Understanding Shrimp Portions
Elegant appetizer for parties. Plan for 6-8 shrimp per person for cocktail shrimp. When planning for a group, the key is knowing that the average adult consumes 6 servings of shrimp.
Factors That Affect Portion Size
- Time of day: Lunch portions are typically 20% smaller than dinner portions.
- Other foods: When serving multiple dishes, reduce shrimp by 25-30%.
- Guest demographics: Teenagers eat more, seniors and young children eat less.
- Event type: Casual events see more eating; formal events see less.
- Duration: Longer events need more food as people graze over time.
The Formula
To calculate shrimp for any group:
Number of Guests × 6 = Total Servings
Pro Tips for Shrimp
- Buy 21-25 count shrimp (per pound) for appetizers
- Keep on ice until serving
- Thaw frozen shrimp in cold water 20-30 minutes
- Offer cocktail sauce and lemon wedges
- Pre-peeled and deveined saves time
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't assume everyone eats the same amount—always add a 10-15% buffer
- Don't forget about dietary restrictions—have alternatives ready
- Don't order last minute for large groups—plan ahead for best selection
- Don't underestimate hungry crowds—when in doubt, order more