Because you don’t want to be that person. The one who plans a shrimp scampi for four people, buys 4 oz of giant shrimp, and ends up with two shrimp per plate. Your guests will stare at you. You will stare at the empty pan. It’s awkward.
Also, shrimp shrink when cooked. They curl up and get cozier. So that plump raw shrimp? It will be a bit smaller on your fork. Always buy a little more than you think.
A Handy Cheat Sheet (For Your Brain)
Here’s the rule of thumb: for a main dish, plan on about 6 to 8 ounces per person. So 4 oz is really just a starter or a protein portion for a salad. For a snack, 4 oz is a generous single serving.
If you see “salad shrimp” (those tiny ones), 4 oz is basically a whole pile. You’ll lose count after twelve. But who’s counting? You are, apparently. That’s why we’re here.
How Many Shrimp are in 1 Ounce? A Guide to Shrimp Sizes