How Much Shrimp Per Person for a Cocktail Party? A Guide to Shrimp Portions and Serving Sizes

Shrimp cocktail is a classic appetizer for any cocktail party or special occasion Their versatility also makes shrimp perfect for passed hors d’oeuvres, shrimp skewers, shrimp salads, and more. But determining how much shrimp to buy and how to portion it out can be a challenge when planning for a group

This guide will walk through everything you need to know about buying, preparing and serving shrimp for a cocktail party, including

• Recommended shrimp portions per person
• Shrimp sizes, counts, and purchasing tips
• Calculating total shrimp needed for your guest count
• Serving suggestions for cocktail parties and events

Follow these tips to ensure you have the right shrimp count, quantity, and presentations to delight your guests.

Recommended Shrimp Portions Per Person

When served as an appetizer at a cocktail party, the general recommendation is 2-4 medium or large shrimp per person Jumbo shrimp may only require 1-2 pieces. These are guidelines for a single passed appetizer hour when shrimp is one of several options

If shrimp cocktail is the primary or only appetizer, plan for up to 6-8 small shrimp per person or 4-5 medium shrimp. And if using shrimp for hors d’oeuvres, skewers, and salads, have 10 or more small shrimp pieces available per guest.

Finally, consider dietary restrictions. Opt for more shrimp per person if you know guests want low-carb, keto, or gluten free options.

Understanding Shrimp Sizes and Count Per Pound

Shrimp are typically categorized by “count per pound”, which is the number of individual shrimp in each pound. Common sizing:

• Colossal – Under 12 per pound
• Extra Jumbo – 16 to 20 per pound
• Jumbo – 21 to 25 per pound
• Extra Large – 26 to 30 per pound
• Large – 31 to 35 per pound
• Medium – 36 to 50 per pound
• Small – 51 to 60 per pound

The higher the count, the smaller the shrimp size. Check labeling for exact count to determine shrimp dimensions.

Calculating Total Shrimp Needed

Once you know your headcount and desired portions, determine the total quantity needed:

• 40 guests
• 4 medium shrimp per person
• 40 guests x 4 shrimp each = 160 medium shrimp

Or for passed hors d’oeuvres with small shrimp:

• 50 guests
• 8 small shrimp per person
• 50 guests x 8 shrimp each = 400 small shrimp

Buy more than you think you’ll need, as extra shrimp makes tasty leftovers. Uncooked shrimp keeps 3-6 months frozen.

Purchasing Tips for Shrimp

• Buy raw, shell on shrimp and peel/devein yourself to save money
• Allow 1 lb of unpeeled shrimp per person, or 0.5 lb per person if peeled
• Size shrimp based on serving style: cocktails/skewers (colossal to large), passed apps (medium to small)
• Have cocktail sauce, lemon wedges, and spices for seasoning

Serving Suggestions for Cocktail Parties

Take your shrimp appetizer presentation up a notch with these party-ready ideas:

Ice Ring Display

Freeze peeled shrimp in an ice ring mold for a colorful centerpiece. Provide small plates and cocktail sauce for easy grab-and-go eating.

Passed Hors d’Oeuvres

Skewer one large peeled shrimp with vegetables, fruit, or cheese cubes and pass on trays for elegant bite-sized apps.

Self-Service Station

Set up a shrimp cocktail bar with mixed sizes and accompaniments like cocktail sauce, lemons, avocado dip, or mango salsa.

Salad Shrimp

Toss cooked chilled shrimp on a fresh garden salad or avocado salad served in Chinese takeout boxes or mini mason jars.

Shooters

Layer large shrimp with cocktail sauce and lemon juice in shot glasses for one-bite shrimp “shooters”.

Shrimp Ceviche

Marinate raw shrimp in citrus juice and spices for a tangy ceviche served with tortilla chips.

Key Tips for Serving Shrimp

• Chill peeled shrimp before serving either on ice or refrigerated
• Peel, rinse, and pat dry shrimp right before serving for best texture
• Soak in salted ice water 30 minutes to overnight to plump if needed
• Arrange creatively on platters, in glasses or bowls, or on tiered serving trays

Take the guesswork out of how much shrimp per person you need for your next cocktail party. Follow these shrimp buying and serving tips to treat your guests to the perfect shrimp appetizers.