How Many Large Shrimp Are in a Pound? The Complete Guide to Shrimp Sizes and Counts

Hey there, fellow seafood lovers! I’ve been cooking with shrimp for years, and lemme tell you – figuring out shrimp sizes can be super confusing at first Today, I’m gonna break down everything you need to know about large shrimp counts per pound and help you become a shrimp-buying pro!

Quick Answer

Large shrimp typically means you’ll get 31-40 shrimp per pound. For a 3-ounce serving, that works out to about 8-9 large shrimp. Each individual large shrimp weighs approximately 1/3 ounce.

Understanding Shrimp Count Systems

Let’s dive into how shrimp sizing actually works! The numbers you see on shrimp packages (like 31/40) tell you how many shrimp are in a pound Here’s a super handy breakdown

Pro tip: Remember, the smaller the number, the bigger the shrimp!

How Many Servings in a Pound of Large Shrimp?

When I’m planning meals, here’s what I use as guidelines

• For main dishes: Plan on 4 oz raw shrimp per person
• For appetizers: 2-3 large shrimp per person
• For a pound of large shrimp (31-40 count):
  • You’ll get about 8-10 servings as appetizers
  • Or 4 main dish servings

Cooking Times for Large Shrimp

Here’s my tried-and-true cooking times for large shrimp:

• Pan-frying: 2-3 minutes per side
• Grilling: 2-3 minutes per side
• Baking: 4-6 minutes at 400°F
• Boiling: 3-4 minutes total

Quick tip: Don’t overcook ’em! They’re done when they turn pink and opaque.

Best Uses for Different Shrimp Sizes

Not all shrimp sizes work for every dish. Here’s what I recommend:

Large Shrimp (31-40 count):

• Perfect for:
  • Stir-fries
  • Pasta dishes
  • Fajitas
  • Grilled skewers
  • General everyday cooking

Jumbo & Larger (21 count and under):

• Best for:
  • Shrimp cocktail
  • Grilling
  • Stuffed shrimp
  • Show-stopping presentations

Medium & Smaller (41+ count):

• Ideal for:
  • Salads
  • Soups
  • Pasta salads
  • Popcorn shrimp

Shopping Tips

When I’m buying shrimp, here’s what I look for:

• Fresh shrimp should:

  • Have a mild ocean smell
  • Feel firm to touch
  • Have shiny, translucent shells
  • Be free from black spots or yellowing

• Frozen shrimp should:

  • Be rock-hard frozen
  • Show no freezer burn
  • Have no ice crystals inside package

Storage and Prep

Some quick tips I’ve learned:

• Fresh shrimp: Use within 1-2 days
• Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below
• Frozen shrimp: Good for up to 6 months
• Thaw overnight in fridge (never on counter!)
• Rinse before cooking
• Pat dry with paper towels

Common Mistakes to Avoid

We’ve all been there! Here are some oopsies to watch out for:

• Don’t buy too small for your recipe
• Don’t forget to account for shell weight
• Don’t overcook (they get rubbery!)
• Don’t thaw at room temperature
• Don’t buy pre-cooked unless specifically needed

FAQs

Q: Do shrimp shrink when cooked?
A: Yep! They usually shrink about 25% during cooking.

Q: How much shrimp should I buy for 6 people?
A: For main dishes, I’d get 1.5-2 pounds of large shrimp for 6 people.

Q: Can I use different sizes in the same recipe?
A: Better not to – they’ll cook at different rates.

Wrapping It Up

Now ya know everything about large shrimp counts and sizes! Remember, for large shrimp, you’re looking at 31-40 per pound. That’s your sweet spot for most everyday cooking needs.

Happy cooking, seafood fans! If you’ve got any other shrimpy questions, drop ’em in the comments below. And don’t forget to check out our other seafood guides while you’re here!

Would you like me to explain any part of this guide in more detail?