How Many Cooked Shrimp are in 7 Ounces?

Shrimp are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. If you love shrimp, you may have wondered just how many cooked shrimp are in a 7 oz portion. When shopping for and preparing shrimp, it’s helpful to understand shrimp sizes, counts per pound, and how to estimate portions properly. In this article, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of exactly how many cooked shrimp make up 7 oz, along with tips for cooking and enjoying shrimp.

Understanding Shrimp Sizes

Shrimp are categorized by size. with common classifications including

• Colossal – Under 10 per pound
• Jumbo – Under 15 per pound
• Extra Large – 16 to 20 per pound
• Large – 21 to 25 per pound
• Medium – 26 to 30 per pound
• Small – Over 30 per pound

The larger the shrimp the fewer needed to make up a pound. Jumbo shrimp may contain 12 or less per pound, while small shrimp can have 40 or more.

Shrimp sold at grocery stores are often large or extra large size. On average, a medium shrimp is approximately 1 oz after cooking. Jumbo shrimp can weigh about 1.5 oz each when cooked.

Shrimp Counts Per Pound

Here are the typical shrimp counts per pound based on size:

• Colossal: 5 to 8 per pound
• Jumbo: 9 to 12 per pound
• Extra Large: 13 to 15 per pound
• Large: 16 to 20 per pound
• Medium: 21 to 30 per pound
• Small: 31 to 35 per pound

Shrimp are sold fresh or frozen either with shells on peeled but tails on, or peeled and deveined. Shells and tails make up about 1/3 of the weight.

Estimating Cooked Shrimp per 7 oz

For example, if the shrimp you purchased are extra large size:

• 1 extra large shrimp with shell is approximately 0.6 oz
• It loses about 1/3 its weight when cooked and peeled
• So 1 cooked, peeled extra large shrimp is around 0.4 oz
• For a 7 oz portion:
  • 7 oz equals about 17 to 18 extra large shrimp when cooked and peeled

If the shrimp are large size:

• 1 large raw shrimp is roughly 0.5 oz
• It loses 1/3 its weight when cooked and peeled
• 1 cooked, peeled large shrimp is approx 0.33 oz
• For a 7 oz portion:
  • 7 oz equals about 21 to 22 large cooked, peeled shrimp

For medium shrimp:

• 1 medium raw shrimp weighs around 0.4 oz with shell
• It loses 1/3 its weight when cooked and peeled
• 1 cooked, peeled medium shrimp is approx 0.27 oz
• For a 7 oz portion:
  • 7 oz equals about 26 to 27 medium cooked, peeled shrimp

Actual counts can vary slightly based on shrimp sizes. But generally, 7 oz of cooked, peeled shrimp provides 15 to 27 individual shrimp depending on size.

Cooking Shrimp

To ensure tender shrimp, follow these approximate cooking times:

• Colossal: 4 minutes
• Jumbo: 3 minutes
• Extra Large: 3 minutes
• Large: 2-3 minutes
• Medium: 2 minutes
• Small: 1-2 minutes

Cook just until the flesh becomes opaque white throughout. Avoid overcooking or shrimp can become rubbery.

Steaming, sautéing, grilling or baking are healthy cooking methods. Deep frying adds excess calories and fat.

Storing Shrimp

Follow these guidelines for best quality and food safety:

• Store raw shrimp in packaging or a sealed container in the coldest part of the fridge at 35-40°F.
• Use raw shrimp within 2 days of purchase.
• Freeze if not using within 2 days, for up to 3 months.
• Thaw frozen shrimp in the fridge, not at room temperature.
• Cooked shrimp lasts 3-4 days in the fridge.
• Discard any shrimp with an unpleasant odor. Look for a mild briny or ocean smell.

Health Benefits of Shrimp

Shrimp offer great nutrition in a low-calorie protein package. Benefits include:

• High in lean protein – 24g per 3.5 oz
• Low in fat and calories – under 130 calories for 7 oz
• Provides omega-3 fatty acids
• Excellent source of selenium and vitamin B12
• Supplies iodine, zinc, copper and iron

Enjoy shrimp in moderation as part of a healthy diet. Shrimp is high in cholesterol at 166mg per 3.5 oz.

Healthy Ways to Eat Shrimp

Enjoy more shrimp with these nutritious recipes:

• Shrimp salad wraps with avocado
• Shrimp tacos with mango salsa
• Garlic butter shrimp with whole wheat pasta
• Citrus grilled shrimp skewers
• Coconut curry shrimp with cauliflower rice
• Crispy baked or air fried shrimp
• Shrimp fajitas with veggies
• Shrimp rolls with fresh herbs

Flavor shrimp with citrus, garlic, herbs and spices instead of heavy sauces. Pair with plenty of vegetables and whole grains.

• Extra large: Around 17 to 18 shrimp
• Large: Approximately 21 to 22 shrimp
• Medium: Roughly 26 to 27 shrimp

The exact count can vary slightly based on shrimp size. Properly store and cook shrimp to an internal temperature of 145°F for food safety. Enjoy shrimp in moderation as part of a balanced diet. With its impressive nutrition, shrimp makes a tasty and healthy addition to many meals.