How Many Large Shrimp Are In A Pound? A Guide to Shrimp Sizes

When cooking shrimp at home, one of the most important things to know is how many shrimp come in a pound and what the different size names mean This will ensure you buy the right amount of shrimp for your recipes and meal plans In the US, shrimp are usually sold by a numerical count per pound indicating the number of individual shrimp in each bag. But the numbering system can be confusing for home cooks when names like large, extra jumbo or colossal are also used. In this article, we’ll break down the common shrimp sizes, how many come in a pound, and tips for buying and cooking each variety.

The Shrimp Count Per Pound System

The shrimp count per pound is a standard sizing method used by fisheries, distributors and grocers. The numbers refer to the approximate number of whole uncooked shrimp with shells that make up one pound. For example, a bag labeled “31/40” contains around 31 to 40 shrimp per pound. The lower the numbers, the bigger the shrimp size. Here’s a quick guide to the common shrimp counts per pound:

• Extra Colossal or Super Colossal: under 10
• Colossal: under 15
• Extra Jumbo: 16 to 20
• Jumbo: 21 to 25
• Extra Large: 26 to 30
• Large: 31 to 35
• Medium Large: 36 to 40
• Medium: 41 to 50
• Small: 51 to 60
• Extra Small: 61 to 70

So if you see a bag labeled “36/40”, it contains medium large shrimp averaging 36 to 40 shrimp per pound. The total number can vary a bit based on the individual shrimp sizes.

What Does Large Shrimp Mean?

Large shrimp run 31 to 40 shrimp per pound according to the count system. This works out to around 8 or 9 large shrimp per 3 ounce serving. Each individual large shrimp weighs approximately 1/3 ounce.

The names like large or jumbo shrimp are not standardized, so you’ll want to check the count per pound to know the true size. One store’s “large” may be another’s “extra large”. The numerical shrimp count gives you the real picture.

How Many Large Shrimp In a Pound

A one pound bag of large 31/40 shrimp contains about 35 shrimp on average. This is a good general rule for meal planning purposes.

So if you need 10 servings from a pound of large shrimp plan on 3 to 4 shrimp per serving. If you are feeding a big family or appetites, allow 5 shrimp per serving to be safe. Keep in mind the shrimp will be a bit smaller after cooking too.

Cooking Times for Large Shrimp

Large shrimp have a moderate size and only take 4-6 minutes to cook through on the stove, grill or in the oven. This makes them ideal for simple weeknight meals, pastas, fajitas, stir fries and more.

• Stovetop cooking: Pan sear large shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side just until opaque and pink.

• Grilling: Grill for 2-3 minutes per side over direct medium heat, brushing with oil or sauce.

• Baking: Bake at 400°F for 4-6 minutes just until opaque.

Take care not to overcook as shrimp can become rubbery. An instant read thermometer should register 140°F when done.

Buying and Storing Large Shrimp

When buying large shrimp, look for shells that are firm and shiny with a slight ocean smell. Avoid discolored or slimy packages. Refrigerate shrimp in its original packaging and use within 1-2 days for best flavor and texture.

Opt for fresh or frozen shrimp without added preservatives like sodium tripolyphosphate if you want the truest texture and flavor. The preservatives cause the shrimp to retain extra moisture which is released during cooking.

Buy peeled and deveined shrimp to save time in the kitchen. You can also purchase shell on shrimp if you enjoy peeling them yourself. Figure you’ll lose about 1/3 of the weight in shells.

Large Shrimp Recipe Ideas

The moderately sized large shrimp work beautifully in all kinds of everyday meals:

• Shrimp scampi – Quick sautéed shrimp in garlicky butter sauce over pasta

• Lemon garlic shrimp – Pan seared shrimp flavored with fresh lemon, garlic and herbs

• Cajun shrimp tacos – Blackened shrimp stuffed in warmed tortillas with fixings

• Coconut shrimp curry – Simmered in a Thai red curry and coconut milk

• Shrimp fajitas – Seared with onions and bell peppers, served with tortillas

• Shrimp pasta salad – Chilled cooked shrimp tossed with veggies and dressing

• Shrimp skewers – Alternate shrimp and veggies/fruit on skewers and grill

• Shrimp quesadillas – Sautéed shrimp layered in tortillas with cheese

• Garlic shrimp pizza – Top pizza crust with garlicky shrimp, tomato and spinach

• Shrimp stir fry – Quickly cooked shrimp and veggies tossed with a savory sauce