How Many Shrimp in a Pound? Ultimate Size Guide for Perfect Cooking

Ever stood at the seafood counter, scratching your head about shrimp sizes? You’re not alone! As a seafood enthusiast and cooking blogger, I’ve seen countless confused faces at the store. Let’s break down everything about shrimp counts and sizes in simple terms that’ll make your next shopping trip a breeze!

Quick Answer

The number of shrimp per pound depends on their size. Here’s a quick reference:

• Extra Colossal (U/10): Under 10 shrimp
• Jumbo (21/25): 21-25 shrimp
• Large (31/40): 31-40 shrimp
• Medium (41/50): 41-50 shrimp
• Small (51/60): 51-60 shrimp

Understanding Shrimp Count Labels

Ya know those weird numbers on shrimp packages? They’re actually super helpful! When you see something like “16/20” or “31/40”, these numbers tell you how many shrimp you’ll get in a pound. Pretty neat right?

Here’s the golden rule: The smaller the numbers, the bigger the shrimp!

Complete Shrimp Size Chart

Best Uses for Different Shrimp Sizes

Extra Colossal & Super Colossal (U/10 – U/12)

• Perfect for:
  • Stuffed shrimp
  • Impressive shrimp cocktails
  • BBQ shrimp
• Pro tip: These big boys are show-stoppers! Great when you wanna impress your guests.

Jumbo & Extra Jumbo (16/25)

• Ideal for:
  • Grilling
  • Shrimp scampi
  • Coconut shrimp
• My take: These are my go-to size for most recipes – not too big, not too small!

Large & Extra Large (26/40)

• Best used in:
  • Shrimp tacos
  • Pasta dishes
  • Stir-fries
• Insider tip: These are the most versatile sizes, perfect for everyday cooking.

Medium & Small (41/60)

• Great for:
  • Seafood salads
  • Soups
  • Popcorn shrimp
• Personal note: I love using these smaller sizes in casseroles and dips!

Practical Shopping Tips

1. Plan Your Portions

   • For appetizers: 4-5 shrimp per person
   • For main dishes: 6-8 shrimp per person
   • Rule of thumb: Buy about 1/3 pound per person for peeled shrimp

2. Budget Considerations

   • Bigger shrimp = higher price per pound
   • Medium sizes offer best value for most dishes
   • Buy frozen in bulk to save money

3. Common Mistakes to Avoid

   • Don’t judge by size names (they vary by brand)
   • Always check the count numbers
   • Remember: frozen doesn’t mean lower quality!

Cooking Tips Based on Size

Large Shrimp (31/40):

• Grill time: 2-3 minutes per side
• Boil time: 3-4 minutes total
• Perfect for: most cooking methods

Medium Shrimp (41/50):

• Grill time: 1-2 minutes per side
• Boil time: 2-3 minutes total
• Best for: quick-cooking dishes

Small Shrimp (51/60):

• Grill time: 1 minute per side
• Boil time: 1-2 minutes total
• Ideal for: recipes where shrimp isn’t the star

FAQs About Shrimp Counts

Q: How many jumbo shrimp do I need for 4 people?
A: For a main course, plan on 1/3 pound per person, so about 28-32 jumbo shrimp total.

Q What’s the best size for shrimp cocktail?A Go for 16/20 or 21/25 count – they’re big enough to impress but not too huge to eat in one bite!

Q: Do frozen and fresh shrimp counts differ?
A: Nope! The counts are standardized whether fresh or frozen.

Bottom Line

Now you’re basically a shrimp size expert! Remember, there’s no “best” size – it all depends on what you’re cooking. Just keep this guide handy, and you’ll never be confused at the seafood counter again!

Pro tip: I always save money by buying frozen shrimp in bulk when they’re on sale. The quality’s just as good, and they’re super convenient!

Happy cooking, seafood lovers! Drop a comment below if ya have any questions – I’m always here to help!

Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article further?