Ever stood at the seafood counter wondering what those weird numbers on shrimp packages mean? Trust me I’ve been there! As a seafood enthusiast and home cook I’m gonna break down everything you need to know about shrimp weights and sizes in simple terms.
Quick Answer
A single shrimp’s weight varies based on its size category:
- Colossal (U/15): About 1.1 oz (30g) each
- Jumbo (21/25): About 0.7 oz (18-21g) each
- Large (31/35): About 0.5 oz (13-14g) each
- Medium (41/50): About 0.35 oz (10-11g) each
- Small (51/60): About 0.28 oz (7-8g) each
Understanding Shrimp Count Numbers
Y’know those funny numbers like “21/25” or “U/15” on shrimp packages? They’re actually super helpful! Here’s what they mean
- The numbers show how many shrimp make up one pound
- Lower numbers = bigger shrimp
- “U” means “under” (like U/15 = under 15 shrimp per pound)
Detailed Shrimp Size Chart
| Size Category | Count per Pound | Weight per Shrimp | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super Colossal | U/12 | 1.3 oz (37.7g) | Shrimp cocktail |
| Colossal | U/15 | 1.1 oz (30g) | Grilling |
| Extra Jumbo | 16/20 | 0.9 oz (25g) | Main dishes |
| Jumbo | 21/25 | 0.7 oz (20g) | Stir-fries |
| Extra Large | 26/30 | 0.57 oz (16g) | Pasta dishes |
| Large | 31/35 | 0.5 oz (14g) | General cooking |
| Medium | 41/50 | 0.35 oz (10g) | Salads |
| Small | 51/60 | 0.28 oz (8g) | Soups |
How Shell-on vs. Peeled Affects Weight
Here’s something most folks don’t know – shells make a big difference! When you’re buying shrimp:
- Head-on shrimp are 2 sizes bigger than headless
- Shell-on shrimp are 1 size bigger than peeled
- Shells = about 35-40% of total weight
Example If you buy U/15 head-on shrimp
- Remove head → becomes 21/25 count
- Remove shell → becomes 26/30 count
How Many Shrimp Per Serving?
The FDA says a serving is 3 oz cooked shrimp. But how many actual shrimp is that? Here’s my quick guide:
- Colossal: 4-5 shrimp
- Jumbo: 5-6 shrimp
- Extra Large: 6-7 shrimp
- Large: 7-9 shrimp
- Medium: 10-12 shrimp
- Small: 12-15 shrimp
Choosing the Right Size for Cooking
Lemme help you pick the perfect size for different dishes:
For Grilling or Broiling
Go big! Use Jumbo (21/25) or larger – they won’t overcook as easily.
For Pasta Dishes
Medium to Large (31/40) work great – they match the pasta size better.
For Salads
Small to Medium (41/60) are perfect – easier to eat in one bite!
For Frying
Medium (41/50) is ideal – they cook evenly and quickly.
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
- Always buy a bit extra – shrimp shrink when cooked (like 25% weight loss!)
- If recipe doesn’t specify size, go with Large (31/35) – it’s the most versatile
- Keep shells on during cooking when possible – better flavor and juicier meat
- For party planning, figure about 1/2 pound per person for main dishes
Common Shrimp Weight Questions
Q: Do wild shrimp weigh different than farmed?
Yup! Wild shrimp usually weigh a bit more and have firmer texture.
Q: How much meat do I get after peeling?
- Jumbo shrimp: About 50% meat
- Small shrimp: About 30% meat
Q: Do frozen shrimp weigh the same as fresh?
Pretty much! Just check if weight on package is frozen or thawed.
Wrapping It Up
Understanding shrimp sizes doesn’t have to be complicated! Just remember – lower numbers mean bigger shrimp, and consider how you’ll cook ’em when choosing sizes. Got more questions? Drop ’em in the comments below!
Pro tip: Save this guide for your next seafood shopping trip – your recipes will thank you!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article in more detail?
Medium Shrimp: Overview and Culinary Applications
Medium shrimp are versatile and tasty. They are sold between 41 and 50 per pound. They are typically used in fried rice, and low-country boils.
Different Categories of Shrimp Sizes
From specialty to jumbo, every shrimp size has a unique use. Heres what to know about different categories of shrimp sizes:
HOW Many SHRIMP Are IN A POUND | WHAT Is The SHRIMP COUNT?
FAQ
How many shrimp equal 1 oz?
You get 61/70 shrimp per pound, while an ounce contains 15-17 shrimp.
How many pieces of shrimp is 100g?
How many is 3 oz of shrimp?
FDA guidelines suggest 3-ounce seafood portions, translating to: Medium shrimp: 11-12 succulent pieces. Large shrimp: 8-9 satisfying bites. Colossal shrimp: 3 statement-making specimens.
How many pounds is 12 shrimp?
| Common Sizing Term (Varies) | Shrimp Count Per Pound | Approx. Count Per 3 oz. Serving (Cooked) |
|---|---|---|
| Medium | 41/50 | 10-12 shrimp |
| Small | 51/60 | 12-15 shrimp |
| Extra Small | 61/70 | 15-17 shrimp |
| Tiny | 71+ | 18+ shrimp |
How much does a shrimp weigh?
The weight of a single shrimp can vary depending on the species and its size. On average, a single shrimp weighs around 0.25 ounces or 7 grams. Now that we’ve answered the central question, let’s explore some related FAQs to expand our knowledge about these petite sea creatures: 1. Are all shrimp the same size? No, shrimp come in various sizes.
How many shrimp per pound?
Medium shrimp run anywhere from 41 to 60 shrimp per one-pound bag. This is about 10 to 15 shrimp per 3 oz serving and 0.23 oz per shrimp. Large shrimp are about 31 to 40 shrimp per pound making for about 8 or 9 shrimp per serving. Each individual shrimp weighs about 0.33 oz. Medium shrimp and large shrimp only takes about 4-6 minutes to pan-sear.
What size shrimp should I buy?
As a general rule, the smaller the shrimp size the larger the count. Different shrimp sizes are better in different recipes and can require different cooking methods. For example, smaller shrimp are typically found in salads while larger shrimp are used as appetizers or a main course.
How big is a smallest shrimp?
The smallest shrimp are well under 1/2 inch (as small as 2mm or .07 inches), while the largest shrimp can be as big as 8 inches. The average size is 1.5 to 3 inches, according to Britannica. What is the serving size of shrimp?
Can you weigh shrimp without shells?
Yes, if you prefer to measure shrimp without the shells, you can weigh them after they have been peeled and deveined. This will give you the weight of the meat alone. 11. How many shrimp are there in a pound? The number of shrimp in a pound can vary depending on the size.
How do you measure shrimp size?
In the seafood industry, shrimp size is measured by the number of shrimp in one pound. On most bags of shrimp, you will find a smaller number followed by a slash and then a larger number. For example, 71-90 would indicate that there are 71 to 90 shrimp per pound. As a general rule, the smaller the shrimp size the larger the count.