Shrimp are sold by count per pound in the United States. The number on the label will indicate the number of shrimp in the package. If it reads 21/25, you know there should be from 21 to 25 shrimp in each pound.
Here is a general list of sizes and weights per pound. The “U” in the list means “under” or “less than.” “.
One thing to keep in mind is that the size designation isnt standard. What one store or vendor might call “Large,” another might call “Jumbo. ” Its best to shop according to count, calculating how many shrimp youll need for each person.
Nutritional factors might come into play as well. In 4 ounces of plain boiled shrimp, there are only about 115 to 120 calories and 1 gram of fat. However, garlic shrimp that is deep-fried or covered in butter will have a lot more calories and fat.
Seafood lovers enjoy the versatility and flavor of shrimp, but navigating the array of shrimp sizes can be confusing. Specifically, it’s often unclear exactly how many shrimp come in popular retail portions like 2 ounces. By decoding shrimp sizes and counts, we can unravel the mysteries of portioning to make better choices when cooking.
In this article we’ll provide a guide to shrimp sizes and counts per pound. We’ll break down how to calculate the number of shrimp in 2 ounces based on common size categories. We aim to empower home cooks with knowledge to select portion, and prepare shrimp optimally.
A Quick Guide to Shrimp Sizing
- Shrimp are categorized by count (number) per pound. Lower counts = larger shrimp.
- Typical size categories: Colossal, Jumbo, Extra Large, Large, Medium, Small.
- 2 oz of small shrimp may contain over 15 shrimp. Jumbo 2 oz may have 5 or less.
- Know your recipe needs and preferred shrimp size before purchasing.
Understanding Shrimp Counts
Unlike other seafood measured in pounds, shrimp size is denoted by the number per pound. Size names like “Colossal” or “Small” refer to count ranges per pound. For example, “Small” shrimp may indicate 71-90 shrimp per pound. This inverse relationship means higher counts equal smaller shrimp.
Knowing the count lets you estimate how many shrimp make up a portion. While brands vary slightly in categorizing, the table below gives a general overview:
| Shrimp Size | Approx. Count per Pound |
|---|---|
| Colossal | Under 20 |
| Jumbo | 21-30 |
| Extra Large | 31-40 |
| Large | 41-50 |
| Medium | 51-60 |
| Small | Over 60 |
Armed with this guide, you can decode shrimp sizes to understand quantities in a package or recipe.
Calculating Number of Shrimp in 2 Ounces
Let’s break down how to determine the number of shrimp in a 2-ounce portion based on size:
Small (71-90 per pound)
- ~85 shrimp per pound
- 16 shrimp per 3-oz serving
- ~11 shrimp per 2 oz
Medium (51-60 per pound)
- ~55 shrimp per pound
- 11 shrimp per 3-oz serving
- ~7 shrimp per 2 oz
Large (41-50 per pound)
- ~45 shrimp per pound
- 9 shrimp per 3-oz serving
- ~6 shrimp per 2 oz
Jumbo (21-30 per pound)
- ~25 shrimp per pound
- 5 shrimp per 3-oz serving
- ~3 shrimp per 2 oz
While the specific count affects totals, this provides a general estimate of how shrimp sizes relate to amounts in recipes or meal portions.
Match Shrimp Size to Your Recipe
When considering shrimp size, think about the recipe and your goals:
- Smaller shrimp work well in pasta, salads, bowls.
- Medium shrimp are versatile for many dishes and preparations.
- Larger shrimp make impressive appetizers or mains.
If your recipe serves 4 people, you may want smaller shrimp to stretch the quantity. Or for a shrimp cocktail, go for jumbo for a wow factor. Try mixing sizes for variety! Ultimately choose what fits your meal best.
Purchasing and Portioning Pro Tips
- Buy unpeeled if planning to peel for a recipe, yields more usable shrimp.
- Check if your count is with heads on or off to determine final size.
- Portion into meal-size baggies and freeze for easy defrosting later.
Research counts, sizes, and shell status before purchasing. And prep bulk shrimp purchases into meal portions for maximum usability.
Cooking Times and Methods for Different Sizes
The size of shrimp also impacts cooking technique:
- Small – Cooks very quickly, ideal for salads, pasta.
- Medium – Versatile size, takes 4-6 minutes to pan sear or bake.
- Large – Delicious grilled, sautéed, or baked, cooks in 6-8 minutes.
- Jumbo – Great appetizer or main, cooks in 8-10 minutes.
Mind the clock when cooking to avoid over or undercooking. And consider lighter cooking methods for larger shrimp to preserve their delicate texture.
Common Questions about Shrimp Sizes
Why do my shrimp seem smaller after cooking?
Like all seafood, shrimp shrinks during cooking as moisture cooks out. Minimally processed and fresh shrimp will have less shrinkage.
How much weight do shrimp lose when peeled?
On average, removing heads adds 1 size, shells add another. So colossal (peeled) = jumbo (head off) = large (shelled).
Key Takeaways
- Shrimp size denotes count per pound, not weight. Lower count = bigger shrimp.
- Check shrimp count and recipe needs before purchasing shrimp.
- Portion into meal sizes for ease of use. Adjust cooking times and technique by size.
With this handy shrimp size decoding guide, home cooks can better understand shrimp quantities for recipes and meals. A grasp of portioning by size empowers cooking choices and helps make the most of these delectable seafood treats.
Appetizer Servings
If you are serving several appetizers, allow 2 to 3 (medium or larger) shrimp per person. Calculate even more shrimp per person if there are no other appetizers on the menu.
A tasty appetizer is battered and deep-fried shrimp with remoulade sauce. However, you might want to serve boiled shrimp with cocktail sauce if you know some of your guests have food allergies or if you are serving a lot of other appetizers.