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 are one of the most popular types of seafood around. Their sweet briny flavor and tender texture make them an irresistible addition to pasta, salads skewers, and more. But when it comes to figuring out portion sizes, things can get a little tricky. If you’ve ever pondered “how many ounces is 12 shrimp?”, you’re not alone. Let’s dive into shrimp sizes, serving recommendations, and tips for preparing these succulent shellfish.
Understanding Shrimp Counts
When you purchase shrimp at the market or fish counter you’ll notice that they are typically sold by “count”. This number refers to how many shrimp make up one pound. For instance “16/20 count” means there are 16 to 20 shrimp in a one-pound bag. The lower the count, the larger the shrimp.
Here’s a breakdown of common shrimp size classifications:
- Colossal – U8/U12 (Under 8 or 12 per pound)
- Jumbo – 16/20 count
- Extra Large – 21/25 count
- Large – 26/30 count
- Medium – 31/40 count
- Small – 41/50 count
- Miniature – 51/60 count or higher
Of course, shrimp sizes can vary slightly between vendors. But in general, jumbo shrimp weigh about one ounce each, while extra-large shrimp are around 1.25 ounces each. For large shrimp, expect 1.6 to 2 shrimp per ounce.
How Much Do 12 Shrimp Weigh?
Now that you know how shrimp sizes are classified, let’s get back to our original question – how many ounces is 12 shrimp? The answer depends entirely on the size of your shrimp:
- 12 Jumbo Shrimp – About 12 ounces
- 12 Extra Large Shrimp – 9 to 10 ounces
- 12 Large Shrimp – 6 to 8 ounces
- 12 Medium Shrimp – 4 to 6 ounces
- 12 Small Shrimp – 3 to 4 ounces
As you can see, portion sizes can differ significantly based on shrimp size. When planning meals, it’s better to think in terms of ounces instead of count. The FDA lists a standard serving size of fish as 3 ounces cooked.
Serving Sizes for Shrimp Dishes
When preparing shrimp at home, unless you are serving jumbo shrimp, you’ll likely want to serve more than just 3 shrimp per person. Here are some guidelines for portioning out shrimp:
- Colossal or Jumbo – 3 to 5 shrimp
- Extra Large – 5 to 7 shrimp
- Large – 7 to 9 shrimp
- Medium – 9 to 12 shrimp
- Small – 12 to 15 shrimp
For appetizers, side dishes, and shrimp cocktails, plan for 4 to 8 ounces of shrimp per person depending on appetite. Children may only eat 1 to 2 ounces.
When incorporating shrimp into main dishes like pasta, stir-fries, or tacos, allot 3 to 5 ounces of shrimp per adult portion. For kids, use 2 ounces of chopped shrimp.
If serving shrimp as a stand-alone main course, allow for 5 to 8 ounces of shrimp per person depending on size and accompaniments.
Picking and Preparing Shrimp for Perfect Results
Now that you know how to determine portion sizes, let’s go over some tips for selecting, storing, and cooking shrimp:
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Choose fresh shrimp that smell of the sea, not ammonia. They should have clear, shiny shells and springy flesh.
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Check for freezer burn on frozen shrimp. Avoid any with dry spots or yellowing.
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Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge or in cold water. Don’t thaw at room temperature.
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Store fresh shrimp in the coldest part of the fridge and use within two days. Frozen, they’ll last 3 months.
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Pat shrimp dry before cooking so they sear vs. stew. Season minimally with salt, pepper, herbs.
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Don’t overcook – shrimp turn firm and opaque when done. Time depends on size.
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Enhance flavor by pairing shrimp with bold seasonings like garlic, chili, citrus, herbs, spices.
Health Benefits and Nutrition
Beyond being downright delicious, shrimp also offers some excellent nutrition. Here’s what 3 ounces of steamed shrimp provides:
- Only 112 calories and 1 gram of fat
- 18 grams of protein
- Vitamin B12, selenium, phosphorus, zinc, copper
- Anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids
- Iodine to support thyroid function
Shrimp is also very low in carbohydrates, making it perfect for low-carb diets. With its impressive nutrient profile and versatility, there’s no reason not to enjoy shrimp on a regular basis.
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 |
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.
HolliDay AnyDay: Tipsy Tuesday – How to Understand Shrimp Sizes
FAQ
How many shrimp is 4 oz of shrimp?
How many shrimp is 8 ounces?
How many shrimp is 3oz?
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.
What is the difference between prawn and shrimp?
Shrimp and prawns have plenty of similarities, but they are not the same animal. Their differences involve their biology. Shrimp bodies are encased in a sort of accordion shell, with a membrane between the segments. Prawns have a shell where each segment overlaps the one below it. There are no big differences between them when it comes to their nutritional value; they are both a good source of protein, and relatively low in calories.
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.