It can be tough to figure out how much shrimp per person to buy for a party, but with a little planning you can make sure everyone has enough. This guide will help you determine the right amount of shrimp for your event, so you can enjoy your celebration without worrying about food shortages.
Contents
- 1 Nutrition information of shrimp
- 2 The health benefits of eating shrimp
- 3 Is shrimp the only thing you’ll be serving at the party?
- 4 Considering shrimp size and variety
- 5 Shrimp serving sizes
- 6 How much shrimp per person?
- 7 Tips for managing costs while selecting the right quantity of shrimp per person
- 8 Strategies for buying in bulk to save money when preparing large meals
- 9 What dishes can you make with shrimp?
- 10 How to store and enjoy shrimp?
- 11 Shrimp boil recipe
- 12 Notes
- 13 Conclusion: How much shrimp per person?
- 14 FAQ Shrimp per person
- 14.1 How many people will 1lb shrimp feed?
- 14.2 How many pounds of shrimp do I need for a party of 30?
- 14.3 I’m having a party of 50 people, how much shrimp should I buy?
- 14.4 My party is 100 people, how much shrimp should I buy?
- 14.5 How many shrimps do I need to feed 10 people?
- 14.6 I’m having a party of 20 people, how much shrimp should I buy?
- 14.7 How much shrimp do you need to fry per person?
- 14.8 How much shrimp do I need for 15 people?
- 14.9 How much does 1 pound of shrimp feed?
- 14.10 How much raw shrimp per person?
- 14.11 How many shrimp per person for cocktail party?
- 14.12 How much boiled shrimp per person?
- 14.13 How much shrimp per person for appetizer?
- 14.14 How much grilled shrimp per person?
- 14.15 How many jumbo shrimp per person?
- 14.16 How many large shrimp per person?
- 14.17 How much shrimp per person in pasta?
Nutrition information of shrimp
Nutrition information of shrimp per ounce including calories, fat, carbs and protein is available on most websites. And that’s how much shrimp per person to buy for a party. With the right planning, you can ensure that everyone at your event has enough to eat.
The health benefits of eating shrimp
The health benefits of eating shrimp are numerous. Shrimp is low in calories and fat, and contains high levels of protein, vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids. It is also a good source of cholesterol-lowering benefits. And because shrimp is low in mercury, it can be eaten more often than other fish.

Is shrimp the only thing you’ll be serving at the party?
If so, plan on about 8-10 ounces of shrimp per person. This should be enough to provide a substantial portion for each guest. Of course, if you’re also serving other proteins like chicken or beef, then you can cut back on the amount of shrimp and still provide plenty of food.
If you’re serving a variety of appetizers or side dishes alongside the shrimp, then plan on about 6 ounces per person. This should be plenty to round out a meal and keep everyone satisfied. Of course, if your guests are big eaters or you want to be sure that there’s enough for seconds, then it’s better to plan on 8-10 ounces per person.
Finally, if you’re simply using shrimp as a garnish or for a cold dip, then plan on about 2-4 ounces per person. This should be enough to provide everyone with just enough of the flavor without overdoing it.
Considering shrimp size and variety
One pound of large shrimp (16 to 20 count) yields about 12 pieces. jumbo shrimp (11 to 15 count) come 8 to 10 per pound, while medium shrimp (21 to 30 count) give you around 24. So how many do you need? It really depends on the other dishes you’re serving, as well as your guests’ appetites.
A good rule of thumb is to count on each person eating about 4 ounces of shrimp, or about 12 pieces. That way, you’ll have plenty for everyone, with some leftovers to boot. Of course, if you’re serving a lot of other dishes or your guests are big eaters, you may want to up that number to 6 ounces per person, or 18 pieces.
Another thing to keep in mind is the size and variety of shrimp you’re serving. If you’re planning on grilling jumbo shrimp skewers as your main dish, you’ll want to plan on at least 2 per person. But if you’re just serving cocktail shrimp as an appetizer, 1/2 pound (or about 24 pieces) per person should be plenty.
In general, it’s always better to have too much shrimp than not enough. Shrimp are relatively inexpensive, so it’s not a big deal if you end up with a few extra pounds. And who doesn’t love leftovers?
So, the next time you’re wondering how many shrimps to buy, just remember: a good rule of thumb is 4 ounces (or 12 pieces) per person, but you may want to adjust that based on the other dishes you’re serving and your guests’ appetites.
Shrimp serving sizes
-4 ounces (or 12 pieces) per person
-6 ounces (or 18 pieces) per person
-1/2 pound (or about 24 pieces) per person
When in doubt, it’s always better to have too much shrimp than not enough. Shrimp are relatively inexpensive, so it’s not a big deal if you end up with a few extra pounds. And who doesn’t love leftovers? So, the next time you’re wondering how many shrimps to buy, just remember: a good rule of thumb is 4 ounces (or 12 pieces) per person, but you may want to adjust that based on the other dishes you’re serving and your guests’ appetites.

How much shrimp per person?
-1 pound of large shrimp (16 to 20 count) yields about 12 pieces.
