Hey seafood lovers! Today at The Seafood Blog, we’re gonna dive deep into something that confuses many shoppers – those mysterious numbers on shrimp packages Ever wondered what “31-40 shrimp” actually means? Well, I’ve got you covered with everything you need to know!
What Does 31-40 Shrimp Count Mean?
Let me break this down in simple terms – when you see “31-40” on a shrimp package it means you’ll get between 31 to 40 shrimp per pound. These fall into the “Large” shrimp category in the seafood industry. Pretty straightforward right?
Here’s what you can expect from 31-40 count shrimp:
- About 8-9 shrimp per 3-ounce serving
- Each shrimp weighs approximately 0.33 ounces
- Perfect middle-ground size for most recipes
- Great value for your money
Understanding Shrimp Sizing: A Complete Breakdown
To help ya understand how 31-40 shrimp compare to other sizes. here’s a handy reference table
| Size Category | Count per Pound | Shrimp per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Super Colossal | 8-15 | 2-3 |
| Colossal | 16-20 | 4-5 |
| Jumbo | 21-30 | 5-7 |
| Large | 31-40 | 8-9 |
| Medium | 41-60 | 10-15 |
| Small | 71-90 | 18 |
Cooking with 31-40 Count Shrimp
We’ve found that 31-40 shrimp are super versatile in the kitchen! Here are some perfect uses:
- Stir-fries and pasta dishes
- Grilled shrimp skewers
- Shrimp scampi
- Seafood soups and stews
- Shrimp tacos
- Appetizers and party platters
Cooking Tips for Large Shrimp
- Cooking time: 4-6 minutes for pan-searing
- Don’t overcook! They should form a “C” shape when done
- Season before cooking for best flavor
- Pat dry before cooking for better browning
- Remove shells for faster cooking (unless grilling)
Important Things to Remember About Shrimp Sizing
Here’s something lots of people don’t know – the size of your shrimp can change depending on how they’re processed! Check this out:
- Head-on shrimp will be about 2 sizes larger than headless
- Shell-on is roughly 1 size larger than peeled
- Cooked shrimp shrink a bit due to water loss
- Preservative-free shrimp shrink less when cooking
Why Choose 31-40 Count Shrimp?
I personally love 31-40 count shrimp because they’re just right for most dishes. They’re:
- Big enough to make an impact on the plate
- Small enough to cook quickly
- Perfect for portion control
- Cost-effective compared to larger sizes
- Versatile for different cooking methods
Shopping Tips for 31-40 Shrimp
When you’re at the store, keep these things in mind:
- Check if the count refers to raw or cooked shrimp
- Look for shrimp that smell fresh (like the ocean)
- Avoid packages with lots of ice crystals
- Make sure the shells aren’t soft or discolored
- Compare prices between different forms (shell-on vs. peeled)
Storage and Handling
To keep your 31-40 shrimp fresh:
- Store at 40°F or below
- Use within 2 days if fresh
- Keep frozen shrimp at 0°F
- Thaw in refrigerator overnight
- Don’t refreeze thawed shrimp
Recipe Ideas for 31-40 Shrimp
Here’s one of my fave quick recipes using 31-40 shrimp:
Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp
- 1 pound 31-40 count shrimp
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Just sauté the garlic in butter, add the shrimp, cook 2-3 minutes per side, and finish with parsley and lemon. Super easy!
Common Questions About 31-40 Shrimp
Got questions? We’ve got answers!
Q: Are 31-40 shrimp good for grilling?
A: Yep! They’re perfect for grilling – big enough to not fall through the grates but not so big that they take forever to cook.
Q: How many 31-40 shrimp should I buy per person?
A: For a main course, plan on about 1/3 pound per person, which means 10-13 shrimp per serving.
Wrapping It Up
So there ya have it – everything you need to know about 31-40 count shrimp! They’re a fantastic all-purpose size that’ll work great in pretty much any shrimp recipe you wanna try. Whether you’re cooking for the family or throwing a party, these medium-large shrimp won’t let you down.
Remember, the best shrimp is fresh shrimp, so make sure to use ’em quickly once you buy ’em. And don’t forget to share your favorite shrimp recipes with us in the comments below!
