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 lovers listen up! If you’ve ever ordered jumbo shrimp at a restaurant or picked up a bag of large shrimp from the store, chances are it was U15 shrimp. But what exactly does the U15 label mean and what makes these shrimp so special?
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into U15 shrimp – their size, taste, nutrition, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned shrimp fan or just looking to learn about the different shrimp sizes, you’ll find all the details on U15 shrimp right here.
Before jumping into the specifics of U15, it helps to understand how shrimp sizes work in general The shrimp sizing system makes it easy for fishermen, suppliers, restaurants, and consumers to quickly identify the size of shrimp
The most common commercial shrimp sizes are
- Colossal (U10 or less)
- Jumbo (U12-U15)
- Extra large (16-20 count)
- Large (21-25 count)
- Medium (26-30 count)
- Small (36-45 count)
The “U” stands for “under” and the number refers to how many shrimp there are per pound. So U15 shrimp indicates there are under 15 shrimp per pound, making them quite large.
Knowing the shrimp count helps buyers purchase shrimp appropriate for their needs. The smaller the shrimp count, the bigger and meatier the shrimp. Higher count shrimp are smaller in size.
What is U15 Shrimp Exactly?
Now that we’ve covered shrimp sizing basics, let’s focus on U15 shrimp. As the name suggests:
- U15 shrimp refers to shrimp that have under 15 shrimp per pound.
- They are considered “jumbo” sized shrimp.
- Each individual shrimp weighs approximately 1/3 pound or more.
- They are the 2nd largest shrimp size commercially available, after U10 “colossal” shrimp.
Some key features of U15 shrimp:
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Large size – The defining characteristic of U15 shrimp is their impressively large size, averaging 6-8 shrimp per 3/4 pound. You’ll definitely notice the generous size when eating them!
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Meaty texture – With a plump, thick body, U15 shrimp have a very meaty bite. Their large size means more edible shrimp meat per shrimp.
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Mild sweet flavor – Compared to smaller shrimp, U15 shrimp have a subtler, milder flavor. Their sweetness shines when simply prepared.
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Uniform size – Shrimp are carefully sorted into the U15 category, so each shrimp is a similar jumbo size.
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Hand-peeled – The shell, tail, and vein are removed so they are ready to cook and eat.
Why Size Matters with Shrimp
You may be wondering why shrimp size makes such a difference. Here are some of the key benefits of using jumbo U15 shrimp:
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Eye appeal – Large shrimp instantly glamorize any dish. Their substantial size makes them stand out.
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Versatility – The generous portions of meat make U15 shrimp ideal for grilling, sautéing, skewers, salads and more.
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Value – With U15 shrimp, you get more ounces of usable shrimp meat per shrimp. Bigger is better!
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Texture – The thick meat retains moisture well during cooking for a pleasant, juicy, firm texture.
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Presentation – U15 shrimp are dramatic additions to platters, charcuterie boards, seafood towers, and cocktail spreads.
Simply put, the impressive size and appearance of U15 shrimp make them special. Their abundant meat also makes them worth the slightly higher price.
How Do U15 Shrimp Taste? Flavor Profile
Appearance aside, U15 shrimp wouldn’t be so popular if they didn’t also deliver on flavor. Here’s an overview of the taste:
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Sweet – U15 shrimp have a naturally sweet and mild shrimp flavor. Their sweetness is front and center.
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Briny – You’ll detect subtle briny notes since they are wild ocean caught shrimp.
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Mild – The flavor is delicate rather than pronounced. The larger size makes them less acidic tasting.
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Buttery – When cooked properly, U15 shrimp develop a rich, buttery quality.
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Versatile – They take on the flavors they are cooked with beautifully.
The mild sweetness pairs well with a variety of seasonings and ingredients. Think garlic, lemon, herbs, spices, chili, coconut and more.
Nutritional Value
Aside from being delicious, U15 shrimp also deliver nutritional value. Here are some of the top nutrients found in U15 shrimp:
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Protein – Each 100g of U15 shrimp contains about 20g of protein. Protein provides energy and helps build muscle.
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Selenium – U15 shrimp contain 77% of your recommended daily selenium, an important antioxidant.
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Vitamin B12 – Vital for nerve function and cell metabolism, U15 shrimp provide over 100% of your vitamin B12 RDA.
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Zinc – Each serving contains 1 mg of immune-supporting zinc.
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Omega-3s – U15 shrimp contain 115mg of omega-3 fatty acids that are beneficial for heart and brain health.
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Low calorie – With only 84 calories in 4 ounces, they are a lean, low-calorie protein option.
