Hey there seafood lovers! Ever wondered exactly how big jumbo shrimp really are? I’ve been working in the seafood industry for years, and let me tell ya – there’s actually a pretty specific way we measure these tasty crustaceans. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about jumbo shrimp sizes!
What Exactly Makes a Shrimp “Jumbo”?
In the seafood biz we don’t just randomly call shrimp “jumbo” – there’s actually a precise counting system. Here at Fulton Fish Market jumbo shrimp means you’ll get
- 21-25 or 26-30 shrimp per pound
- About 5-7 shrimp in a typical 3oz serving
- Each jumbo shrimp weighs approximately 0.5 ounces
Understanding Shrimp Size Classifications
Let me break down the different shrimp sizes for ya, from smallest to largest
Small Shrimp (71-90 count)
- 71-90 pieces per pound
- About 18 shrimp per 3oz serving
- Each shrimp = 0.17 oz
Medium/Large Shrimp (31-60 count)
- Medium: 41-60 per pound
- Large: 31-40 per pound
- 8-15 shrimp per serving
- Each shrimp = 0.23-0.33 oz
Jumbo Shrimp (21-30 count)
- 21-30 pieces per pound
- 5-7 shrimp per serving
- Each shrimp = 0.5 oz
Colossal/Super Colossal (8-20 count)
- Colossal: 16-20 per pound
- Super Colossal: 8-15 per pound
- 2-5 shrimp per serving
- Each shrimp = 0.75-1 oz
Cooking Times for Different Sizes
The size of your shrimp actually matters a lot when you’re cooking! Here’s a quick guide
- Small Shrimp: Cook super quick! Keep an eye on them or they’ll get rubbery
- Medium/Large: 4-6 minutes to pan-sear
- Jumbo: About 10 minutes to bake or grill
- Colossal: Up to 15 minutes cooking time
Pro Tips for Buying & Preparing Jumbo Shrimp
- Check the Shell Status
When buying jumbo shrimp, remember that the size classification changes based on whether they’re:
- Head-on (adds 2 size categories)
- Shell-on (adds 1 size category)
- Peeled and deveined (true size)
-
Cooking Shrinkage
Just a heads up – your jumbo shrimp will shrink a bit during cooking. This is totally normal! It’s just water weight loss, especially if you’re buying shrimp without preservatives (which is what we recommend anyway). -
Best Uses for Jumbo Shrimp
These big boys are perfect for:
- Grilling with light seasoning
- Sautéing in butter and garlic
- Adding to stir-fries
- Being the star of your dish
Common Questions About Jumbo Shrimp
Q: Why do my jumbo shrimp seem smaller after cooking?
A: Don’t worry! All seafood shrinks some when cooked due to water loss. Fun fact: shrimp without preservatives actually shrink less than those with additives.
Q: How many jumbo shrimp should I buy per person?
A: For a main course, I usually recommend about 1/3 pound per person, which means 7-10 jumbo shrimp per serving.
Storage and Handling Tips
Keep these tips in mind to get the most outta your jumbo shrimp:
- Store in coldest part of fridge if using within 2 days
- Keep them in sealed container or bag
- Place on ice if possible
- If freezing, remove as much air as possible from packaging
- Use within 3 months if frozen
Wrapping It Up
So there ya have it – everything you need to know about jumbo shrimp sizes! Remember, when you’re shopping, look for that 21-30 count per pound for true jumbo size. And don’t forget – bigger isn’t always better! Choose your shrimp size based on how you’re planning to cook ’em.
Whether you’re grilling, sautéing, or adding them to your favorite pasta dish, knowing the right size and how to handle them will make your seafood dishes turn out perfect every time!
Got any other questions about shrimp sizes? Drop ’em in the comments below – I love helping fellow seafood enthusiasts get the most out of their cooking adventures!
#seafood #cooking #shrimprecipes #kitchentips #foodguide
What Are The Different Sizes of Shrimp?
Knowing the different size categories available is essential when making shrimp purchases, as they can vary greatly. Shrimp are typically classified based on the number of shrimp per pound or unit weight. With the most common sizes being:
| Type | Shrimp Per Pound | Appetizer Serving Size | Entree Serving Size | Fat Per Serving | Protein Per Serving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colossal | 8-12 | 2 | 4 | 1 gram | 18 grams |
| Jumbo | 13-25 | 4-5 | 6-8 | 2 grams | 23 grams |
| Large | 26-35 | 4-6 | 8-10 | 2 grams | 21 grams |
| Medium | 36-50 | 6 | 9-12 | 2 grams | 20 grams |
| Mini | 51-71+ | 6-8 | 12-20 | 1 gram | 15 grams |
When shopping for shrimp, you may encounter different sizes, including colossal, jumbo, large, and mini. Keep in mind that sizing terms may vary between stores, causing confusion among shoppers. For example, what one store calls jumbo may be labeled extra-large elsewhere.
U stands for “Under” and represents the number of shrimp per pound. The lower the number, the larger the shrimp. For instance, our Colossal Shrimp are U-8/12, meaning you’ll get 8 to 12 big, fresh shrimp per pound. Colossal is the largest size available!
Our wild-caught shrimp are slightly smaller and fall into the Jumbo range, with 16 to 20 shrimp per pound (U-16/20). The smallest shrimp available are 71+ per pound, while medium shrimp fall between 36 and 41 per pound.
Why is Shrimp Sizing Important?
Considering the size of shrimp is essential when purchasing and preparing them. Knowing their size helps estimate recipe quantities, determine cooking times and preferred flavors, and customize dishes to your preferences.
Smaller shrimp cook faster and absorb other seasonings or flavors, while giant shrimp are a centerpiece for seafood entrees. Size can also indicate quality, giving insight into the shrimp’s species, origin, and growth conditions.
The per-pound counts refers to peeled and deveined shrimp, which means any shells, tails, and heads have been removed. If you’re purchasing head-on colossal shrimp, for example, the edible part of the shrimp will be closer to large once they’re peeled and deveined.
All of our shrimp have been peeled and deveined for straightforward sizing and easy cooking at home (it’s easier for everyone that way!).