Although “hors doeuvres” is the French term for appetizer, they arent exactly the same thing. Encore Catering says that both are served before a meal to get people’s taste buds ready, but appetizer recipes usually mark the start of the meal, while hors d’oeuvres are just small snacks that people eat before the meal starts. Hors doeuvres are usually smaller, sharable, and hand-eaten as well as useful for passing around while making conversation.
Homebody Eats says that hors d’oeuvres should be tasty but not filling, go well with each other but not be the same thing over and over, and be presented nicely on a platter or similar dish. Seafood, including cold or hot shrimp, is normally accepted as an hors doeuvre. According to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the New York City-based Cookshop restaurant is known for a seafood-based tasting platter. This finger-food dish includes swordfish meatballs, caramelized sea bass, and spicy shrimp with avocado canapé.
If you’re making your own platter with shrimp, it might be hard to figure out how much to serve. But when you get the hang of it, youll realize its not so confusing after all.
Shrimp cocktail is a classic appetizer that’s perfect for any cocktail party or special occasion. The versatility of shrimp also makes it ideal for passed hors d’oeuvres, shrimp skewers, shrimp salads and more. But determining the right shrimp portions and how much to buy for a group can be tricky when planning an event.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about purchasing, preparing and serving shrimp for a cocktail party including
- Recommended shrimp portions per person
- Shrimp sizes, counts, and buying tips
- Calculating the total shrimp amount needed
- Serving suggestions for optimal presentations
Follow these tips to ensure you buy the perfect shrimp count and quantity to delight your guests.
Recommended Shrimp Portions Per Person
For a cocktail party where shrimp is one appetizer option plan for 2-3 medium or large shrimp per person. Jumbo shrimp may only need 1-2 pieces. This accounts for a single passed appetizer hour.
If serving shrimp cocktail as the primary or sole appetizer, allow 4-5 medium or 6-8 small shrimp per person.
For hors d’oeuvres using shrimp in skewers, shooters, salads etc., have at least 10 small shrimp pieces available per guest.
Finally, consider dietary needs. Get more shrimp for low-carb, keto, or gluten-free guests.
Shrimp Sizes and Count Per Pound
Shrimp are categorized by “count per pound” – the number of 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
Higher counts mean smaller shrimp. Check labeling for exact count to determine size.
Calculating Total Shrimp Quantity Needed
Once you know your headcount and portions per person, calculate total needed:
40 guests
4 medium shrimp each
40 x 4 = 160 medium shrimp
For passed apps with small shrimp:
50 guests
8 small shrimp each
50 x 8 = 400 small shrimp
Buy extra – leftover shrimp makes great snacks!
Shrimp Buying Tips
- Buy raw, shell-on shrimp and peel yourself to save money
- Allow 0.5 lb per person if peeled, 1 lb if unpeeled
- Size shrimp based on use: cocktails/skewers = jumbo to large, apps = medium to small
- Have cocktail sauce, lemons, spices for seasoning
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your shrimp appetizer presentation with these party-ready ideas:
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Ice Ring Display: Freeze peeled shrimp in a mold for a colorful centerpiece. Offer cocktail sauce for grab-and-go eating.
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Passed Hors d’Oeuvres: Skewer one large peeled shrimp with veggies or fruit and pass on trays for elegant bite-sized apps.
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Self-Service Station: Offer a DIY shrimp cocktail bar with sauces, lemons, dips.
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Salads: Toss cooked chilled shrimp on fresh garden or avocado salads served in takeout boxes or mason jars.
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Shooters: Layer large shrimp with sauce and lemon in shot glasses for one-bite “shooters”.
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Shrimp Ceviche: Marinate raw shrimp in citrus and spices for a tangy ceviche with tortilla chips.
Key Tips for Serving Shrimp
- Chill peeled shrimp on ice or refrigerated before serving
- Peel, rinse, and pat dry shrimp right before serving for best texture
- Soak in salted ice water to plump if needed
- Arrange creatively on platters, in glasses/bowls, or on tiered trays
Take the guesswork out of how much shrimp per person with this detailed buying and serving guide. Follow these tips to treat your cocktail party guests to perfect shrimp appetizers.
BEST SHRIMP COCKTAIL for the holidays (don’t buy it from the store)
FAQ
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