Hey there seafood lovers! I’ve been cooking with shrimp for years, and let me tell ya – figuring out shrimp sizes can be super confusing at first. But don’t worry, I’m gonna break it all down for you in simple terms. Let’s dive right in!
Quick Answer
The number of shrimp per pound depends on their size, ranging from as few as 6 to as many as 90+ shrimp per pound The smaller the number on the package, the bigger the shrimp!
Understanding Shrimp Count Labels
When you’re shopping for shrimp you’ll see numbers like “21/25” or “U/15” on the packages. Here’s what they mean
- The numbers show how many shrimp are in one pound
- A slash between numbers (like 21/25) means you’ll get between 21-25 shrimp per pound
- “U” means “under” – so U/15 means less than 15 shrimp per pound
Complete Shrimp Size Chart
Here’s a detailed breakdown of shrimp sizes and counts per pound
| Size Category | Count Per Pound | Approx. Shrimp Per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Super Colossal | U/12 or 8-12 | 1-3 |
| Colossal | 13-15 | 3-4 |
| Extra Jumbo | 16-20 | 4-5 |
| Jumbo | 21-25 | 5-6 |
| Extra Large | 26-30 | 6-8 |
| Large | 31-40 | 8-10 |
| Medium | 41-50 | 10-13 |
| Small | 51-60 | 12-15 |
| Extra Small | 61-70 | 15-18 |
| Miniature | 71-90+ | 17+ |
Best Uses for Different Shrimp Sizes
Super Colossal & Colossal (U/12 to 15 per pound)
- Perfect for:
- Baked stuffed shrimp
- Impressive shrimp cocktails
- BBQ shrimp
- Grilled shrimp skewers
- Pro tip: These big boys can take up to 15 minutes to cook properly!
Jumbo & Extra Large (16-30 per pound)
- Great for:
- Shrimp scampi
- Grilled shrimp
- Coconut shrimp
- Shrimp tacos
- Cooking time: About 8-10 minutes
Large & Medium (31-50 per pound)
- Best used in:
- Pasta dishes
- Stir-fries
- Seafood boils
- Alfredo sauce
- Cooking time: 4-6 minutes
Small & Extra Small (51-90+ per pound)
- Perfect for:
- Salads
- Soups
- Dips
- Stuffings
- Watch out! These little guys cook super quick – like 2-3 minutes tops!
Helpful Tips for Buying & Cooking Shrimp
Calculating Serving Sizes
For main dishes, plan on:
- 4 ounces raw shrimp per adult
- 2 ounces for kids
- Add extra 2-3 ounces if serving shell-on shrimp
Weight Loss During Cooking
Here’s something I learned the hard way – shrimp lose weight when cooked!
- Raw shrimp can lose up to 25% of their weight after cooking
- 4 ounces raw = roughly 3 ounces cooked
Storage Tips
- Fresh shrimp: Use within 1-2 days
- Frozen shrimp: Good for up to 6 months
- Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below
Common Shrimp Buying Mistakes to Avoid
-
Ignoring the count numbers: Don’t just go by size names like “jumbo” – different stores use different names! Stick to the count numbers.
-
Not accounting for shells: Remember, shrimp with heads on are about two sizes larger than peeled ones. Shell-on shrimp are about one size larger than peeled.
-
Buying too few: I always grab a few extra shrimp than what my recipe calls for. Better safe than sorry!
FAQ About Shrimp Counts
Q: Why do my shrimp seem smaller after cooking?
A: That’s totally normal! All seafood shrinks during cooking due to water loss. Shrimp without preservatives actually shrink less.
Q: How many jumbo shrimp should I buy per person?
A: For a main course, I usually plan on 5-7 jumbo shrimp per person. For appetizers, 2-3 per person is plenty.
Q: What size shrimp is best for grilling?
A: Go for larger sizes – jumbo (21/25) or bigger. They’re easier to handle and won’t fall through the grates!
Final Thoughts
Understanding shrimp counts isn’t rocket science once you get the hang of it! Just remember – the smaller the number, the bigger the shrimp. And when in doubt, go by the count numbers rather than size names.
Whether you’re making a quick stir-fry or an impressive shrimp cocktail, choosing the right size shrimp can make all the difference. Now get out there and start cooking some amazing shrimp dishes!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article in more detail? Drop a comment below!
How many people will one pound of shrimp feed?
If you’re buying unpeeled raw shrimp, account for the weight lost once the head and shells are removed and purchase about 1/2 lb to 1lb of shrimp per person.
If buying peeled and deveined, tail-off shrimp, you can buy 1/3 lb per person to ensure a 3oz serving after the product is cooked. No matter the size of the shrimp themselves, one pound is one pound.
For Sous Vide Shrimp
Sous vide is the key to perfectly cooked shrimp every time. Dont get stuck with overcooked, rubbery shrimp ever again – sous vide will let you achieve textures that just arent possible with traditional cooking methods. For an optimum outcome, choose small and medium shrimp sizes for your sous vide dish to avoid any risk of overcooking.