Hey there seafood lovers! I’ve been cooking with shrimp for over 15 years, and let me tell you – those numbers on shrimp packages used to confuse the heck out of me. Today, I’m gonna break down everything you need to know about shrimp sizing, especially that mysterious “16/20” label you see everywhere.
The Quick Answer
16/20 shrimp means you’ll get between 16 to 20 shrimp per pound. Pretty simple, right? But there’s more to the story that’ll help you become a shrimp-buying pro!
How Shrimp Sizing Works
Let me explain how the seafood industry sizes these little creatures
- The numbers (like 16/20) show how many shrimp make up one pound
- Lower numbers = bigger shrimp
- Higher numbers = smaller shrimp
- The “slash” between numbers is just the range you might get
Common Shrimp Size Categories
Here’s a handy table I made to help you understand different shrimp sizes:
| Size Name | Count Per Pound | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Colossal | U/15 or 13/15 | Grilling, Stuffing |
| Jumbo | 16/20 or 21/25 | Shrimp Cocktail, Scampi |
| Large | 26/30 or 31/35 | Pasta Dishes, Stir-fry |
| Medium | 36/40 or 41/50 | Salads, Soups |
| Small | 51/60 or more | Dips, Salads |
Why Choose 16/20 Shrimp?
I personally love 16/20 shrimp because:
- They’re perfect for grilling
- Make impressive appetizers
- Great for main dishes
- Easy to portion (about 4-5 shrimp per serving)
- Hold up well to different cooking methods
Important Shopping Tips
When you’re at the store, keep these things in mind:
- Shell status matters – the count usually refers to shell-on shrimp
- Head-on vs. headless affects the count
- Frozen shrimp are often better quality than “fresh” (trust me on this!)
- Look for shrimp that feel firm and smell like the ocean
Cooking Tips for 16/20 Shrimp
Here’s what I’ve learned from working with this size:
- Cooking time: Usually 5-7 minutes
- Don’t overcrowd the pan (they need space!)
- They’re done when they form a “C” shape
- If they curl into an “O”, they’re overcooked
Common Questions I Get Asked
Does Size Affect Taste?
Not really! But bigger shrimp are often meatier and more satisfying to eat.
Are Bigger Shrimp More Expensive?
Yup, usually. The lower the count number, the higher the price per pound.
Can I Substitute Different Sizes?
Sure! Just adjust your cooking time. Smaller shrimp cook faster than bigger ones.
Storage Tips
Keep your shrimp fresh by:
- Storing in coldest part of fridge
- Using within 2 days if fresh
- Keeping frozen until ready to use
- Thawing in fridge overnight
My Final Thoughts
After years of cooking with different shrimp sizes, I gotta say 16/20 is one of my faves. They’re versatile enough for most recipes but still impressive enough for special occasions. Whether you’re making shrimp scampi or throwing them on the grill, these mid-large sized shrimp won’t let you down!
Remember, cooking should be fun, not stressful! Now that you understand shrimp sizes better, you can shop with confidence and focus on creating amazing dishes for your family and friends.
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article further? Drop a comment below!
#Seafood #CookingTips #Shrimp #KitchenHacks #FoodGuide
How to Determine Shrimp Sizes
You’ve likely seen bags of shrimp at your local grocery store with numbers on them like U/20, 16/20, 21/25 or 31/40. These numbers are the key to determining the size of the shrimp. They’ll also tell you about the number of shrimp in a bag.
The slash between numbers is simply the range of shrimp in a pound. In the above examples, there would be 16 to 20 shrimp per pound, 21 to 25 shrimp per pound, and 31 to 40 shrimp per pound. A “U” in the count means there are “under” that amount of shrimp in a pound. So, for U/20s, there would be fewer than 20 shrimp per pound.
When you buy shrimp, a good rule of thumb is that the smaller the numbers on the bag or in the fresh seafood case, the bigger the shrimp.
If you’ve ever looked at a shrimp size chart, you’ve seen a handful of different sizes mentioned. Some shrimp size charts include only five sizes, while others include upwards of 12.
So, what do you do when you want a particular size of shrimp for a recipe? Our best advice is to focus more on the number count per pound than the descriptive sizing term.
We’ll only be focusing on a handful of the common shrimp sizes, from the smallest shrimp size to the largest shrimp size.
These tiny shrimp are known for their subtle flavor and quick cooking time. They typically come in sizes like 51/60, 71/90, or even 91/100 per pound. Because of their small sizes, you’ll want to be careful not to overcook them or they’ll become rubbery. Extra small shrimp are perfect for dishes like popcorn shrimp, seafood or shrimp salads and dips, or stuffings.
A popular choice, small shrimp usually come in at 41/50 per pound. They still cook quickly, making them great for shrimp stir fry, seafood boils, or shrimp fritters. Their size offers a nice balance for a variety of dishes, without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Larger shrimp usually come in at 31/40 per pound. These are typically what you see being used in shrimp appetizers, shrimp alfredo, shrimp tacos, or paella. Large shrimp are a great way to add protein to these dishes without being the main ingredient.
Larger than small shrimp, medium shrimp typically come in sizes like 31/40 per pound. These are often used in shrimp appetizers, shrimp alfredo, shrimp tacos, or paella. Medium shrimp add a nice protein boost to your dishes without becoming the main ingredient, making them versatile for various recipes.
When you think of a delicious shrimp cocktail or mouthwatering coconut shrimp, large shrimp are the star of the show. These bigger shrimp usually come in sizes like 16/20, 21/25 or 26/30 per pound. Large shrimp are perfect for appetizers or entrées, and a serving size of 5–6 shrimp per person makes for a filling portion.
Jumbo shrimp, typically available in sizes like 13/15 or even larger, are the go-to choice for more substantial dishes. These shrimp are great for grilling, skewering, or stuffing. Their size makes them ideal for impressive shrimp cocktails, grilled shrimp platters, or as the main protein in a seafood entrée. Jumbo shrimp’s meaty texture and bold flavor stand out in any dish, and their large size means fewer shrimp are needed per serving, making them an impressive addition to any plate. While they take a bit longer to cook, they’re incredibly succulent and tender, providing a satisfying bite in every dish.
Shrimp in this size range are also sometimes referred to as extra jumbo shrimp.
Try these with cajun grilled shrimp or a classic shrimp scampi.
Regarded as the mother of all shrimp, colossal shrimp are sold in sizes like 8/12, 6/8, or U/6 per pound. These exceptionally large shrimp are best for baked stuffed shrimp or barbecue shrimp. Due to their size, the recommended serving is just 1-3 shrimp per person. These colossal sized shrimp are comparable to prawns or lobster tails in size, making them perfect for shrimp lovers seeking a truly impressive seafood experience.
Hungry for more? Get your pure seafood delivered to your door from North Coast Seafoods.
What are the smallest and largest shrimp sizes available?
The smallest shrimp size available is small or extra-small shrimp. They typically come 71/90 or even 91/100. These tiny shrimp are ideal for shrimp salads, dips, spreads, or as a garnish.
The largest shrimp size available is colossal. Their count per pound is often U/6, 6/8, or 8/12. “U” stands for “under,” so U/6 means fewer than 6 shrimp per pound. Colossal shrimp are perfect for premium dishes or dramatic presentations.