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 is a delicious and versatile seafood that can be used in everything from hearty main dishes to quick appetizers. But if you’re new to cooking with shrimp, you may find yourself wondering just how many pieces make up 8 ounces when a recipe calls for that amount.
In this comprehensive guide we’ll break down shrimp sizes, counts per pound how to accurately measure shrimp, cooking tips, storage recommendations, and recipes to help you get the most out of your shrimp.
Understanding Shrimp Sizes and Counts
Shrimp are categorized by size using a number count of how many pieces are in one pound. The lower the number, the larger the shrimp. Common shrimp size names and corresponding counts per pound are:
- Colossal or Jumbo: Under 10 per pound
- Extra Large: 11-15 per pound
- Large: 16-20 per pound
- Medium: 21-30 per pound
- Small: 31-35 per pound
- Miniature: 36-45 per pound
So if you see “large” shrimp at the store, you can expect around 16-20 shrimp in each pound. This number (which is clearly marked on the packaging) represents raw, unfrozen weight, so if your recipe calls for 8 ounces of large shrimp, simply count out 15 shrimp—half of the top of the range.
It’s important to note that names like “colossal” and “jumbo” are not regulated, so be sure to go by the count per pound rather than the descriptive name on the label.
How to Accurately Measure 8 Ounces of Shrimp
When measuring shrimp, it’s best to count them rather than relying on a scale, since head-on and frozen shrimp contain shells and ice that add extra weight.
Here’s a simple guide for getting 8 ounces of shrimp based on their size:
- Extra Large (16-20 per pound): 12-15 shrimp
- Large (21-30 per pound): 15-20 shrimp
- Medium (31-35 per pound): 20-25 shrimp
- Small (36-45 per pound): 25-30 shrimp
For miniature and tiny shrimp that are over 50 per pound, it’s better to measure volume in cups. 8 ounces of miniature shrimp is about 2 cups.
Always opt for room temperature thawed shrimp rather than frozen to get the most accurate count.
Handy Tips for Cooking with Shrimp
Follow these tips for delicious, tender shrimp every time:
- Cook shrimp in their shells for added moisture and flavor
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when sautéing or frying
- Season shrimp right before cooking so spices don’t soak up moisture
- Cook over high heat just until pink and opaque throughout
- Chill cooked shrimp quickly to stop carryover cooking
Storing Shrimp Properly
To get the longest shelf life out of your shrimp:
- Keep raw shrimp chilled at 32-40°F
- Freeze raw shrimp in a single layer up to 3 months
- Thaw in the refrigerator, not at room temperature
- Cooked shrimp lasts 3-4 days refrigerated
- Freeze cooked shrimp up to 3 months
Proper storage prevents waste and protects you from foodborne illness.
Delicious Ways to Use 8 Ounces of Shrimp
With 8 ounces of shrimp on hand, you can make a variety of appetizing dishes:
Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Sauté shrimp with garlic, white wine, lemon juice and butter, then toss with hot cooked linguine. Garnish with parsley and parmesan.
Coconut Shrimp Curry
Simmer shrimp in an aromatic coconut curry sauce with vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes and spinach for a hearty one-pot meal. Serve over rice.
Garlicky Shrimp and Grits
Sauté shrimp with lots of garlic and cajun seasoning, then serve over creamy cheesy grits for a comforting Southern favorite.
Shrimp Ceviche
“Cook” raw shrimp by marinating in lime juice, then mix with diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro and avocado. Scoop with tortilla chips.
Shrimp Summer Rolls
Fill rice paper wrappers with cooked shrimp, fresh herbs, vermicelli noodles and lettuce. Dip in peanut or nuoc cham sauce.
How are Shrimp Sized?
Shrimp sizes are denoted in numbers, such as 21/25 or U/15. What does a “U” mean in the count? It means there are “under” that many shrimp in a pound. The slash between numbers denotes a range of shrimp in a pound.
So, for example, U/15 shrimp contain fewer than 15 shrimp per pound. 21/25’s weigh in at 21 to 25 shrimp to a pound. As the numbers get smaller, the shrimp get bigger.
Sometimes, you’ll see a sizing term alongside the number such as “Large” or “Jumbo”. For accuracy when cooking, I like to pay closer attention to the number count than the sizing term.
Because these terms aren’t standard in the seafood business, 16/20’s might be called “Extra Jumbo” by one brand or fishmonger and “Colossal” by another. Using the shrimp count instead lets you know for sure how many shrimp you’ll be getting when you plan a recipe.
| Common Sizing Term (Varies) | Shrimp Count Per Pound | Approx. Count Per 3 oz Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Colossal | U/10 | 2-3 shrimp |
| Super Colossal | U/12 | 2-3 shrimp |
| Colossal | U/15 | 3-4 shrimp |
| Extra Jumbo | 16/20 | 4-5 shrimp |
| Jumbo | 21/25 | 5-6 shrimp |
| Extra Large | 26/30 | 6-7 shrimp |
| Large | 31/35 | 8-9 shrimp |
| Medium Large | 36/40 | 9-10 shrimp |
| Medium | 41/50 | 10-12 shrimp |
| Small | 51/60 | 12-15 shrimp |
| Extra Small | 61/70 | 15-17 shrimp |
| Tiny | 71+ | 18+ shrimp |
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!
Sizes of Shrimp
FAQ
How many shrimp is 8 ounces?
How many Oz is a piece of shrimp?
How many pieces of shrimp is 4 oz?
How many shrimp is 1 oz of shrimp?
How many ounces are in a pound of shrimp?
According to the FDA, the serving size for seafood, including shrimp, is 3 ounces, cooked. However, shrimp count is the number of pieces in a pound of raw, uncooked shrimp. Because shrimp can lose up to 25% of their weight after cooking, a serving size is 3 ounces cooked, and approximately 4 ounces raw.
How many Jumbo Shrimp in a pound?
Extra jumbo – 16 to 20 pieces of shrimp in a pound. (16/20 count) Jumbo – 21 to 25 pieces of shrimp in a pound. (21/25 count) Extra large – 26 to 30 pieces of shrimp in a pound. (26/30 count) Large – 31 to 40 pieces of shrimp in a pound. (31/40 count) Medium-large – 36 to 40 pieces of shrimp in a pound. (36/40 count)
How many ounces of shrimp per person?
If shrimp is the main entrée, plan to use at least 4 ounces per person, raw (approximately 3 ounces cooked). Some people plan for 6 to 8 ounces per person to have plenty and be on the safe side. If your meal is similar to a shrimp boil where many other ingredients will be added, you can use safely use 4 ounces per person.
How many shrimp are in a serving?
Because shrimp can lose up to 25% of their weight after cooking, a serving size is 3 ounces cooked, and approximately 4 ounces raw. The number of shrimp per serving depends on the size of the shrimp. A serving of tiny salad shrimp (71+ per pound) is close to 17+ shrimp, while a serving of Colossal (U/15) shrimp is 3 to 4 shrimp.