Are you a seafood lover who can’t resist a plate of succulent shrimp?
Do you find yourself wondering how many ounces of shrimp are in a serving?
You’re not alone! The weight of shrimp can vary greatly, and the number of shrimp in a serving can depend on their size and weight.
In this article, we’ll break down the different sizes of shrimp and how many you can expect in a serving.
Whether you’re planning a seafood feast or just curious about your favorite dish, read on to learn more about how many ounces are in 12 shrimp.
How Many Ounces Is 12 Shrimp?
The answer to how many ounces are in 12 shrimp depends on the size of the shrimp. Shrimp are sold by count, which indicates how many shrimp equal one pound in weight.
For example, jumbo shrimp may be 16 count, meaning each weighs one ounce. Large shrimp are usually 31/40 count, which means 31 to 40 shrimp make up one pound. This means there are around two or three shrimp per ounce in weight, which would mean six to nine shrimp in a three-ounce serving.
If you’re using really tiny shrimp (71+ per pound), you’re better off measuring mini shrimp by the cup or ounce than by counting. A typical serving of shrimp is three ounces. This can be 12 to 20 small shrimp per person, depending on the size.
So, if you have jumbo shrimp, 12 shrimp would weigh approximately 12 ounces. If you have large shrimp, 12 shrimp would weigh approximately four to six ounces. If you have small shrimp, 12 shrimp would weigh approximately two to three ounces.
Understanding Shrimp Sizes
Shrimp come in a variety of sizes, which are indicated by the count per pound. The lower the number, the larger the shrimp. For example, colossal shrimp are U-8/12, which means that there are 8 to 12 big, fresh shrimp per pound. Jumbo shrimp are typically 16 to 20 shrimp per pound (U-16/20), while large shrimp are usually 31/40 count.
Medium shrimp can range from 41 to 60 shrimp per pound, and small shrimp can be as many as 71+ per pound. It’s important to note that the size designation is not standard across all stores or vendors. One store’s “large” may be another store’s “jumbo.” It’s best to shop according to count and calculate how many shrimp you’ll need per person.
When it comes to serving sizes, a typical serving of shrimp is three ounces. Colossal shrimp may have only one to four per serving, while jumbo shrimp can have five to six per serving. Large shrimp typically have seven to nine per serving, and medium shrimp can have up to 12 per serving. Small shrimp can have anywhere from 12 to 20 per serving, depending on their size.
How Many Shrimp Are In A Serving?
The number of shrimp in a serving depends on the size of the shrimp. As per the American Heart Association, a serving of fish or seafood is about 3 ounces, but that can vary depending on appetite and whether you are feeding young children. For medium and smaller sized shrimp, a serving size is about 9 to 11 shrimp per person. For larger sized shrimp, such as jumbo and above, a serving size is about 3 to 5 shrimp per person. For large to extra-large sized shrimp, a serving size is about 6 to 8 shrimp per person.
To determine the number of shrimp in a serving, it is important to know the size count of the shrimp. Jumbo shrimp may be 16 count, meaning each weighs one ounce. Large shrimp are usually 31/40 count, which means 31 to 40 shrimp make up one pound. This means there are around two or three shrimp per ounce in weight, which would mean six to nine shrimp in a three-ounce serving.
Calculating The Weight Of 12 Shrimp
To calculate the weight of 12 shrimp, you’ll need to know the count per pound of the shrimp you have. For example, if you have jumbo shrimp that are 16 count, meaning there are 16 shrimp per pound, each shrimp would weigh approximately one ounce. Therefore, 12 jumbo shrimp would weigh approximately 12 ounces.
If you have large shrimp that are 31/40 count, meaning there are between 31 to 40 shrimp per pound, each shrimp would weigh around two to three ounces. Therefore, 12 large shrimp would weigh approximately four to six ounces.
For small shrimp that are 71+ count per pound, it’s best to measure them by weight or volume rather than by counting. A typical serving of shrimp is three ounces, which can be around 12 to 20 small shrimp per person depending on the size. Therefore, 12 small shrimp would weigh approximately two to three ounces.
It’s important to note that the size designation of shrimp can vary between stores and vendors, so it’s always best to shop according to count rather than size. This will ensure that you have enough shrimp for your recipe and avoid overcooking or undercooking them.
Tips For Cooking And Serving Shrimp
When it comes to cooking and serving shrimp, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some tips to ensure that your shrimp dishes turn out perfectly:
1. Choose fresh shrimp: Look for firm, juicy shrimp with translucent, moist shells and without black spots (unless you are purchasing black tiger shrimp). Be sure the shrimp have a fresh, sea-like scent. An ammonia odor indicates spoilage. Avoid shrimp with yellowish shells or dry spots, which could indicate freezer burn.
2. Determine the right amount: As mentioned earlier, the number of shrimp per pound increases as their size decreases. For instance, 16 out of 20 shrimp are considered extra-jumbo, meaning there are 16 to 20 shrimp per pound. With medium shrimp, you’ll get 41 to 50 shrimp per pound. See our guide to shrimp sizes above so you know the shrimp count per pound.
3. Calculate serving sizes: The FDA lists the serving size for cooked seafood, including shrimp, as 3 ounces. However, the number of shrimp in a serving can vary depending on their size. As a general rule of thumb, plan on serving 12 to 20 small shrimp per person or six to nine large or jumbo shrimp.
4. Cook properly: Shrimp can be boiled, grilled, sautéed, or baked depending on your preference. Be sure not to overcook them as they can become rubbery and tough. Cook them until they turn pink and are just firm to the touch.
5. Pair with complementary flavors: Shrimp pairs well with a variety of flavors such as garlic, lemon, butter, and herbs like parsley and cilantro. Consider serving them with pasta, rice, or in a salad for a delicious meal.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your shrimp dishes turn out perfectly every time.
Nutritional Benefits Of Shrimp
Shrimp is not only a delicious seafood option, but it also offers several nutritional benefits. Shrimp is low in calories and carbohydrates, making it an ideal choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. On average, a 3.5-ounce serving of steamed or boiled shrimp contains only 91 calories and 1.16 grams of carbohydrates.
Shrimp is also an excellent source of protein, with a 3.5-ounce serving containing 17.4 grams of protein. This makes shrimp a great option for those looking to increase their protein intake without consuming high amounts of fat or calories.
In addition to protein, shrimp is rich in vitamins and minerals. Shrimp is an especially good source of selenium, a mineral that is essential for proper thyroid function, fertility, and infection and inflammation prevention. A 3.5-ounce serving of shrimp contains 69% of the recommended daily value (DV) of selenium.
Shrimp also contains vitamin B12, phosphorus, zinc, and magnesium in significant amounts. Vitamin B12 is essential for proper nerve function and the production of red blood cells. Phosphorus is necessary for healthy bones and teeth, while zinc is important for immune system function and wound healing. Magnesium is essential for proper muscle and nerve function.
Furthermore, shrimp contains small amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and iodine, which are both important for overall health.