Happy cooking, seafood lovers!
Note: Prices and availability of 31-40 count shrimp may vary by location and season. Check with your local seafood market for current options.
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article further?
How many shrimp are in a pound for each size category?
- Colossal: 8/12, 6/8, or U/6
- Jumbo: 13/15
- Large: 16/20, 21/25, 26/30
- Medium: 31/40
- Small: 41/50
- Extra Small: 51/60, 71/90, 91/100
Its important to note that these size labels can vary slightly between suppliers. Always check the count per pound for accuracy!
How to Determine Shrimp Sizes
You’ve likely seen bags of shrimp at your local grocery store with numbers on them like U/20, 16/20, 21/25 or 31/40. These numbers are the key to determining the size of the shrimp. They’ll also tell you about the number of shrimp in a bag.
The slash between numbers is simply the range of shrimp in a pound. In the above examples, there would be 16 to 20 shrimp per pound, 21 to 25 shrimp per pound, and 31 to 40 shrimp per pound. A “U” in the count means there are “under” that amount of shrimp in a pound. So, for U/20s, there would be fewer than 20 shrimp per pound.
When you buy shrimp, a good rule of thumb is that the smaller the numbers on the bag or in the fresh seafood case, the bigger the shrimp.
If you’ve ever looked at a shrimp size chart, you’ve seen a handful of different sizes mentioned. Some shrimp size charts include only five sizes, while others include upwards of 12.
So, what do you do when you want a particular size of shrimp for a recipe? Our best advice is to focus more on the number count per pound than the descriptive sizing term.
We’ll only be focusing on a handful of the common shrimp sizes, from the smallest shrimp size to the largest shrimp size.
These tiny shrimp are known for their subtle flavor and quick cooking time. They typically come in sizes like 51/60, 71/90, or even 91/100 per pound. Because of their small sizes, you’ll want to be careful not to overcook them or they’ll become rubbery. Extra small shrimp are perfect for dishes like popcorn shrimp, seafood or shrimp salads and dips, or stuffings.
A popular choice, small shrimp usually come in at 41/50 per pound. They still cook quickly, making them great for shrimp stir fry, seafood boils, or shrimp fritters. Their size offers a nice balance for a variety of dishes, without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Larger shrimp usually come in at 31/40 per pound. These are typically what you see being used in shrimp appetizers, shrimp alfredo, shrimp tacos, or paella. Large shrimp are a great way to add protein to these dishes without being the main ingredient.
Larger than small shrimp, medium shrimp typically come in sizes like 31/40 per pound. These are often used in shrimp appetizers, shrimp alfredo, shrimp tacos, or paella. Medium shrimp add a nice protein boost to your dishes without becoming the main ingredient, making them versatile for various recipes.
When you think of a delicious shrimp cocktail or mouthwatering coconut shrimp, large shrimp are the star of the show. These bigger shrimp usually come in sizes like 16/20, 21/25 or 26/30 per pound. Large shrimp are perfect for appetizers or entrées, and a serving size of 5–6 shrimp per person makes for a filling portion.
Jumbo shrimp, typically available in sizes like 13/15 or even larger, are the go-to choice for more substantial dishes. These shrimp are great for grilling, skewering, or stuffing. Their size makes them ideal for impressive shrimp cocktails, grilled shrimp platters, or as the main protein in a seafood entrée. Jumbo shrimp’s meaty texture and bold flavor stand out in any dish, and their large size means fewer shrimp are needed per serving, making them an impressive addition to any plate. While they take a bit longer to cook, they’re incredibly succulent and tender, providing a satisfying bite in every dish.
Shrimp in this size range are also sometimes referred to as extra jumbo shrimp.
Try these with cajun grilled shrimp or a classic shrimp scampi.
Regarded as the mother of all shrimp, colossal shrimp are sold in sizes like 8/12, 6/8, or U/6 per pound. These exceptionally large shrimp are best for baked stuffed shrimp or barbecue shrimp. Due to their size, the recommended serving is just 1-3 shrimp per person. These colossal sized shrimp are comparable to prawns or lobster tails in size, making them perfect for shrimp lovers seeking a truly impressive seafood experience.
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