We all want to serve up a delicious entrée or appetizer to impress our guests. But, when it comes to choosing shrimp, the process can get a tad overwhelming. Which size shrimp should I buy? Should I get frozen or fresh shrimp? How many shrimp do I need for my cocktail party?
Dont panic—weve got you covered. This handy guide contains all the information you need to pick out your prawns for any occasion confidently. So get ready for fearless shopping and delicious shrimpy treats.
Demystifying Shrimp Counts: How Many Shrimp are in a Pound?
As a seafood lover browsing the grocery store or fish market, you’ve likely noticed those perplexing shrimp count numbers on the packaging. 21/25, 31/40, 41/50…what do these shrimp counts actually mean and how do they relate to pounds? Let’s decode the shrimp counting system so you can easily determine how many shrimp come in each pound.
Shrimp Counts Explained
The numbers listed on shrimp packaging denote the approximate range of shrimp per pound for that particular size. For instance, shrimp labeled as “31/35 count” indicates that one pound contains roughly 31 to 35 individual shrimp. The lower the numbers, the larger the shrimp size, since fewer shrimp are needed to make up a pound.
Here’s a breakdown of common shrimp counts per pound:
- U10 or less: 10 or fewer colossal shrimp per pound
- 11/15: 11 to 15 extra jumbo shrimp per pound
- 16/20: 16 to 20 jumbo shrimp per pound
- 21/25: 21 to 25 large shrimp per pound
- 26/30: 26 to 30 medium large shrimp per pound
- 31/35: 31 to 35 medium shrimp per pound
- 36/40: 36 to 40 small medium shrimp per pound
- 41/50: 41 to 50 medium small shrimp per pound
- 51/60: 51 to 60 small shrimp per pound
- 61/70: 61 to 70 extra small shrimp per pound
The higher the numbers, the smaller the shrimp size, since it takes more of them to equal a pound. While counts aren’t an exact science since natural variation exists, they provide a helpful ballpark estimate.
U.S Wild Caught Shrimp Sizes
For American wild caught shrimp. the common market sizes are
- Colossal: Under 10 per pound
- Extra Jumbo: 11-15 per pound
- Jumbo: 16-20 per pound
- Extra Large: 21-25 per pound
- Large: 26-30 per pound
- Medium Large: 31-40 per pound
- Medium: 41-50 per pound
- Small: 51-60 per pound
- Extra Small: 61-70 per pound
- Tiny: Over 70 per pound
Larger shrimp sizes like Colossal, Jumbo and Extra Large are best for shrimp cocktails, sautéing, and grilling. Medium to Small sizes are great for salads, pastas, gumbos and rolls. Reserve the Extra Small and Tiny shrimp for soups, stews and heavily spiced dishes where appearance doesn’t matter.
Shrimp per Serving
Figuring out how many shrimp to buy depends on whether they will be served as an appetizer, entree or part of a dish. Here are some serving estimates:
Appetizers:
- 2-3 medium or large shrimp per person
- 4-5 extra jumbo or colossal shrimp per person
Entrees:
- 5-7 jumbo or extra large shrimp per person
- 9-12 medium shrimp per person
In recipes:
- Allow 1⁄2 pound of medium peeled shrimp per person
- Allow 1/3 pound large peeled shrimp per person
If serving shrimp with heads and shells, purchase about 1⁄4 pound more per person to allow for the extra weight and waste. For children, cut the servings in half. And it’s always better to have extra than not enough!
Shrimp Weight With Heads and Shells
Head-on shrimp are heavier than peeled and deveined shrimp since the heads and shells add extra weight. Here’s how that factors into shrimp counts per pound:
- Head-on shrimp add about 2 counts per pound
- Shell-on shrimp add about 1 count per pound
So if you purchase head-on shrimp with a 31/35 count, expect them to yield more like a 33/37 count once the heads are removed. For shell-on 26/30 count shrimp, figure they are closer to a 27/31 count when peeled.
Factors Affecting Shrimp Size
Why can shrimp of the same advertised count vary in size? There are a few reasons:
- Natural variation – No two shrimp are exactly the same.
- Partial boxes – A “26/30” box may only contain larger shrimp if it was the end of a bigger box.
- Seasonal variation – Shrimp grow faster and bigger at certain times of year.
- Where they are caught – Shrimp from some areas tend to run larger or smaller.
- How they are processed – Hand-graded shrimp will be more uniform in size.
- Time in the cooler – Shrimp shrinks slightly when stored on ice.
For the most accuracy, purchase head-on shell-on shrimp and size them yourself. But for convenience, pre-sized shrimp works well for most recipes. Just don’t expect the counts to perfectly predict size!
Tips for Buying Shrimp Based on Counts
Follow these tips for purchasing shrimp by the pound:
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Check if the count is for head-on or peeled shrimp. Head-on adds about 2 counts.
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Assume a range – Shrimp labeled “26/30 per pound” may contain some 24’s and some 32’s.
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Whole pounds provide the most accuracy. Partial boxes vary more in size.
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For dishes where appearance matters, choose uniform sizes like “U12”.
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For soups, salads or rolls, smaller varied sizes are fine. Purchase “36/50” per pound.
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Buy a little extra, especially if serving as a main course. Runs small rather than big.
