The size of shrimp can make or break your recipe. To make sure you have enough, you should also remember how many shrimp are in a pound.
Lucky for you, the seafood experts at North Coast Seafoods can help you finally figure out how big a shrimp is. Consider this your ultimate guide to shrimp sizes!.
As a seafood lover browsing the grocery store or fish market, you’ve probably come across those baffling shrimp size numbers like 31/40, 21/25 or 16/20. What do they actually mean?
In this handy guide, we’ll decode common shrimp sizes like 31/40 and explain exactly what the numbers tell you about shrimp counts per pound. Read on to learn how to choose the right shrimp size for your recipes and fully understand shrimp labeling.
How Shrimp Sizes are Measured
The shrimp numbers you see, like 31/40 or 16/20, refer to the number of shrimp contained in one pound.
The first number is the minimum number of shrimp in a pound bag and the second number is the maximum.
So for 31/40 shrimp, you’ll get at least 31 shrimp up to 40 shrimp in a 1 lb bag.
The lower the numbers, the bigger the shrimp size since there are fewer per pound. Higher numbers mean smaller shrimp.
Common Shrimp Size Counts
Now let’s break down some of the most common shrimp size counts you’ll encounter and what they mean:
16/20, 21/25 – Colossal & Jumbo
These extra large shrimp clocks in at 16 to 25 shrimp per pound. You’ll get about 4 to 6 jumbo shrimp per serving.
Great for shrimp cocktails, grilling, or as entrees since they’re the stars of the show.
26/30 – Large Jumbo
In this range you’ll find 26 to 30 shrimp per pound, so about 6 or 7 shrimp per serving.
Still a nice large size perfect for shrimp tacos, pasta, or skewers.
31/40 – Large
This brings us to our highlighted size – 31/40. You’ll get 31 to 40 shrimp in a 1 lb bag, so approximately 8 to 10 shrimp per 3 oz serving.
A versatile large size ideal for many recipes like stir fries, shrimp scampi over linguine, and more.
41/50 – Medium Large
Moving smaller, 41/50 means 41 to 50 shrimp per pound or about 10 to 12 per serving.
Great in salads, apps, and when you need a slightly smaller bite.
51/60 – Medium
Now we’re in the medium shrimp sizes, with counts of 51 to 60 per pound. That’s about 12 to 15 shrimp per serving.
Works well in dips, tacos, sautés, and when you want to stretch shrimp a bit farther.
61/70, 71/90 – Small
These are the smallest shrimp sizes you’ll commonly see, sometimes labeled popcorn shrimp.
There can be 61 to 90 tiny shrimp in a pound, meaning up to 20 per serving!
Best used in shrimp cocktails, salads, or dishes where you want a little burst of shrimp flavor.
As you can see, the lower the shrimp count, the larger they are since there are fewer in a pound. Higher counts mean smaller shrimp.
Now that you understand the numbers, let’s see how 31/40 shrimp stack up…
Focus on 31/40 Shrimp
To recap, here’s a closer look at what exactly 31/40 medium large shrimp provides:
- Count Per Pound: 31 to 40 shrimp
- Serving Size: Approximately 8 to 10 shrimp for a 3 oz serving
- Individual Shrimp Size: Roughly 1/3 ounce each
- Best Uses: Pastas, stir fries, tacos, sautés
Some key advantages of 31/40 shrimp:
- Large enough for versatility in recipes
- Lower count than smaller shrimp so you get satisfying portion sizes
- Takes well to bold flavors and sauces
- Mildly briny shrimp flavor without being fishy
- Budget-friendly option compared to huge colossal shrimp
- Cooks quickly retaining moisture and texture
You really get the best of both worlds with 31/40’s. A nice large size with great shrimp flavor, while still getting a decent amount per pound.
Let’s look at how to cook and use this popular shrimp size…
Cooking and Serving 31/40 Shrimp
Since 31/40 shrimp are a good medium-large size, they can be prepared several ways:
Sautéing or Pan Searing
Get a nice sear in 3-4 minutes per side in a hot pan with olive oil or butter. Season with cajun spices, garlic, or old bay for extra flavor.
Grilling
Bring the char with 4-5 minutes per side on a hot grill. Work well with tropical glazes and fruits like pineapple or mango.
Broiling
For easy oven cooking, broil 4-5 minutes until opaque and slightly charred on edges. Toss in sauce afterward if desired.
Baking
Bake at 400°F for 4-5 minutes right until cooked through but still moist. Bread, stuff, or coat in sauce prior to baking.
Frying
Deep fry for 2-3 minutes for golden, crispy fried shrimp. Use cocktail or buttermilk marinade beforehand to lock in moisture.
For each method, take care not to overcook as you would with smaller shrimp. Check frequently as 31/40s will cook through relatively quickly.
Here are some of my favorite recipes to showcase 31/40 shrimp:
- Shrimp scampi pasta – Sautéed with garlic, white wine, parsley over angel hair
- Coconut shrimp – Big crunchy coconut-crusted shrimp with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce
- Shrimp tacos – Broiled or grilled shrimp, pico de gallo, avocado, lime crema
- Shrimp fried rice – Stir fried rice with shrimp, egg, peas, carrots
- Shrimp skewers – Soak in Greek marinade then grill for a crowd-pleaser
- Cajun shrimp boil – Spicy, juicy boiled shrimp with sausage, corn, and potatoes
The options are endless with 31/40 shrimp! Their size lets you feature them in apps, salads, pastas, and more.
