Hey there, seafood lovers! If you’ve ever stood in front of the seafood counter scratching your head about shrimp sizes, you’re not alone. Today, I’m gonna break down everything you need to know about jumbo and colossal shrimp, and spoiler alert – colossal is definitely the bigger one! Let’s dive right in.
The Quick Answer
Colossal shrimp are bigger than jumbo shrimp. Here’s the simple breakdown:
- Colossal: 16-20 shrimp per pound
- Jumbo: 21-30 shrimp per pound
Understanding Shrimp Sizing 101
Let me tell ya shrimp sizing isn’t as complicated as it seems! In the seafood biz we measure shrimp sizes by counting how many shrimp make up one pound. Here’s a cool trick the smaller the number, the bigger the shrimp. Pretty neat, right?
Complete Size Chart
| Shrimp Size | Count per Pound |
|---|---|
| Super Colossal | U/12 (under 12) |
| Colossal | 16-20 |
| Extra Jumbo | 16-20 |
| Jumbo | 21-30 |
| Large | 31-40 |
| Medium | 41-50 |
| Small | 51-60 |
Comparing Jumbo vs Colossal Shrimp
Colossal Shrimp
- Size: 16-20 per pound
- Weight per shrimp: About 0.75 oz
- Servings: 4-5 shrimp per serving
- Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Jumbo Shrimp
- Size: 21-30 per pound
- Weight per shrimp: About 0.5 oz
- Servings: 5-7 shrimp per serving
- Cooking time: 8-10 minutes
Best Uses for Each Size
Colossal Shrimp Perfect For:
- Shrimp cocktail (they’re real show-stoppers!)
- Grilling
- Stuffed shrimp recipes
- Special occasions
- Centerpiece dishes
Jumbo Shrimp Great For:
- Stir-fries
- Pasta dishes
- Fajitas
- Everyday cooking
- Salads
Cooking Tips from My Kitchen
I’ve cooked tons of shrimp in my time, and here’s what I’ve learned: bigger isn’t always better! While colossal shrimp look impressive, they can be tricky to cook just right. Here’s my pro tip: watch them like a hawk when cooking – nobody likes rubbery shrimp!
Cooking Time Guide
- Colossal: Need about 12-15 minutes to bake
- Jumbo: Usually done in 8-10 minutes
- Pan-searing: 4-6 minutes for either size
Price Comparison
Let’s talk money – cause this stuff ain’t cheap!
- Colossal: $15-25 per pound
- Jumbo: $8-15 per pound
Making Your Choice
Still confused? Here’s my simple advice
-
Choose Colossal when:
- You’re hosting a fancy dinner
- Making shrimp cocktail
- Want to impress your guests
- Budget isn’t a concern
-
Go with Jumbo when:
- Cooking everyday meals
- Making pasta or stir-fries
- Feeding a crowd
- Watching your budget
Extra Tips for Buying Shrimp
- Always check the count per pound – it’s more reliable than size names
- Consider if they’re peeled or unpeeled – this affects the final size
- Fresh isn’t always better – frozen shrimp are often higher quality
- Look for shrimp that are firm and smell like the ocean
Final Thoughts
Whether you go jumbo or colossal you really can’t go wrong – it’s all about what you’re cooking and who you’re cooking for. Just remember colossal is bigger but jumbo is more versatile. And hey, if you’re still unsure, just show the seafood counter person this article on your phone – they’ll know exactly what you need!
Remember, at the end of the day, it’s not just about size – it’s about how you cook ’em! Now go forth and cook some amazing shrimp dishes!
Got any awesome shrimp recipes or cooking tips? Drop ’em in the comments below – I’d love to hear from ya!
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.
How many shrimp are in a pound for each size category?
- Colossal: 8/12, 6/8, or U/6
- Jumbo: 13/15
- Large: 16/20, 21/25, 26/30
- Medium: 31/40
- Small: 41/50
- Extra Small: 51/60, 71/90, 91/100
Its important to note that these size labels can vary slightly between suppliers. Always check the count per pound for accuracy!
How to cook jumbo shrimp in 3 min.
FAQ
What is the biggest kind of shrimp?
The largest shrimp species is the giant tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon). It can reach lengths up to 13 inches (33 cm) and weigh over a pound, according to Inland Foods and the Texas Invasive Species Institute.
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 size shrimp is best for frying?
For frying, large or jumbo-sized shrimp (21-30 per pound) are generally the best choice.
What is the best type of shrimp to eat?
The best shrimp to eat depends on personal preference, but some of the most highly regarded options include pink shrimp, white shrimp, and Argentine red shrimp. Pink shrimp are known for their sweet flavor, while white shrimp are versatile and absorb seasonings well.
How to choose a colossal or Jumbo Shrimp?
When only jumbo, colossal or super colossal shrimp will do, use this guide to pick the right size: Check the count per pound on packaging – the lower the number, the bigger the shrimp. Allow extra cooking time for jumbo and colossal shrimp to reach their full potential.
What is extra colossal shrimp?
Extra colossal shrimp are the largest size of shrimp you can use, making them quite rare. Since smaller sizes like jumbo and colossal shrimp are large enough to stand as a main course, some feel that extra colossal shrimp can be too large.
How many Jumbo Shrimp in a pound?
(U/10 count) Super colossal – 12 or fewer pieces of shrimp in a pound. (U/12 count) Colossal – 15 or under pieces of shrimp in a pound. (U/15 count) Extra jumbo – 16 to 20 pieces of shrimp in a pound. (16/20 count) Jumbo – 21 to 25 pieces of shrimp in a pound. (21/25 count) Extra large – 26 to 30 pieces of shrimp in a pound. (26/30 count)
How much does a colossal shrimp weigh?
Colossal shrimp weigh in at a whopping 13 to 15 shrimp per pound. You may also see them labeled as “extra jumbo.” At this mammoth size, you’ll get approximately 3 colossal shrimp per serving. Each shrimp is around an ounce. The colossal shrimp’s large, juicy texture is heavenly when grilled, broiled, or on skewers.
Which shrimp size is best for cooking?
Extra Colasssal (U/10) and Super Colossal (U/12) shrimp are the largest shrimp sizes for cooking. But, when buying shrimp, be sure to look at the counts per pound. Colossal shrimp can be labeled as such, but have a count per pound of 16 to 20, actually making it Extra Jumbo shrimp.
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.