What does “26/30” mean? This guide will teach you how to read shrimp sizes, help you figure out what size and number of shrimp you need for your recipe, and give you ideas for cooking.
Shrimp are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in appetizers, salads, pastas, and main entrees. But when meal planning, an important question is: how many large shrimp are in a typical serving? The number can vary greatly depending on the shrimp’s size and how it is served.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at common shrimp sizes, typical serving recommendations, and shrimp nutrition facts to help you determine the right shrimp count per serving for your recipes.
Common Shrimp Sizes
Shrimp are sold by size designations that indicate how many shrimp there are per pound Some common commercial size names from smallest to largest include
- Extra Small (61/70 per pound)
- Small (51/60 per pound)
- Medium (41/50 per pound)
- Large (31/35 per pound)
- Extra Large (26/30 per pound)
- Jumbo (21/25 per pound)
- Extra Jumbo (16/20 per pound)
So for example, a bag labelled “large 31/35” will contain 31 to 35 shrimp per pound The higher the count per pound, the smaller the shrimp size
While names like “large” or “extra jumbo” can vary by seller, the count per pound gives a standard way to compare. Focus on the counts to determine shrimp sizes for recipes.
How Many Shrimp Are in a Serving?
The number of shrimp considered a standard serving depends on how the shrimp will be served:
For Appetizers
Allow 2-3 medium or large shrimp per person if serving shrimp cocktail or grilled shrimp as finger foods. Adjust up if shrimp is the only appetizer.
For Entrees and Main Dishes
The typical recommended fish serving size is around 3-4 oz per person. For shrimp:
- Medium to small shrimp (41-60 per pound): Around 9-11 shrimp per serving
- Large shrimp (31-40 per pound): Around 5-7 shrimp per 3-4 oz serving
- Extra large and jumbo (16-30 per pound): Around 3-5 shrimp for a 3-4 oz serving
For main dishes like shrimp scampi over pasta or casseroles, allot 6-8 oz (10-12 large shrimp) per person. Those with bigger appetites may want more.
For Shrimp Boils or Shell-On Shrimp
Since you get less edible meat per shrimp, allow about 6-8 ounces of in-shell, head-on shrimp per person, which equals around 8-12 jumbo shrimp.
For Children’s Servings
Cut the adult serving in half for a typical child’s serving size. For smaller appetites, allow 1-2 shrimp per year of age.
Quick Shrimp Serving Sizes by Type
- Appetizer: 2-3 medium or large shrimp
- Entree: 5-12 large or extra-large shrimp
- Shell-on Shrimp Boil: 8-12 jumbo shrimp
- Child’s Serving: Halve adult serving
The preparation method also affects how much you need to serve. Deep fried coconut shrimp or aheavy garlic butter sauce will add more calories per shrimp.
Shrimp Nutrition Facts
Here are the nutrition facts for a typical 1 oz (about 3 medium) serving of cooked shrimp:
- Calories: 40
- Fat: 0.66g
- Cholesterol: 58mg
- Sodium: 172mg
- Protein: 7.73g
Shrimp are low in calories and fat while providing quality protein. Shrimp also contain vitamin B12, selenium, and astaxanthin, a natural antioxidant.
Just watch out for high sodium, fat, and calories in heavily breaded or sauced shrimp dishes. Grilled, boiled, or lightly sautéed shrimp keep nutrition high.
Tips for Serving Shrimp
Here are some additional tips for planning shrimp servings for different recipes:
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Skewers: Allow 2-3 jumbo or extra large shrimp per skewer as an appetizer. Skewers with a mix of shrimp and vegetables are also delicious.
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Salads: For main dish shrimp salads, allow about 4 oz or 5-6 large shrimp on top of salad greens per serving.
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Tacos: 2-3 shrimp tacos per person makes a satisfying entree, with 1-2 large shrimp per taco.
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Pasta: Plan on 6-8 medium shrimp or 4-5 large shrimp per main dish pasta serving in dishes like shrimp scampi.
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Soups/Chowders: Allow 4-6 medium or 3-4 large shrimp per serving in soups, stews, and chowders.
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Sandwiches: A shrimp roll or po’ boy sandwich will have 3-5 large shrimp inside.
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Appetizer Platters: If serving grilled shrimp or cocktail alongside other appetizers, allow just 2-4 shrimp per person.
The shrimp’s size, preparation method, and other menu items will help determine the right amount per serving. Make sure to have a few extra on hand and encourage second helpings for those with big appetites for shrimp!
