Hey there, seafood lovers! I’ve been working in the seafood industry for years, and one of the most common questions I get is about shrimp sizes – especially what those mysterious numbers like “26-30” mean Today, I’m gonna break it down for you in simple terms that’ll make your next shrimp purchase super easy!
What Does 26-30 Shrimp Count Actually Mean?
Let me make this real simple when you see “26-30” on a shrimp package it means you’ll get between 26 to 30 individual shrimp per pound. This size falls into the “Jumbo” shrimp category, and lemme tell you – they’re pretty impressive!
Quick Facts About 26-30 Jumbo Shrimp:
- Each shrimp weighs roughly 1/2 ounce
- You get about 5-7 shrimp in a 3oz serving
- Perfect size for main dishes
- Takes approximately 10 minutes to cook
Why Understanding Shrimp Sizes Matters
When we’re cooking at Fulton Fish Market, we always say choosing the right shrimp size can make or break your dish. Here’s why the 26-30 count is so popular:
- Big enough to be impressive
- Not too big that they’re hard to eat
- Perfect for grilling without falling through the grates
- Ideal for portion control in restaurants
- Great value for money
Cooking Tips for 26-30 Count Shrimp
I’ve cooked thousands of these bad boys, and here’s what works best:
Best Cooking Methods:
- Grilling (10 minutes)
- Sautéing (7-8 minutes)
- Baking (8-10 minutes)
- Stir-frying (5-6 minutes)
Popular Dishes:
- Shrimp scampi
- Grilled shrimp skewers
- Garlic butter shrimp
- Shrimp stir-fry
- Seafood pasta
Size Comparison Chart
| Size Category | Count per Pound | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Super Colossal | 8-15 | Shrimp cocktail |
| Colossal | 16-20 | Stuffed shrimp |
| Jumbo | 21-30 | Grilling, main dishes |
| Large | 31-40 | Pasta dishes |
| Medium | 41-60 | Stir-fries |
| Small | 71-90 | Salads |
Shopping Tips
When you’re at the store here’s what ya need to remember
- Check if the count includes shells
- Look for:
- Firm texture
- Mild ocean smell
- No black spots
- No ammonia odor
Weight Loss During Preparation
Here’s something most people don’t know – shrimp lose weight during prep:
- Head-on to head-off: Drops about 2 size categories
- Shell-on to peeled: Drops about 1 size category
- Raw to cooked: Shrinks about 10-15%
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve seen plenty of people make these mistakes:
- Overcooking (makes ’em rubber-like)
- Choosing wrong sizes for recipes
- Not considering head-on vs. peeled weight
- Ignoring whether they’re raw or pre-cooked
Storage and Handling
Keep your jumbo shrimp fresh with these tips:
- Store at 32-38°F
- Use within 2 days if fresh
- Keep frozen at 0°F or below
- Thaw overnight in fridge
- Never refreeze thawed shrimp
Nutritional Benefits
These jumbo shrimp are pretty healthy too:
- High in protein
- Low in calories
- Rich in omega-3s
- Good source of:
- Selenium
- Vitamin B12
- Iron
- Zinc
Price Considerations
Let’s talk money – 26-30 count shrimp usually costs:
- Fresh: $15-25/pound
- Frozen: $12-20/pound
- Shell-on: Slightly cheaper
- Peeled & deveined: Premium price
Now ya know everything about 26-30 count shrimp! They’re versatile, impressive, and perfect for most cooking methods. Whether you’re grilling for a BBQ or making a fancy dinner, these jumbo shrimp won’t let you down.
Remember – when in doubt, 26-30 count is usually a safe bet for most recipes. Just don’t forget to adjust cooking times based on whether they’re shell-on or peeled!
Happy cooking, seafood lovers! Drop me a comment if ya have any questions about shrimp sizes – I’m always happy to help!
Updated: August 2025 – Based on current market standards and cooking practices at Fulton Fish Market
Choosing Shrimp Size Based on Cooking Method
There are several methods of cooking shrimp depending on how you want it and the shrimp size. Lets look into some of these cooking methods:
Preheat the grills to around 375-450 degrees. Put the shrimp in a bowl before adding olive oil, salt, garlic, and onion powder. Mix using your hands and place it on the grill and let each side cook for two minutes. Grilling is suitable for cooking shrimp ranging from super colossal to large, because of the intense heat that makes the big-sized shrimp cook faster.
Cooking shrimp is a breeze with baking. Its the quickest, most convenient, and surefire way to prepare a batch in less than 10 minutes. If baking shrimp, go for something super colossal (U10) to medium height (36/40). You cant go wrong with this speedy, delicious cooking method.
Shrimp Sizes From Extra Small to Super Colossal
Are shrimp sizes like a math problem? Dont worry; its actually much easier than that.
When it comes to buying shrimp, the numbers 26/30 mean the number of shrimp in a pound. The more shrimps per pound, the smaller they are. So 26/30 means youll get 26-30 small shrimp per pound.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recommends eating 3 ounces of seafood – including shrimp – per serving. Knowing different shrimp sizes helps ensure a successful and delicious seafood experience.
So here is your guide to buying the perfect size of shrimp for any occasion:
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FAQ
What size is 26/30 shrimp?
A “26/30 shrimp” size refers to shrimp that have a count of 26 to 30 shrimp per pound.
Which is bigger, 21-25 or 31-40 shrimp?
21/25: 21 to 25 shrimp per pound (Jumbo) 26/30: 26 to 30 shrimp per pound (Extra Large) 31/35: 31 to 35 shrimp per pound (Large) 36/40: 36 to 40 shrimp per pound (Medium Large)
What does 21 30 mean on shrimp?
Jumbo (21-25, 26-30)
Shrimp Size: In a one-pound bag, you get anywhere from 21 to 30 jumbo shrimp. You get from 5-7 shrimp per 3oz serving and each individual shrimp weighs about half an ounce. Cooking: Since jumbo shrimp are noticeably larger they take about 10 minutes to bake or grill.
What does 16/20 mean when buying shrimp?
“16/20” shrimp refers to the size of shrimp, specifically meaning that there are 16 to 20 shrimp per pound.