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Let your recipe determine size. Curries and fried dishes work well with small shrimp.
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Weight the bag or box and compare to the stated count range to check for accuracy.
Now that you understand shrimp counts per pound, you can purchase the ideal size shrimp for your recipes and desired use. Just match the count to your menu and number of people. Planning a shrimp boil or cocktail party? Go for jumbos. Making gumbo or pasta? Opt for smaller shrimp.
Follow the recommended guidelines for appetizers, entrees, or ingredient amounts. And allow for some natural variation within the stated range. With this knowledge in your tackle box, you’ll be an expert at picking the perfect shrimp counts every time!
A Guide to Purchasing Shrimp for Common Recipes
Unsure which shrimp size to buy? Here are some recommendations for the most popular shrimp dishes:
- Shrimp Cocktail – Colossal, Jumbo or Extra Large (U15 or lower)
- Shrimp Scampi over Pasta – Extra Large or Large (16/20 to 26/30)
- Shrimp Tacos – Medium or Large (26/30 to 36/40)
- Popcorn Shrimp – Small or Extra Small (36/50 or higher)
- Shrimp Salad – Medium or Medium Large (31/40)
- Shrimp Etouffee – Medium or Large (26/35)
- Shrimp & Grits – Medium or Small (36/50)
- Shrimp Gumbo – Small or Extra Small (40/60 or higher)
- Coconut Shrimp – Large or Medium Large (26/35)
- Garlic Butter Shrimp – Jumbo or Extra Large (16/25)
- Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo – Medium Large or Medium (31/40)
Keep this shrimp size cheat sheet handy whenever meal planning or grocery shopping. Choosing the right shrimp count for your recipes and number of servings will guarantee shrimp success every time!
Shrimp Count Conversions
To convert shrimp counts between shell-on and peeled, or head-on and headless, use the following conversion guide:
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Head-on to Headless: Add 2 counts
Ex. 16/20 head-on = 18/22 headless -
Shell-on to Peeled: Add 1 count
Ex. 26/30 shell-on = 27/31 peeled -
Head-on, Shell-on to Peeled: Add 3 counts
Ex. 36/40 head-on, shell-on = 39/43 peeled -
Peeled to Shell-on: Subtract 1 count
Ex. 36/40 peeled = 35/39 shell-on -
Peeled to Head-on: Subtract 2 counts
Ex. 36/40 peeled = 34/38 head-on -
Peeled to Head-on, Shell-on: Subtract 3 counts
Ex. 36/40 peeled = 33/37 head-on, shell-on
Use this handy shrimp count conversion chart to adjust recipes or shrimp purchases for head status and shells.
Shrimp Count Equivalents
Sometimes shrimp counts are listed in different formats on packaging. Here are some equivalent terms:
Extra Colossal: U8, U10, E, F, FF
Jumbo: U12, 10/15, 16/20, L
Extra Large: 21/25
Large: 26/30
Medium Large: 31/35
Medium: 36/40, 41/50
Small: 51/60, 64/72
Miniature: 73/90, 100/125
Extra Small Shrimp
Extra small shrimp is the second smallest shrimp size. You get 61/70 shrimp per pound, while an ounce contains 15-17 shrimp. These shrimp are often used for shrimp salads. They may be labeled as “mini” or “baby shrimp” at your local grocery store.
Small shrimps contain more pieces than extra small shrimp, clocking in at 51/60 per pound. So, small shrimp are perfect for your guests if you use them in tasty dishes like shrimp pasta salad or pork dumpling soup. You can also add them as a source of protein to pasta dishes with sauce, like shrimp Alfredo.
If you like versatility in your seafood, then medium shrimps are your go-to. There are 26/30 to 31/40 of these little powerhouses per pound, so it’s easy to find the right size for any dish. With just two minutes of cook time when boiling, sautéing or pan-searing, theyre ideal for:
- Shrimp cocktails
- Lemon-y pasta dishes
- Extra-crispy coconut shrimp
- Stir fries and more
Medium shrimp, which have 31–40 pieces per pound, are great for any recipe because they are the right size and are easy to handle. You can serve these beautiful creatures in sauce dishes, on top of vegetables or grains, or in a shrimp cocktail.
The mouthwatering lemon pepper shrimp below falls into the medium-sized category.
Large shrimp contain between 16 and 20 shrimp per pound. The shrimp make an excellent centerpiece for entrées, such as cilantro rice and broiled shrimp with black beans. You can also add it as a source of protein to pasta dishes with sauce, like shrimp Alfredo. Cooking large shrimp takes about three minutes.
Jumbo shrimp range between 10 and 12 shrimp per pound. Use jumbo shrimp for appetizers like bacon-wrapped shrimp. Jumbo works perfectly with entrees, such as grilled shrimp skewers with chimichurri. Cooking defrosted jumbo shrimp in hot, boiling water or a skillet takes approximately three minutes.
For Sous Vide Shrimp
Sous vide is the key to perfectly cooked shrimp every time. Don’t ever have to deal with rubbery, overcooked shrimp again; sous vide will let you get textures that you can’t get with other cooking methods. To get the best results, choose small to medium-sized shrimp for your sous vide dish so they don’t get too cooked.