Serving Size Examples by Shrimp Count
To summarize, here are some examples of serving sizes based on shrimp count per pound:
- Extra Small (61-70 count): About 15-20 shrimp per serving
- Small (51-60 count): About 12-15 shrimp per serving
- Medium (41-50 count): 9-11 shrimp per serving
- Large (31-40 count): 5-7 shrimp per serving
- Extra Large (26-30 count): 4-6 shrimp per serving
- Jumbo (21-25 count): 3-5 shrimp per serving
- Extra Jumbo (16-20 count): 2-4 shrimp per serving
Again, these are general guidelines that may vary based on menu combinations and appetite. Peel-and-eat shrimp at parties are often served by the half pound (8-15 shrimp depending on size).
Use the handy shrimp count method to determine the right amount of shrimp for everything from appetizer platters to salads, tacos, pasta dishes, and more. Then adjust up or down depending on your menu and the eaters. With this guide, you’ll get shrimp serving sizes just right for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much shrimp per person should I buy?
For appetizers allow 2-3 medium or large shrimp per person. For entrees, plan on 3-4 ounces of shrimp per person, which equals about 5-12 extra large or jumbo shrimp depending on size.
How many shrimp are in a pound?
Shrimp per pound varies greatly based on size. Extra small shrimp have 61-70 per pound, while jumbo shrimp have around 21-25 per pound. Check the shrimp count on packaging to determine size.
What size shrimp should I buy for shrimp tacos?
The best shrimp for tacos are large, extra large, or jumbo. These sizes give you between 1-3 shrimp per taco. Around 18-30 shrimp will serve 4 people 3 tacos each.
Is there a difference between large and jumbo shrimp?
Yes, jumbo shrimp are bigger than large shrimp. Jumbo shrimp have 21-25 per pound while large shrimp are 31-40 count per pound, so jumbo shrimp are noticeably larger.
How much shrimp do I need for 10 people?
For a group shrimp dinner, plan on 6-8 ounces of shrimp per person. For 10 people this equals 5-6.5 pounds of shrimp for the group. Buy extra if serving as a stand alone appetizer or main dish.
What is considered a jumbo shrimp size?
Jumbo shrimp run about 21-25 shrimp per pound. They are around 0.45 – 0.55 ounces each. Jumbo provides a nice large shrimp for appetizers and entrees.
By understanding typical shrimp sizing, recommended servings, and using the count per pound, you can easily determine the right amount of shrimp to buy and prepare recipes perfectly tailored to your menu and number of guests.
How are Shrimp Sized?
Shrimp sizes are denoted in numbers, such as 21/25 or U/15. What does a “U” mean in the count? It means there are “under” that many shrimp in a pound. The slash between numbers denotes a range of shrimp in a pound.
So, for example, U/15 shrimp contain fewer than 15 shrimp per pound. 21/25’s weigh in at 21 to 25 shrimp to a pound. As the numbers get smaller, the shrimp get bigger.
Sometimes, you’ll see a sizing term alongside the number such as “Large” or “Jumbo”. For accuracy when cooking, I like to pay closer attention to the number count than the sizing term.
Because these terms aren’t standard in the seafood business, 16/20’s might be called “Extra Jumbo” by one brand or fishmonger and “Colossal” by another. Using the shrimp count instead lets you know for sure how many shrimp you’ll be getting when you plan a recipe.
| Common Sizing Term (Varies) | Shrimp Count Per Pound | Approx. Count Per 3 oz Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Colossal | U/10 | 2-3 shrimp |
| Super Colossal | U/12 | 2-3 shrimp |
| Colossal | U/15 | 3-4 shrimp |
| Extra Jumbo | 16/20 | 4-5 shrimp |
| Jumbo | 21/25 | 5-6 shrimp |
| Extra Large | 26/30 | 6-7 shrimp |
| Large | 31/35 | 8-9 shrimp |
| Medium Large | 36/40 | 9-10 shrimp |
| Medium | 41/50 | 10-12 shrimp |
| Small | 51/60 | 12-15 shrimp |
| Extra Small | 61/70 | 15-17 shrimp |
| Tiny | 71+ | 18+ shrimp |
Do Head-On or Unpeeled Shrimp Affect Shrimp Counts?
According to Louisiana Direct Seafood’s Handbook, shrimp are two counts larger with the head on and 1 count larger with the shells. So, say you buy U/15 shrimp with the heads and shells on. Once the heads are removed, they’ll weigh in two steps smaller at 21/25 shrimp per pound, and when peeled, they’ll be 26/30’s.
When I buy shrimp, I usually leave the shells on because they keep the meat juicy and give the shrimp a great flavor. So, when I go shopping, I base my serving sizes on the shrimp that are next to the smallest on the chart based on the label’s count.