Cooking

Free Printable Shrimp Size Chart!

[ad_1]

Making shrimp recipes and need a Shrimp Size Chart to use as a guide? You’ve come to the right place. Let our new free chart for Shrimp Sizes help guide you!

This comprehensive guide will help you select the ideal size of shrimp required for the recipe you’re dishing up! Whether you’re making colossal shrimp recipes, large shrimp recipes or small shrimp recipes, we have ya covered!

A few of our favorites: Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, Shrimp Lo Mein, Camarones a la Diabla and Hunan Shrimp.

Basic Overview

Understanding the categorization of shrimp sizes isn’t just about aesthetics; it also influences cooking time and the overall flavor and texture of your dish. For example, extra large shrimp tend to have a meatier texture, while smaller ones can easily absorb flavors.

This guide provides all the insights needed to make the right choice.

Shrimp Size Chart

Download our free Shrimp Size Chart printable so you’ll always have a quick reference guide to guide ya! This free downloadable guide includes the most popular categories.

How Are They Categorized

The category is typically determined by the count, or the number of individual prawns in a pound. The range can vary from colossal to small, with each category holding a specific count (# of prawns in a pound).

Pound of Shrimp

Here are the different size shrimp, along with their applicable count. The number reflects approximately “how many shrimp in a pound” at the listed category. Remember, the lower the count, the larger the shrimp!

Extra Colossal – 10 or under pieces per pound. (U/10 count)*
Super Colossal – 12 or under pieces per pound. (U/12 count)*
Colossal – 15 or under pieces per pound. (U/15 count)*
Jumbo – 21 to 25 pieces per pound. (21/25 count)
Extra Large – 26 to 30 pieces per pound. (26/30 count)
Large – 31 to 40 pieces per pound. (31/40 count)
Medium – 41 to 50 pieces per pound. (41/50 count)
Small – 51 to 60 pieces per pound. (51/60 count)
Miniature – approx. 100 pieces per pound. (71+ count)

*U means “under”, so U/10 count means “under 10”.

How to Choose the Right Size

Choosing the right shrimp sizing depends on your cooking method and the dish you’re preparing. For instance, larger shrimp (such as Colossal and jumbo) are perfect for grilling, whereas medium or small are more suited for soups, pasta dishes and stir-fries.

Of course, budget and individual preference can also play a factor; don’t be nervous using medium if a recipe calls for large. The size of the shrimp is important, but so is affordability and personal preference!

Prepration Suggestions

Here’s a quick reference chart showing when to use various popular sizes of shrimp. Reference this guide when menu planning or shopping at the grocery store or seafood markets.

Size/Count	Recommended Use	Recipe Ideas
Extra colossal (U/10) Super Colossal (U/12) Colossal (U/15)	Grilled, Stuffed, Main Entreé	Kabobs, Shrimp Scampi, Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, Paella, Stuffed Shrimp.
Jumbo (21/25) Extra Large (26/30)	Grilled, Stuffed, Main Entreé	Smoked Shrimp, Coconut Shrimp, Boils, Shrimp and Grits.
Large (31/40) Medium (41/50)	Tacos, Pasta, Soups, Stir Fries.	Shrimp Alfredo, Tacos, Jambalaya, Spring Rolls.
Small (51/60) Miniature (100)	Salads and Sandwiches	Shrimp Rolls, Shrimp Salad, Pasta Salad, Ceviche, Gumbo, Fried Rice.