You know the type: they swear they’re “not that hungry.” Then they eat eight shrimp standing by the kitchen counter. Always round up.
I once trusted a guest who said she was “fine,” and I ended up watching her inhale a pound. Lesson learned: always add a 10% buffer for the shameless shrimp thieves.
If you’re cooking for a party of 12, buy for 14. It’s better to have a few leftovers for shrimp toast the next day than to watch your guests fight over the last tail.
Shrimp Size vs. Perceived Generosity
Here’s a funny thing: smaller shrimp feel like less, even if the weight is the same. A pile of tiny salad shrimp looks miserly, while four colossal shrimp feel decadent.
For an appetizer, I’d recommend large (31/40) or extra-large (26/30). They look impressive on the plate, and guests feel like they’re getting a treat. With colossal, you might even serve 3 per person if they’re the size of a small fist.
How Many Shrimp In A Jumbo? | Shrimp Counts Per Pound and Serving Sizes
Just remember: don’t mix sizes on the same platter. It looks chaotic, and someone will end up counting the tiny ones like a sad accountant.
