What is the portion size for popcorn shrimp?

The portion size for popcorn shrimp is typically considered to be around 1/2 pound. This amount strikes a balance between being substantial enough to satisfy most appetites while still allowing for reasonable serving sizes, especially in social settings or as part of a meal. A 1/2 pound portion allows diners to enjoy the crispy texture and flavor of the shrimp without overwhelming them, making it a popular choice in restaurants and for catering.

The other options are generally either too small or too large for standard serving sizes. A 1/4 pound may not be adequate for a satisfying experience, while 1 pound or 2 pounds would be excessive for most individual portions, often meant for sharing among multiple people rather than a single serving. This reasoning reflects common practices in food serving sizes, especially for appetizers like popcorn shrimp.