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TL;DR: North Coast Seafoods’ shrimp sizing guide explains how shrimp count per pound determines size – ranging from extra small (91/100) to colossal (U/6). Size affects cooking time, texture, and use. Choose large sizes like jumbo or colossal for grilling; use smaller sizes for salads, dips, or recipes requiring quick cooking times.
When it comes to shrimp, size matters.
The size of shrimp can make or break your recipe. And you also need to keep the count of shrimp per pound in mind to make sure you have enough portions.
Luckily, the seafood experts at North Coast Seafoods are here to help you understand shrimp sizing once and for all. Consider this your ultimate guide to shrimp sizes!
You’ve likely seen bags of shrimp at your local grocery store with numbers on them like U/20, 16/20, 21/25 or 31/40. These numbers are the key to determining the size of the shrimp. They’ll also tell you about the number of shrimp in a bag.
The slash between numbers is simply the range of shrimp in a pound. In the above examples, there would be 16 to 20 shrimp per pound, 21 to 25 shrimp per pound, and 31 to 40 shrimp per pound. 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, a good rule of thumb is that the smaller the numbers on the bag or in the fresh seafood case, the bigger the shrimp.
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.
So, what do you do when you want a particular size of shrimp for a recipe? Our best advice is to focus more on the number count per pound than the descriptive sizing term.
We’ll only be focusing on a handful of the common shrimp sizes, from the smallest shrimp size to the largest shrimp size.
These tiny shrimp are known for their subtle flavor and quick cooking time. They typically come in sizes like 51/60, 71/90, or even 91/100 per pound. Because of their small sizes, you’ll want to be careful not to overcook them or they’ll become rubbery. Extra small shrimp are perfect for dishes like popcorn shrimp, seafood or shrimp salads and dips, or stuffings.
A popular choice, small shrimp usually come in at 41/50 per pound. They still cook quickly, making them great for shrimp stir fry, seafood boils, or shrimp fritters. Their size offers a nice balance for a variety of dishes, without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Larger shrimp usually come in at 31/40 per pound. These are typically what you see being used in shrimp appetizers, shrimp alfredo, shrimp tacos, or paella. Large shrimp are a great way to add protein to these dishes without being the main ingredient.
Larger than small shrimp, medium shrimp typically come in sizes like 31/40 per pound. These are often used in shrimp appetizers, shrimp alfredo, shrimp tacos, or paella. Medium shrimp add a nice protein boost to your dishes without becoming the main ingredient, making them versatile for various recipes.
When you think of a delicious shrimp cocktail or mouthwatering coconut shrimp, large shrimp are the star of the show. These bigger shrimp usually come in sizes like 16/20, 21/25 or 26/30 per pound. Large shrimp are perfect for appetizers or entrées, and a serving size of 5–6 shrimp per person makes for a filling portion.
Jumbo shrimp, typically available in sizes like 13/15 or even larger, are the go-to choice for more substantial dishes. These shrimp are great for grilling, skewering, or stuffing. Their size makes them ideal for impressive shrimp cocktails, grilled shrimp platters, or as the main protein in a seafood entrée. Jumbo shrimp’s meaty texture and bold flavor stand out in any dish, and their large size means fewer shrimp are needed per serving, making them an impressive addition to any plate. While they take a bit longer to cook, they’re incredibly succulent and tender, providing a satisfying bite in every dish.
Shrimp in this size range are also sometimes referred to as extra jumbo shrimp.
Try these with cajun grilled shrimp or a classic shrimp scampi.
Regarded as the mother of all shrimp, colossal shrimp are sold in sizes like 8/12, 6/8, or U/6 per pound. These exceptionally large shrimp are best for baked stuffed shrimp or barbecue shrimp. Due to their size, the recommended serving is just 1-3 shrimp per person. These colossal sized shrimp are comparable to prawns or lobster tails in size, making them perfect for shrimp lovers seeking a truly impressive seafood experience.
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Shrimp are categorized by size, such as "jumbo" or "colossal," which refers to the number of shrimp per pound, not their physical size in inches.
As a general rule, the smaller the number of shrimp per pound, the larger each individual shrimp will be!
For example, small shrimp come in counts like 71/90 per pound because each individual shrimp weighs less, so there are more per pound. On the other hand, you might only get a few colossal shrimp per pound, but they’re much larger in size. In both cases, you’ll still have a pound of shrimp in your possession.
It's important to note that these size labels can vary slightly between suppliers. Always check the count per pound for accuracy!
We recommend the following shrimp sizes for grilling or frying:
Bigger shrimp are easier to skewer or flip on the grill or frying pan. More importantly, larger shrimp hold up better to high heat and won't overcook as quickly.
If you’re breading and frying shrimp (like for coconut shrimp or shrimp po'boys), Jumbo shrimp are a great choice. They cook quickly but still offer a satisfying bite.
The smallest shrimp size available is small or extra-small shrimp. They typically come 71/90 or even 91/100. These tiny shrimp are ideal for shrimp salads, dips, spreads, or as a garnish.
The largest shrimp size available is colossal. Their count per pound is often U/6, 6/8, or 8/12. “U” stands for “under,” so U/6 means fewer than 6 shrimp per pound. Colossal shrimp are perfect for premium dishes or dramatic presentations.
Yes, shrimp size definitely affects cooking time. The smallest shrimp cook very quickly, often in as little as a minute. Overcooking these shrimp results in a rubbery texture. We prefer to use them in dishes like stir-fries, where they can be added at the end of cooking.
Larger shrimp, on the other hand, can take 5-10 minutes to cook through without negatively impacting the texture. The exact cook time will depend on your cooking method, but larger shrimp are generally more forgiving than smaller ones.
Shrimp size can often subtly affect the flavor of your dish. For example, larger shrimp may have a slightly sweeter, more pronounced flavor due to a higher meat-to-shell ratio. Larger shrimp are also more likely to retain their flavorful juices.
Smaller shrimp, however, absorb marinades or sauces more quickly, which can be an advantage depending on the dish. Consider your flavor goals when choosing shrimp size, as different sizes can enhance your recipe in unique ways.
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