-1 pound of jumbo shrimp (11 to 15 count) yields 8 to 10 pieces.
-1 pound of medium shrimp (21 to 30 count) yields 24 pieces.
A good rule of thumb is to count on each person eating about 4 ounces of shrimp, or about 12 pieces. That way, you’ll have plenty for everyone, with some leftovers to boot. Of course, if you’re serving a lot of other dishes or your guests are big eaters, you may want to up that number to 6 ounces per person, or 18 pieces.
Another thing to keep in mind is the size and variety of shrimp you’re serving. If you’re planning on grilling jumbo shrimp skewers as your main dish, you’ll want to plan on at least 2 per person. But if you’re just serving cocktail shrimp as an appetizer, 1/2 pound (or about 24 pieces) per person should be plenty.
In general, it’s always better to have too much shrimp than not enough. Shrimp are relatively inexpensive, so it’s not a big deal if you end up with a few extra pounds. And who doesn’t love leftovers? So, the next time you’re wondering how many shrimps to buy, just remember: a good rule of thumb is 4 ounces (or 12 pieces) per person, but you may want to adjust that based on the other dishes you’re serving and your guests’ appetites.
Tips for managing costs while selecting the right quantity of shrimp per person
When shopping for shrimp, take into account not only the quantity per person but also the cost. Prawns tend to be more expensive than other types of seafood and can quickly add up when buying for larger groups. When deciding how much shrimp per person to buy, it’s worth considering alternative cuts like peeled and deveined shrimp that can help keep costs down. Additionally, consider bulk purchases or family-sized packages that can save you money when hosting a large gathering.
Strategies for buying in bulk to save money when preparing large meals
When shopping for larger groups, it’s a good idea to purchase shrimp in bulk. This can help reduce costs and minimize waste as you won’t be stuck with extra product that you don’t need. Bulk purchases also make it easier to track how much shrimp per person you have on hand. You should also take into account the weight of the shells when selecting your shipment. Generally, 1-1.5 lbs of shrimp per person is the safe minimum for a meal, and 3-4 lbs is the maximum if serving as an appetizer.
If you’re looking to save even more money, consider buying frozen shrimp for your party. Frozen seafood can last up to six months in the freezer and cuts down on go-to-waste product. Plus, frozen shrimp is often cheaper than buying fresh. Just be sure to thaw the seafood overnight before using it in a dish.
What dishes can you make with shrimp?
Besides understanding the question of how much shrimp per person, knowing What dishes can you make with shrimp is also important. Shrimp can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from salads and soups to stir-fries and pasta. You can even turn it into tacos or wraps for a light lunch. Example:
– Salads: Shrimp and Avocado Salad, Cilantro Lime Shrimp Salad
– Soups: Creamy Coconut Curry Shrimp Soup, Spicy Thai Tom Yum Soup
– Stir-fries: Kung Pao Shrimp, Orange Ginger Shrimp
– Pasta dishes: Spaghetti with Garlic Butter Shrimps, Linguine with Shrimp and Asparagus
– Tacos/wraps: Grilled Shrimp Tacos, Tandoori Spice Shrimp Wraps
How to store and enjoy shrimp?
When stored properly, cooked and raw shrimp can last up to three days in the refrigerator. To store shrimps, wrap them tightly in an airtight container or plastic bag and place them in the coldest part of the refrigerator (not on top of a warm shelf).
If you are planning to freeze your shrimp, make sure you wrap them tightly in a freezer-safe container or plastic bag before putting them in the freezer.
To enjoy shrimp, you can either cook it yourself or buy pre-cooked shrimp from the store. Try serving your cooked shrimps with lime wedges and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an added flavor boost. For easier preparation, consider buying frozen shrimp and defrosting it in cold water before cooking.

Shrimp boil recipe
-1/2 to 1 pound shrimp per person
-1/2 cup Old Bay seasoning
-1/4 cup salt
-1/4 cup sugar
-2 tablespoons cajon seasoning
-1 tablespoon black pepper
-1 tablespoon garlic powder
-1 tablespoon onion powder
-1 tablespoon dried oregano
-1 tablespoon dried thyme
-8 quarts water
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add all of the spices. Stir well to combine. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they’re pink and opaque. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
-If you’re making a shrimp boil for a large crowd, you’ll want to figure on 1/2 to 1 pound of shrimp per person.
-To save time, you can make the spice mix in advance and store it in an airtight container. Just add it to the pot when you’re ready to cook.
-Leftover shrimp can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Conclusion: How much shrimp per person?
To sum it up, how much shrimp per person you’ll need to buy for your party depends on a few factors, including how many other dishes you’re serving and how big your guests’ appetites are. A good rule of thumb is 1/2 pound per person, but you may want to adjust that based on the other dishes you’re serving and your guests’ appetites. As always, it’s better to have too much than too little, so err on the side of caution when planning how many pounds of shrimp to buy.
FAQ Shrimp per person
How many people will 1lb shrimp feed?
