Hey seafood lovers! I’ve been cooking with shrimp for years and lemme tell you – size really does matter when it comes to these tasty crustaceans. Today I’m gonna break down everything you need to know about shrimp sizes, with special focus on those jumbo beauties that make your mouth water!
Understanding Shrimp Size Measurements
Before we dive into the specifics, here’s the basic deal shrimp sizes are measured by how many shrimp you get per pound. Pretty simple, right? When you’re shopping, you’ll see numbers like “16/20” or “U/15” on the packages Here’s what those numbers mean
- The slash (/) shows a range of shrimp count per pound
- “U” means “under” that number per pound
- Lower numbers = bigger shrimp
Shrimp Size Chart: From Smallest to Largest
Here’s a handy breakdown of common shrimp sizes
| Size Category | Count per Pound | Shrimp per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 71-90 | ~18 shrimp |
| Medium | 41-50 | 10-15 shrimp |
| Large | 31-40 | 8-9 shrimp |
| Jumbo | 21-25 | 5-7 shrimp |
| Colossal | 16-20 | 4-5 shrimp |
| Super Colossal | 8-12 | 2-3 shrimp |
The Biggest Shrimp Sizes Explained
Super Colossal (U/12 or 8-12 per pound)
These are the absolute units of the shrimp world! Each shrimp weighs about 1-1.5 ounces – that’s almost like a mini lobster tail! They’re perfect for:
- Grilling
- Stuffing with crab meat
- Making show-stopping shrimp cocktails
- Impressing your dinner guests!
Colossal (13-15 per pound)
These big boys are still pretty massive and super meaty. You’ll get about 3-4 per serving, making them perfect for:
- BBQ shrimp
- Shrimp skewers
- Fancy appetizers
- Main course dishes
Cooking Tips for Large Shrimp
When you’re working with these giant shrimp, keep these tips in mind:
- Longer Cooking Times
- Add 3-5 extra minutes compared to smaller sizes
- Watch carefully to avoid overcooking
- Best Cooking Methods
- Grilling
- Broiling
- Baking
- Sautéing
- Pro Tips
- Brine them in salt water for 30 mins for extra juiciness
- Don’t rush the cooking process
- Use skewers for even cooking
Price Considerations
Let’s be real – the bigger the shrimp, the bigger the price tag! Super colossal and colossal shrimp are gonna cost you more than their smaller cousins. But honestly? For special occasions or when you really wanna wow someone, they’re totally worth it!
Size Loss During Preparation
Here’s something important to remember: shrimp size changes during prep and cooking:
- Heads on → remove heads = lose about 2 size categories
- Shell on → peeled = lose about 1 size category
- Raw → cooked = some shrinkage due to water loss
When it comes to shrimp sizes, super colossal (U/12) takes the crown as the largest commonly available size. These massive shrimp are perfect for those times when you want your seafood to make a statement!
Remember, while bigger isn’t always better for every recipe, knowing your shrimp sizes helps you pick the perfect ones for your dish. Whether you’re making a fancy dinner or just grilling up some seafood, now you’re armed with the knowledge to choose the right size!
Would you like me to explain any part of this in more detail? Drop a comment below! And hey, if you’ve cooked with super colossal shrimp before, I’d love to hear about your experience!
Determining Your Culinary Needs
Jumbo or even colossal-sized shrimp work best for dishes that want to highlight shrimp’s natural flavors. Bigger shrimp offer a heartier bite and can withstand strong seasonings and intense cooking methods.
On the other hand, if you’re combining shrimp with other ingredients, smaller sizes might be more appropriate. Smaller shrimp blend well with other elements and add a delightful seafood essence without overpowering the dish.
Consider whether you want an elegant presentation or a more rustic approach. Larger shrimp can add drama and sophistication to your plate, while smaller shrimp are easier to work with for even cooking or bite-sized appetizers.
Speaking of easy cooking, here’s our simple Shrimp Cooking Guide.
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!).
BIGGEST Shrimp I’ve Ever Tried!! Thailand’s XXXL Seafood!!
FAQ
What is the largest size shrimp?
The largest commercially available shrimp size is typically called Colossal or Extra Colossal. These shrimp can range from 8 to 15 shrimp per pound, and sometimes even fewer.
What is the biggest shrimp ever caught?
The biggest shrimp ever caught is likely a mantis shrimp, specifically the zebra mantis shrimp (Lysiosquillina maculata). One individual, caught off the coast of Florida, was reported to be 18 inches long. This is significantly larger than the average size of 15 inches for this species. Another report mentions a 16-inch shrimp purchased by a Colombian biologist.
Can shrimp grow up to 8 inches?
White shrimp reach sexual maturity at 6.0 inches for males / 6.5 inches for females. Their lifespan is less than 2 years, and they can grow over 9 inches. Pink shrimp mature at 2.9 inches for males / 3.3 inches for females, and also live less than 2 years. They reach about 8 inches in length.
What is the maximum size of a shrimp?
Many shrimp species are small as the term shrimp suggests, about 2 cm (0.79 in) long, but some shrimp exceed 25 cm (9.8 in). Larger shrimp are more likely to be targeted commercially and are often referred to as prawns, particularly in the Commonwealth of Nations and former British colonies.
What is the biggest shrimp you can buy?
But if all you care about is finding the biggest shrimp money can buy, you’ll want to look for this variety in particular. Aptly named super colossal shrimp, this variety is the largest size you can buy, and can require as long as 15 minutes to cook, according to Fulton Fish Market.
What is the largest shrimp ever caught?
Shrimps are known for their small size, but some species can grow to be quite large. The largest recorded shrimp ever caught was a giant tiger shrimp, also known as a king prawn (Penaeus monodon). This shrimp was caught by a Canadian fisherman off the coast of Nova Scotia in 1978.
How many shrimp are in a pound?
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.
How many colossal shrimp are in a pound?
Colossal shrimp make an amazing, decadent appetizer. Finally, we reach the crème de la crème of shrimp sizes: super colossal. As you may have guessed, these are the biggest shrimp available. Count per pound is just 8 to 12 jumbo shrimp. You can expect to get only 1 to 3 super colossal shrimp per serving.
How big does a shrimp get?
While most shrimp are relatively small, some species can grow to be quite large. In fact, the biggest shrimp ever recorded was over 16 inches long! The giant shrimp was caught off the coast of Florida in 1978. It weighed over 1 pound, which is significantly larger than the average shrimp.
What is the smallest size of shrimp?
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?