What Does 26/30 Shrimp Mean? A Complete Guide to Shrimp Sizes

Shrimp are a delicious and versatile seafood ingredient that can be used in everything from appetizers and salads to main courses. However, if you’ve ever shopped for shrimp, you may have noticed the perplexing shrimp sizing labels like 26/30. So what exactly does 26/30 shrimp mean and how do you choose the right shrimp size for your recipe?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll demystify shrimp sizes, counts, and labels so you can shop for shrimp like a pro.

How Shrimp Sizes Are Measured

The shrimp size numbering system actually refers to the number of shrimp per pound. The first number represents the minimum number of shrimp in a one pound bag, while the second number is the maximum number.

So for 26/30 shrimp, you can expect at least 26 shrimp up to 30 shrimp in a one pound bag. The higher the shrimp count per pound, the smaller the shrimp size.

Here’s a quick rundown of common shrimp size counts:

• 26/30 shrimp: Considered large shrimp
• 31/40 shrimp: Medium large shrimp
• 41/50 shrimp: Medium shrimp
• 51/60 shrimp: Small shrimp
• 61/70 shrimp: Extra small shrimp

While there are no universal size standards, here are some general guidelines on shrimp sizes from small to large:

• Extra small: 61-70 per pound
• Small: 51-60 per pound
• Medium: 41-50 per pound
• Medium large: 31-40 per pound
• Large: 26-30 per pound
• Extra large: 21-25 per pound
• Jumbo: 16-20 per pound
• Colossal: 13-15 per pound
• Super colossal: 8-12 per pound

Factors That Affect Shrimp Size

While the count per pound gives you a general idea of shrimp size, there are a few other factors that can affect the size:

Head On vs Peeled

Shrimp sizes are based on the form they are purchased in. Head on shrimp with the shell will be a larger size than peeled and deveined shrimp of the same count. Once the head and shell are removed, the shrimp “shrinks” by about one or two sizes.

For example, colossal shrimp sold with the head and shell on would be equivalent to a jumbo or large shrimp once processed.

Cooked vs Raw

Raw shrimp sizes may also differ from cooked. Like many proteins, shrimp shrinks slightly when cooked due to moisture loss. So 26/30 cooked shrimp may be slightly smaller than 26/30 raw.

Natural Variation

Even within the same size grade, there can be some natural variation in shrimp sizes. So don’t expect every single shrimp in a 26/30 bag to be exactly the same – there will likely be a range with some slightly bigger and some slightly smaller.

Choosing the Right Shrimp Size

Now that you understand what the numbers mean, how do you pick the best shrimp size for your recipe? Here are some tips:

For Salads and Appetizers

Go for smaller shrimp in the 51/60 (small) or 61/70 (extra small) range. The small bite-size shrimp are perfect for appetizers like shrimp cocktail or salads.

For Shrimp Scampi or Sautés

Choose medium (41/50), medium large (31/40) or large (26/30) shrimp. These provide a nice middle ground – not too tiny but not too big. They cook quickly and are great in pasta dishes or sautés.

For Grilling or Broiling

Select jumbo (21-25 or 16-20) or colossal (13-15). The larger shrimp work well for grilling, broiling, skewers, or dishes where you want the shrimp to be the star. Allow a little extra cooking time for these big boys.

For Soups or Stews

Go for small or medium shrimp. The little ones blend into soups and stews nicely. Large shrimp would be overpowering.

For Shrimp per Person

Allow 4-5 colossal shrimp, 6-8 large or jumbo shrimp, or 10-12 medium shrimp per serving. For appetizers, you may need 2-3 times as much.

Keep in mind if you buy shell on shrimp, the edible meat weight will be less with the shells. You may need to adjust the quantities accordingly.

Popular Shrimp Size Uses

To give you a better idea of how shrimp sizes work in recipes, here are some common uses for different sizes:

• Super colossal (8-12): Shrimp cocktails, stuffed shrimp
• Colossal (13-15): Broiled shrimp, shrimp skewers
• Jumbo (16-20): Grilled shrimp, garlic butter shrimp
• Extra large (21-25): Shrimp tacos, shrimp fettuccine
• Large (26-30): Shrimp scampi, shrimp stir fry
• Medium large (31-40): Shrimp fried rice, shrimp curry
• Medium (41-50): Shrimp salad, gumbo, etouffee
• Small (51-60): Shrimp soup, shrimp salad
• Extra small (61-70): Shrimp cocktail, shrimp dip

Keep these popular uses in mind when selecting your shrimp.

Shrimp Size Chart

For easy reference, here is a shrimp size chart from small to large:

Shrimp Size	Approx. Count per Pound	Common Uses
Extra Small	61-70	Salad, cocktail, dip
Small	51-60	Soup, salad
Medium	41-50	Etouffee, gumbo, salad
Medium Large	31-40	Fried rice, curry
Large	26-30	Scampi, stir fry
Extra Large	21-25	Tacos, pasta
Jumbo	16-20	Grilled, broiled
Colossal	13-15	Skewers, stuffed
Super Colossal	8-12	Cocktail, stuffed

Shrimp Size FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about shrimp sizes:

How much do shrimp shrink when cooked?

Shrimp will shrink 10-15% during cooking due to moisture loss. So 26/30 raw shrimp may reduce to a 31/35 size once cooked.

Can I mix shrimp sizes in a recipe?

It’s best to avoid mixing very large and very small shrimp in one dish, as the cooking times will vary. But you can mix neighboring sizes, like 26/30 with 31/40. Just be sure to adjust cooking time if needed.

What size shrimp go with pasta?

Medium (41/50), medium large (31/40), and large (26/30) shrimp all work well with pasta. The medium and smaller shrimp blend nicely into sauces.

What size shrimp for frying?

Larger shrimp from 16/20 (jumbo) down to 31/40 (medium large) fry up nicely. Very small shrimp may overcook before browning adequately when fried.

What size shrimp for kabobs or skewers?

Look for jumbo (16/20) or colossal (13-15) shrimp for skewers. The big shrimp make for an impressive presentation.

What size shrimp for stir fry?

Your best bet is large (26/30) to medium (41/50) shrimp for stir fries. Avoid super small shrimp that may overcook too quickly.

Time to Shop for Shrimp!

Armed with this handy shrimp size guide, you now have the knowledge to pick out the perfect shrimp for any recipe. Just refer to the size chart or popular uses to select the ideal shrimp to match your cooking method.

Keep in mind general guidelines like using extra small and small shrimp for appetizers, medium for pastas and sautés, and jumbo or colossal for grilling and broiling. And you’ll never have to scratch your head over a shrimp label again when you remember that lower count per pound means bigger shrimp!