U15 shrimp offer a powerhouse of nutrition in a delicious package. Their substantial size means you get even more nutrients per shrimp!
How to Cook U15 Shrimp
From the grill to the skillet, U15 shrimp are easy to cook and versatile. Here are some of the most popular cooking methods:
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Grilling – The high dry heat caramelizes the shrimp while infusing delicious grill flavor. Brush with oil and season simply.
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Sauteing – Cook over medium-high heat in olive oil or butter for 2-3 minutes per side. Ideal for pasta dishes, salads, tacos and more.
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Baking – Arrange in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, season and bake at 400°F for 5-7 minutes.
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Broiling – For fast and easy cooking, place oiled shrimp under the broiler for just a couple minutes per side.
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Skewers – Thread shrimp onto skewers, brush with oil and grill or broil. Perfect party appetizers!
Monitor closely and remove from heat as soon as the shrimp turn pink and opaque to prevent overcooking. Then enjoy them as an entree, in salads, on nachos, in burritos, and so many other tasty ways.
Popular Dishes and Pairings
From Mediterranean to Asian cuisine, U15 shrimp pair beautifully with all kinds of global flavors. Here are some top dishes to make with jumbo shrimp:
- Shrimp scampi over pasta
- Coconut curry shrimp
- Blackened Cajun shrimp
- Shrimp tacos with avocado
- Shrimp skewers with chimichurri
- Shrimp and grits
- Garlic shrimp with angel hair
- Shrimp ceviche
- Shrimp fried rice
- Shrimp salad with mango
- Grilled shrimp kebabs
- Greek shrimp with feta
- Shrimp and sausage gumbo
U15 shrimp are also fantastic additions to seafood boil bags, sheet pan meals, soups, sandwiches, flatbreads and pizzas. Get creative with your own cultural flavor combinations!
How to Buy U15 Shrimp
After learning all about the merits of U15 shrimp, you probably want to get your hands on some! Here are tips for buying high quality U15 shrimp:
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Check the count per pound to ensure you are getting true U15 shrimp. Counts can vary slightly.
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Look for fresh, firm, translucent shrimp that smell mildly like the ocean without any “fishy” odor.
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Ensure they are headless and peeled with the tails on for presentation.
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Buying them frozen helps maintain quality and locks in freshness. Opt for individually quick frozen (IQF).
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Purchase U15 shrimp from reputable local fish markets and specialty seafood suppliers for peak freshness and proper handling.
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Ask questions about where they are wild caught or farm raised to help inform buying decisions.
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Consider sustainably caught or raised shrimp to help protect seafood supplies. Look for certifications from Monterey Bay Seafood Watch, Naturland, and more.
With their impressive size and sweet taste, U15 shrimp are worth seeking out for your next seafood meal! Follow these buying tips to select high-quality shrimp.
Are U15 Shrimp Worth the Price?
U15 jumbo shrimp usually have a higher price tag than smaller
How Big is a Standard Shrimp Serving?
The FDA lists the serving size for cooked seafood, including shrimp, as 3 ounces. I’ve listed the approximate recommended counts per serving in the table above.
As with any rule, you should test it and make changes based on how hungry your guests are and the food you’re serving. Most of the time, you can get away with a lower price for an appetizer, especially if you’re serving other food with it. If shrimp are the main course, you might round up.
Honestly, rounding up is common here. Our love of shrimp is strong!
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.
How to buy Shrimp. Shrimp Sizing Demystified
What does U15 mean on a pound of shrimp?
The letter stands for “under” and is used on the biggest-sized shrimp. U15 indicates that one pound of shrimp contains 15 pieces or less. The Louisiana Direct Seafood’s Handbook reveals an interesting fact about shrimp sizing: when you buy them with their heads and shells still intact, they become two counts bigger than the size label implies.
What does U Mean on a shrimp bag?
If a shrimp count contains a “U”, then it means that the bag contains a number equal to or fewer than the number listed beside the “U.” If a shrimp count reads “U/15,” then those shrimp are sized to be big enough that there are only 15 or fewer shrimp in a pound (in other words BIG shrimp).
What 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. Don’t forget to save this page to quickly reference the shrimp size chart when meal planning or preparing your grocery order or shopping list.
Which shrimp size is best for cooking?
Extra Colasssal (U/10) and Super Colossal (U/12) shrimp are the largest shrimp sizes for cooking. But, when buying shrimp, be sure to look at the counts per pound. Colossal shrimp can be labeled as such, but have a count per pound of 16 to 20, actually making it Extra Jumbo shrimp.