One pound of shrimp will generally feed 2-3 people as an appetizer, or 1-2 people as a main dish. But it really depends on how many other dishes you’re serving and how big your guests’ appetites are.
How many pounds of shrimp do I need for a party of 30?
If you’re planning on serving shrimp as a main dish, you’ll need 30 pounds of shrimp. But if you’re just serving them as an appetizer, 7.5 pounds should be plenty. Again, it all depends on how many other dishes you’re serving and how big your guests’ appetites are.
I’m having a party of 50 people, how much shrimp should I buy?
If you’re planning on serving shrimp as a main dish, you’ll need 50 pounds of shrimp. But if you’re just serving them as an appetizer, 12.5 pounds should be plenty. Again, it all depends on how many other dishes you’re serving and how big your guests’ appetites are.
My party is 100 people, how much shrimp should I buy?
If you’re planning on serving shrimp as a main dish, you’ll need 100 pounds of shrimp. But if you’re just serving them as an appetizer, 25 pounds should be plenty. Again, it all depends on how many other dishes you’re serving and how big your guests’ appetites are.
How many shrimps do I need to feed 10 people?
If you’re planning on serving shrimp as a main dish, you’ll need 10 pounds of shrimp. But if you’re just serving them as an appetizer, 2.5 pounds should be plenty. Again, it all depends on how many other dishes you’re serving and how big your guests’ appetites are.
I’m having a party of 20 people, how much shrimp should I buy?
If you’re planning on serving shrimp as a main dish, you’ll need 20 pounds of shrimp. But if you’re just serving them as an appetizer, 5 pounds should be plenty. Again, it all depends on how many other dishes you’re serving and how big your guests’ appetites are.
How much shrimp do you need to fry per person?
As a general rule, you’ll need about 1/4 pound of shrimp per person. But it really depends on how many other dishes you’re serving and how big your guests’ appetites are.
How much shrimp do I need for 15 people?
If you’re planning on serving shrimp as a main dish, you’ll need 15 pounds of shrimp. But if you’re just serving them as an appetizer, 3.75 pounds should be plenty. Again, it all depends on how many other dishes you’re serving and how big your guests’ appetites are.
How much does 1 pound of shrimp feed?
One pound of shrimp will generally feed 2-3 people as an appetizer, or 1-2 people as a main dish. But it really depends on how many other dishes you’re serving and how big your guests’ appetites are.
How much raw shrimp per person?
When purchasing shrimp, the general guideline is to allow for one pound of raw, unpeeled shrimp per person. If opting for cooked and peeled shrimp, allocate 1/2 to 1/3 pound per person.
How many shrimp per person for cocktail party?
For a well-rounded meal with other appetizers and sides, consider serving 3 shrimp per person in a shrimp cocktail. However, if the shrimp cocktail is the main appetizer, opt for 5-6 shrimp per person.
How much boiled shrimp per person?
When it comes to boiled shrimp, allow for ½ to 1 pound of shell-on shrimp per person. The specific amount required will depend on factors such as whether you plan to serve sides like corn, potatoes, sausage, etc. Additionally, take into consideration the appetite level of your guests.
How much shrimp per person for appetizer?
Calculating the number of shrimp needed for your appetizer servings is essential. For optimum serving size, aim for 2 to 3 medium or larger shrimp per person. However, if there are no other appetizers available, it’s advisable to provide even more shrimp per person.
How much grilled shrimp per person?
When purchasing shrimp, remember this basic guideline: aim for 1 pound of raw, unpeeled shrimp per person, or 1/2 – 1/3 pound of cooked, peeled shrimp per person. Keep in mind that the number of shrimp per pound will depend on the size of the shrimp.
How many jumbo shrimp per person?
For a jumbo or larger shrimp, allocate approximately 2 to 5 shrimp per person. If you have large to extra large shrimp, plan for about 6 to 8 shrimp per person. For medium and smaller shrimp, aim for 10 to 12 shrimp per person.
How many large shrimp per person?
When boiling shell-on shrimp, you typically need 1 pound per person. Here are the approximate serving sizes for cooked, peeled shrimp:
Jumbo and above: about 2 to 5 shrimp per person.
Large to extra large: about 6 to 8 shrimp per person.
How much shrimp per person in pasta?
For a carb-free option, aim to serve approximately 5 ounces of shrimp per person. However, if you pair it with rice or pasta, a serving size of 3 ounces of shrimp is sufficient.
Victor Curtis is the CEO of Our Mission, a company that provides fresh, nutritious, and delicious food to inspire a healthier community. Victor’s commitment to healthy living led him to found Our Mission in order to provide vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and healthy chicken and turkey items.
I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your blogs really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back later. Many thanks
You really make it appear really easy together with your presentation however I find this topic to be really something that I believe I’d never understand. It sort of feels too complex and extremely broad for me. I’m having a look forward to your next publish, I will attempt to get the dangle of it!
You have remarked very interesting points! ps decent internet site.
hi!,I like your writing so much! share we be in contact extra about your
article on AOL? I require a specialist on this house to
solve my problem. Maybe that’s you! Looking forward to see you.