes like coldwater cooked and peeled shrimp will have counts ranging from 150/250 to 250/300.
What size shrimp is best for boiling? ›Amount and Size of Shrimp
For boiled shrimp, choose Large Shrimp, which average out to be 30 or so per pound. They look nice on a platter and they're meaty enough to stand on their own. Buy at least two pounds if you're boiling the shrimp for a meal—and at least four pounds for a party.
Use the largest shrimp you can find. I use under 15 count size whenever possible, but 16/20 and 21/25 sizes both work well too. When you dip the shrimp in the coating, hold them by the tail and shake off any excess as you dip them.
Can dogs eat shrimp? ›
Shrimp are also low in fat, calories, and carbohydrates, which makes them a good choice for dogs on a diet. However, shrimp are high in cholesterol. This means that while an occasional shrimp can be a healthy treat, too many can contribute to unhealthy cholesterol levels.
How many prawns do I need for 12 people? ›Allow approx 300-400g (with shells) per person when buying Banana Prawns for groups of 3 or more. When peeled, you can expect a ratio of about 45% delicious prawn meat to 55% shells and heads. If you have a family member who really loves prawns, or if you are buying for 2, allow 500g (in shell) per person.
How much seafood for 8 adults? ›We recommend 1 lb. of raw fish per person when serving whole fish. We recommend 6-8 ounces raw weight per person when serving fish fillets and steaks. We recommend 8 ounces raw weight per person when serving various seafood items.
Should you rinse prawns? ›It's time to clean and prep! Rinse them thoroughly with cold water in a large bowl or colander. Make sure to give each prawn their moment under the water–rubbing their shell and underbelly. To pull or not to pull (the head) is entirely up to you and how you want to cook them or, as the recipe suggests.
How many large shrimp are in 2 pounds? ›| Common Sizing Term (Varies) | Shrimp Count Per Pound | Approx. Count Per 3 oz Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Large | 31/35 | 8-9 shrimp |
| Medium Large | 36/40 | 9-10 shrimp |
| Medium | 41/50 | 10-12 shrimp |
| Small | 51/60 | 12-15 shrimp |
A very common question people have in regards to tracking their food is: “do I weigh my food raw or cooked?” Truthfully, you can do either, as long as you're consistent with it. I always recommend weighing raw ingredients whenever possible, because it is always going to be the most accurate.
What are large shrimp called? ›Large shrimp are often labeled as prawns, and some shrimp are actually named after prawns (like the short-seasoned Spot Prawn). While true prawns have a slight sweeter taste, most recipes that call for shrimp can use prawns and vice versa. Just make sure you buy shrimp or prawns in the size your recipe calls for.
What size shrimp tastes the best? ›It turns out that bigger is NOT better. the larger the shrimp, the older it is. The older it is, the tougher and more iodine-y the shrimp tastes. Smaller younger shrimp are sweeter and more tender.
What is the sweetest shrimp? ›Pink shrimp are some of the tastiest shrimp you can find, mild and sweet without the distinctive ammonia taste some of the brown and white shrimp have. Just don't expect a vibrantly hued patch of shrimp at the market—pink shrimp can range from white to gray in color.
What is the most common shrimp to eat? ›Perhaps the most readily available of all domestic shrimp, Gulf shrimp bring an earthier flavor than their Atlantic cousins. According to Georgia shrimper Timmy Stubbs, the taste of the shrimp can be attributed to the naturally warmer waters of the Gulf and tides that only rise between two and three feet.
How long can shrimp sit out at a party? ›
First, let's remember that it is important to handle seafood safely to reduce the risk of food borne illness. Cooked shrimp should be left out no more than 2 hours, and not for more than one hour if the outside temperature is above 90 degrees.
How do you keep shrimp cold during a party? ›To help keep it cold, serve shrimp on chilled stainless steel platters or in stainless steel bowls placed over a slightly larger platter or bowl lined with ice. That way the platter transmits the cold and your shrimp stay chilled.
What size shrimp is considered jumbo shrimp? ›| Size of Shrimp | Count per Pound (uncooked) | Approx. Size in Inches (raw) |
|---|---|---|
| Extra jumbo | 16/20 | 3 – 3.5 inches |
| Jumbo | 21/25 | 3 – 3.5 inches |
| Extra large | 26/30 | 2.5 – 3.5 inches |
| Large | 31/40 | 2.5 – 3 inches |
Jumbo Grilled Shrimp Platter
9 Jumbo Grilled Shrimp Skewers with a trio of sauces – Sweet Chili, Sesame-Soy and Cocktail.
Fill a large bowl with cold water. Remove the frozen shrimp from their packaging, and seal them in a zip-top bag. Submerge the bag in the cold water, placing a plate or lid over to ensure it remains fully submerged. Let sit for 20 to 30 minutes, until shrimp are fully thawed.
How many pounds of shrimp to feed 25 adults? ›Buying Tips for Shrimp
The rule of thumb when you are buying shrimp is that you should get 1 pound of raw and unpeeled shrimp per person or, if you are buying it cooked and peeled, 1/2 -1/3 pound per person.
Boiling shrimp is a quick and easy way to cook frozen shrimp, making them perfect for shrimp cocktail or sushi rolls. Bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stove. Add salt, pepper, lemon wedges, Old Bay seasoning, and bay leaves to the water and stir.
How many shrimp are in a pound? ›Shrimp Counts and Sizes – A Correlation
This means that a one-pound bag should have between 21 and 25 shrimp inside.
If your friends are big eaters, you may want to order 4 to 5 pounds per person for your seafood boil party. To use my boil recipe below with crawfish, substitute it for the lobster, mussels and/or clams.
What size is 16 20 shrimp? ›| Size of Shrimp | Count per Pound (uncooked) | Approx. Size in Inches (raw) |
|---|---|---|
| Super colossal | U/12* | 4+ inches |
| Colossal | U/15* | 3.5+ inches |
| Extra jumbo | 16/20 | 3 – 3.5 inches |
| Jumbo | 21/25 | 3 – 3.5 inches |
How many pounds is a pound of shrimp? ›
That means there are between 16 and 20 shrimp per pound. Since bigger shrimp are more expensive, it's important to know you're getting the actual size you're paying for! Different kinds of shrimp such as white shrimp, pink shrimp and rock shrimp are usually available in multiple sizes.
How long does it take to boil 4 pounds of shrimp? ›Small shrimp (more than 50 per pound) will be cooked in 2 to 3 minutes, Medium 41/50 will be cooked in 4-5 minutes. Large (31-35 per pound) shrimp will finish in about 6 to 8 minutes.
How long does it take to boil 2 pounds of shrimp? ›Bring a large pot of water with aromatics, if using, to a boil. (TIP: About 2qt/2L of water is enough for 1-2lbs of shrimp.) Add shrimp and simmer for about 2 minutes, or until shrimp turn opaque and pink. Immediately transfer the cooked shrimp into a bowl of ice water.
How many pounds of crab do I need for 20 people? ›As a rule of thumb, if you have crab lovers we recommend about 1 1/2 pounds per person. If you have some big eaters you might want to go with 2 pounds per person.
How long do you boil 16 to 20 count shrimp? ›Add the shrimp to the boiling water mixture. Cook for exactly 3-1/2 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and opaque. The cooking time is specific for jumbo 16-20 shrimp (“16-20” refers to the number/range of shrimp that size that you'll get in a pound).