Bang bang shrimp is a popular appetizer or main dish consisting of shrimp fried in a light tempura batter and tossed in a sweet and spicy mayonnaise-based sauce. With its crunchy exterior and flavorful sauce, bang bang shrimp is an addictive and crowd-pleasing menu item. But what exactly constitutes one serving of this dish? Here we will explore the key factors that determine a single serving size of bang bang shrimp.
Average Serving Size by Weight
When looking at restaurant menus or recipe yields, the most common way to measure a serving of bang bang shrimp is by weight. Here are some typical serving sizes:
- 3-5 ounces (85-140g) – This is a typical single serving size at most restaurants and in recipes. A 3-5 ounce portion provides a satisfying individual appetizer or meal component.
- 8-10 ounces (225-280g) – Some restaurants may serve larger portions in the 8-10 ounce range as an entrée or to share as an appetizer for 2-3 people.
- 1 pound (450g) – When cooking bang bang shrimp at home, recipes often yield about 4 servings from 1 pound of shrimp. So each serving would be about 4 ounces or 110g.
So in most cases, a single serving ranges from 3-5 ounces or 85-140 grams. The exact amount depends on the size of shrimp used and whether it is an appetizer or entree.
Serving Size by Shrimp Count
Rather than weighing the shrimp, another way to estimate serving size is by shrimp count. though this can vary based on the size of the shrimp. Here are some general guidelines:
- Appetizer (per person): 9-12 large shrimp or 12-15 medium shrimp
- Entree (per person): 15-20 large shrimp or 18-25 medium shrimp
Large shrimp are defined as 16-20 shrimp per pound. Medium shrimp are defined as 26-30 shrimp per pound.
So for a single appetizer serving, you would want approximately 1 dozen medium or large shrimp. For an entree, around 1.5 to 2 dozen shrimp is typical.
Serving Size on a Restaurant Menu
To get a better idea of real-world serving sizes, here are some examples of how popular restaurants present and describe bang bang shrimp servings on their menus:
- Bonefish Grill – Bang Bang Shrimp – 7 ounces (4-6 shrimp) – Appetizer
- PF Chang’s – Bangkok Spicy Shrimp – 8 ounces – Appetizer (for 2-4 people)
- Cheesecake Factory – Crispy Shrimp Tacos – 3 tacos with bang bang shrimp – Lunch Entree
- Red Lobster – Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp – 8 ounces (5 jumbo shrimp) – Appetizer
This shows that typical single serving sizes at restaurants range from 7-8 ounces. Appetizer portions are designed for 1-2 people, while entrees may contain 3 or more shrimp.
Nutrition Information Per Serving
Here is the approximate nutritional content for a 5 ounce (140g) serving of bang bang shrimp:
- Calories: 400
- Total Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 24g
- Protein: 30g
So in a standard single serving you can expect around 400 calories and 30g of protein, making it a filling appetizer or meal. Of course, nutrition varies based on cooking method, batter ingredients, and sauce.
Components of One Serving
What goes into making up a typical single serving of bang bang shrimp? Here is a breakdown of the key components:
- Shrimp – 12-15 medium or 9-12 large shrimp
- Batter – Enough tempura or flour batter to coat the shrimp
- Oil for frying – 1/4 to 1/3 cup
- Sauce – 2-4 tablespoons, depending on serving size
- Garnish – Green onions, sesame seeds, cilantro, etc.
Having the right ratio of shrimp to batter and sauce is important for achieving the proper flavor and texture in each serving.
Serving Size Factors
The ultimate serving size of bang bang shrimp depends on several factors:
- Shrimp size – Smaller shrimp mean more per serving
- Appetizer vs entree – Entrees will be larger servings
- Individual vs shared – A shareable appetizer serving will be larger
- Other menu items – Serving sizes may be adjusted for meal balance
- Restaurant vs home – Restaurant servings tend to be larger
So the expected serving size can vary quite a bit based on the context in which it is being served. But in most cases, a single serving ranges from 3-5 ounces of shrimp.
Serving Tips
To get the most out of each serving of bang bang shrimp, here are some serving tips:
- Adjust sauce amount based on preference – Serve extra sauce on the side
- Serve immediately for hottest and crispiest results
- Accompany with dipping sauces like ranch, sriracha mayo, or sweet chili
- Garnish with green onion, sesame seeds, or microgreens
- Pair with lighter sides like rice, veggies, or salad
- Share as an appetizer for 2-4 people
Eaten fresh and hot, 3-5 ounces of bang bang shrimp makes for an indulgent and satisfying serving!
Cost Per Serving
What is the typical cost for a single serving of bang bang shrimp? Here is an overview:
- Restaurants: $10-$15 for an appetizer serving, $15-$22 for an entree
- Grocery: About $2-$3 per serving when made at home
The cost per serving can vary greatly depending on:
- Type of restaurant – Fine dining vs. casual
- Fresh vs. frozen shrimp costs
- Breadcrumbs, flour, eggs for batter
- Sauce ingredients – Mayonnaise, Sriracha, honey, etc.
Making bang bang shrimp at home can cut the cost in half or more compared to ordering it at a restaurant.
Serving Size Summary
So in summary, here is what constitutes a single serving of bang bang shrimp:
- 3-5 ounces or 85-140 grams
- 9-15 medium or large shrimp
- 400 calories
- $10-$15 at a restaurant
- $2-$3 when homemade
The exact size, shrimp count, cost, and nutrition varies. But in most cases, a serving is 1 dozen or less shrimp weighing 3-5 ounces cooked. Adjust the amount of batter, sauce, and sides to suit individual preferences. Bang bang shrimp makes for a delicious appetizer or entree when served fresh and hot in appropriately sized portions.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about bang bang shrimp serving sizes:
How much bang bang shrimp is one serving?
A typical single serving of bang bang shrimp is 3-5 ounces or 85-140 grams. This portion usually contains around 9-15 medium or large size shrimp.
Is 8-10 oz of bang bang shrimp one serving?
An 8-10 ounce portion would be on the larger end for one serving, best for sharing as an appetizer for 2-4 people. Most single servings are closer to 4 ounces or less.
How many shrimp are in one order of bang bang shrimp?
Expect 9-15 medium or large shrimp in a typical single serving of bang bang shrimp. Orders meant for multiple people to share may contain 15-25 shrimp.
Is bang bang shrimp a good appetizer?
Yes, bang bang shrimp is a very popular appetizer thanks to its crunchy fried texture contrasted with a sweet and spicy sauce. Portion sizes are usually suitable for sharing.
How do you calculate serving size by weight?
Estimate 1/4 to 1/3 pound (3-5 ounces) per person. For appetizers for 2-4 people, allow 3/4 to 1 pound. For larger entrees allow 3/4 pound to 1 pound per person.
Conclusion
Determining serving size for bang bang shrimp requires taking into account the context of how it is being served, the desired number of portions, and the size of shrimp being used. Typical single servings range from 3-5 ounces in weight containing 9-15 medium or large shrimp. Adjust batter, sauce, and accompaniments to make the most of each serving. Keep portions on the smaller side for appetizers and larger for entrees. With the right shrimp to sauce ratio and serving size, bang bang shrimp makes for an irresistible meal or shareable starter.