Shrimp Size Considerations
Keep these tips in mind when cooking 31/40 shrimp:
- They’ll shrink slightly during cooking as moisture is lost.
- Peeling and deveining will reduce weight compared to shell-on shrimp.
- Remove from heat as soon as opaque to prevent overcooking.
- Brine or marinate for added moisture if planning heavy cooking methods.
- Resist the urge to crowd the pan, allowing them room to cook evenly.
- Frozen shrimp will be comparable in size once thawed.
With a little trial and error, you’ll get the hang of cooking 31/40 shrimp perfectly.
Shrimp Counts Simplified
While shrimp numbers may seem confusing at first glance, they provide useful information on shrimp sizes for recipes. Just remember:
- The numbers refer to the range of shrimp per pound.
- Lower counts mean larger shrimp since fewer fit in a pound.
- Higher counts indicate smaller shrimp.
- A size like 31/40 provides good versatility in cooking.
So next time you’re browsing those intimidating shrimp bags, you’ll know exactly how to decipher the sizes. Understanding the numbers helps you pick the ideal shrimp for appetizers, salads, pasta dishes and more.
Give 31/40 shrimp a try for your next seafood meal. Sauté, bake, grill or broil these juicy medium-large shrimp in your favorite marinades and sauces. Their great flavor and size make them endlessly adaptable.
Once you get the hang of shrimp counts, you’ll be able to eyeball bags and select your perfect shrimp size with confidence. Master shrimp sizes and unlock a world of delicious recipes!
How to Determine Shrimp Sizes
You may have seen shrimp bags at the store that have numbers on them like U/20, 16/20, 21/25, or 31/40. You can use these numbers to find out how big the shrimp are and how many are in a bag.
The slash between numbers is simply the range of shrimp in a pound. There would be 16 to 20 shrimp per pound, 21 to 25 shrimp per pound, and 31 to 40 shrimp per pound in those cases. A “U” in the count means there are “under” that amount of shrimp in a pound. So for U/20s there would be fewer than 20 shrimp per pound.
When you buy shrimp, the bigger the shrimp, the smaller the number on the bag or in the deli case where the fresh seafood is kept.
If you’ve ever looked at a shrimp size chart, you’ve seen a handful of different sizes mentioned. Some shrimp size charts include only five sizes while others include upwards of 12.
That’s why, when you need a certain size of shrimp for a recipe, you should pay more attention to the number of shrimp per pound than the size term.
We’ll only be focusing on a handful of the common shrimp sizes from smallest to largest.
These tiny shrimp are known for having a subtle flavor and cooking quickly. They often come in bags 51/60, 71/90 or even 91/100. You want to make sure not to overcook small shrimp or they’ll become rubbery. These small shrimp are best used in recipes like popcorn shrimp, seafood or shrimp salads and dips, or stuffings.
This popular size comes in at 41/50 per pound. They still cook relatively quickly so they’re great for shrimp stir fry, seafood boils, or shrimp fritters.
Most of the time, larger shrimp cost 31/40 per pound and are used in shrimp appetizers, shrimp alfredo, shrimp tacos, and paella. Large shrimp are a great way to add protein to these dishes without being the main ingredient.
Big shrimp are the star of any shrimp dish, like shrimp cocktail or coconut shrimp that makes your mouth water. These bigger shrimp usually are available as 16/20, 21/25, or 26/30 per pound. Jumbo shrimp make the perfect appetizer or entrée considering 5-6 shrimp per person can be filling.
Try these with cajun grilled shrimp or a classic shrimp scampi.
Shrimp in this size range are also sometimes referred to as extra jumbo shrimp.
These huge shrimp often come as 13/15 per pound or U/15 (less than 15 shrimp per pound). They are also great for a hearty shrimp cocktail or for shrimp skewers on the grill. They take a bit longer to cook but are super succulent and tender.
Considered the mother of all shrimp, these super-sized shrimp are sold as 8/12, 6/8, or U/6 per pound. These exceptionally large shrimp are best for baked stuffed shrimp or barbeque shrimp. The recommended serving size is only 1-3 shrimp because they’re so massive. This is about the size of a prawn or lobster tail, so if you love shrimp, these are perfect for you.
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HolliDay AnyDay: Tipsy Tuesday – How to Understand Shrimp Sizes
What does 31/40 shrimp mean?
31/40 shrimp refers to the size of the shrimp, and specifically, how many of them there are in a pound. In this case, 31/40 means that there are between 31 and 40 shrimp in a pound, making them a medium-sized option. These shrimp are popular for cooking and are versatile for many different dishes due to their size.
What does 41 50 shrimp mean?
A label of “41 50 shrimp” means 41 to 50 shrimp per pound or Medium shrimp. What size is 31 40 shrimp? When referencing shrimp size, “31 40 shrimp” is Large shrimp, meaning 31 to 40 shrimp in a pound. Now you know the basics of shrimp size and counts per pound.
Are 31/40 shrimp healthy?
31/40 shrimp are a good source of protein, low in calories, and contain important nutrients such as selenium and vitamin B12. They are a healthy addition to a balanced diet. 10. Can 31/40 shrimp be breaded and fried?
What is the shrimp count on a bag of wild-caught shrimp?
The shrimp count on a bag of wild-caught U.S. shrimp is the number that denotes how many shrimp are approximately in the bag “per pound.” For example, if a shrimp bag’s count reads “21/25,” then that means those shrimp are sized to be approximately 21 to 25 shrimp per pound.