How Many Pounds of Shrimp for 12 People? A Guide to Shrimp Feasting
Planning a shrimp boil, a delightful shrimp scampi, or a simple shrimp cocktail for 12 people? Figuring out the right amount of shrimp is crucial to avoid running short or having too much leftover. The answer isn't a single number, as it depends on several factors, but this guide will help you calculate the perfect amount.
Understanding the Variables:
Several factors influence the amount of shrimp you need:
- Appetite of your guests: Are you serving the shrimp as a main course, an appetizer, or a side dish? People with larger appetites will naturally consume more.
- Size of the shrimp: Shrimp is sold by the count per pound. Larger shrimp (e.g., jumbo or colossal) will yield fewer shrimp per pound, meaning you'll need more pounds to feed the same number of people compared to smaller shrimp (e.g., medium or small).
- Other dishes served: Are you serving other substantial dishes alongside the shrimp? If so, you can reduce the amount of shrimp per person.
- Waste factor: Account for some potential waste, particularly if serving cooked shrimp that may have shells or tails removed.
General Guidelines:
As a general rule of thumb, plan for 1-1.5 pounds of shrimp per person if shrimp is the main course. If serving it as an appetizer or alongside other dishes, you can reduce this to 0.5-1 pound per person.
Let's break it down based on how you plan to serve the shrimp:
How much shrimp per person for a main course?
If shrimp is the star of the show, plan on a generous portion. For a main course, 1-1.5 pounds of shrimp per person is a safe bet. This ensures everyone gets a satisfying helping. For 12 people, this translates to 12-18 pounds of shrimp.
How much shrimp per person as an appetizer?
If shrimp is an appetizer, a smaller portion is suitable. 0.5-1 pound of shrimp per person should suffice. For 12 people, this would be 6-12 pounds of shrimp.
What size shrimp should I buy?
This is important! The size is usually denoted as the number of shrimp per pound. For example, "16/20 count" means there are 16-20 shrimp per pound. Larger counts (like 41/50) mean smaller shrimp, while smaller counts (like 16/20 or larger) mean bigger shrimp.
How to adjust for different appetites?
Consider your guests. Are they known for big appetites? Add an extra 0.25-0.5 pounds per person to ensure you don't run out. Conversely, if your guests are light eaters, you might be able to reduce the amount slightly.
Should I buy peeled and deveined shrimp?
Whether or not to buy pre-peeled and deveined shrimp is a matter of preference and convenience. Pre-peeled shrimp saves time, but often costs more.
What if I'm serving other dishes?
If shrimp is a side dish or part of a larger meal, you can reduce the quantity per person considerably. 0.5 pounds per person may be enough in this case. For 12 people, this would mean 6 pounds of shrimp.
Conclusion:
Remember, these are guidelines. The best approach is to consider your guests' preferences, the occasion, and the other dishes you're serving. Don't be afraid to adjust the quantities based on your specific needs. Happy shrimping!
