Shrimp Size Chart

Shrimp is a versatile and widely popular seafood choice that can be used in a variety of dishes, from appetizers like shrimp cocktails to main courses such as shrimp stir-fry or shrimp pasta. One of the most important factors in ensuring that your dish turns out perfectly is to choose the right shrimp size.

Shrimp sizes can vary, and knowing the proper size helps determine cooking time, texture, and overall presentation. Let us walk you through the different shrimp sizes, when to use each size for specific dishes, and how to measure shrimp accurately.

Shrimp sizing is important for both cooking and purchasing. Shrimp are typically sized by the count per pound, which is a number that indicates how many shrimps are in a single pound. The lower the count, the larger the shrimp, and vice versa. Understanding shrimp size helps with consistency in your cooking. Larger shrimp, for instance, are better for grilling or being the main attraction in a dish, while smaller shrimp are ideal for mixing into salads, soups, or stir-fries.

Not only does shrimp size affect the cooking time, but it also impacts the texture and presentation of your dish. Larger shrimps have a firmer texture, making them perfect for grilling or skewering. Smaller shrimps, on the other hand, cook quickly and evenly, making them perfect for sautéing or incorporating into a larger recipe like shrimp pasta or soup.

Shrimp Size Chart

At Noble Fresh Cart, we offer a variety of shrimp sizes to suit your cooking needs.

Shrimp Size	Shrimp Count per Pound	Best Uses
Colossal Shrimp	8-12	Shrimp Cocktail, Grilling, Skewers
Extra Large Shrimp	13-15	Stir-fries, Grilling
Large Shrimp	16-20	Shrimp Tacos, Pasta, Grilling
Medium Shrimp	21-30	Shrimp Scampi, Sautéing, Stir-fries
Small Shrimp	31+	Soups, Salads, Stir-fries

Shrimp Size Comparison: When to Use Each Shrimp Size for Specific Dishes

Choosing the right shrimp size is important depending on the dish you plan to prepare. Each size has its own ideal use, which can help you achieve the best flavor, texture, and presentation.

Colossal shrimps are the largest shrimp available and are often seen as the centerpiece of dishes. Their large size makes them perfect for grilling, shrimp cocktails, and as a feature in seafood platters. Their firm texture holds up well to grilling, and they create an impressive presentation on a plate.

These large shrimps are also great for making shrimp skewers or shrimp kabobs, where their size allows for more substantial bites. When grilling colossal shrimp, make sure to use medium-high heat, allowing the shrimp to cook evenly without becoming tough.

These shrimps are slightly smaller than the colossal variety, but they are still large and perfect for stir-fries or grilling. Their size makes them versatile for both quick cooking methods and more substantial dishes.

Extra-large shrimps are commonly used in shrimp scampi and shrimp skewers, where you want a slightly smaller shrimp but still want it to stand out in the dish. Extra-large shrimp should be grilled over medium heat, ensuring the shrimp do not overcook and become chewy.

Large shrimps are great for everyday cooking and can be used in a variety of dishes. You will often find large shrimp in shrimp tacos, shrimp pasta, and shrimp salads. They are just the right size for recipes where shrimp is one of the key ingredients but not the main feature.

Their size allows for great texture when grilled or sautéed, and they cook relatively quickly without becoming too tough or chewy. This size is perfect for dishes where the shrimp needs to be visible but not dominate the other ingredients.

Medium shrimps are the most versatile and widely used shrimp size. They are great for shrimp scampi, sautéing, or even shrimp stir-fries. This size offers the perfect balance of shrimp and sauce, so you do not overpower the other ingredients in your dish.

Medium shrimps are also ideal for shrimp fried rice or shrimp pasta, where you need a bit more shrimp without making the dish too heavy. Their smaller size allows them to absorb sauces and seasonings beautifully.

Small shrimps are typically used in soups, salads, and dishes where shrimp is an ingredient but not the main component. These shrimps cook quickly and evenly, making them perfect for shrimp salad, shrimp bisque, and shrimp stir-fries. Their small size allows them to be distributed evenly throughout dishes, offering flavor without dominating the texture.

Small shrimps are also used in dumplings and other compact meals where their size is ideal for filling and mixing with other ingredients. Their fast cooking time makes them perfect for quick, flavorful dishes.

How to Measure Shrimp

There are two main ways to measure shrimp: by count or by weight. Both methods are simple and effective for ensuring the right shrimp size for your dish.

Counting Shrimp
The most common way to measure shrimp is by the count per pound. This number refers to how many shrimps are in a single pound. For example, 21/25 count shrimp means there are 21 to 25 shrimp in a pound. This system is convenient for purchasing shrimp since the size is already determined for you.
Weighing Shrimp
If you prefer more precision, you can weigh the shrimp using a kitchen scale. This method is especially useful if you need a specific amount of shrimp for a recipe. Weighing your shrimp leads to consistency, especially when preparing large batches of food or when you require specific measurements for dietary purposes.

By understanding shrimp sizes and knowing when to use each one, you can make informed decisions that lead to better cooking results. If you are grilling colossal shrimp for a special occasion or adding small shrimp to a quick stir-fry, Noble Fresh Cart offers a wide selection of high-quality shrimp to match your needs.

Visit Noble Fresh Cart for premium shrimps that will take your meals to the next level. With our shrimp size chart, you can easily find the right shrimp for your next delicious creation.

Why Understanding Shrimp Sizes and Weights is Important

Shrimp Size Chart

Shrimp Size Comparison: When to Use Each Shrimp Size for Specific Dishes

Colossal Shrimp (8-12 count per pound)

Extra Large Shrimp (13-15 count per pound)

Large Shrimp (16-20 count per pound)

Medium Shrimp (21-30 count per pound)

Small Shrimp (31+ count per pound)

How to Measure Shrimp

Why Understanding Shrimp Sizes and Weights is Important

Shrimp Size Chart

Shrimp Size Comparison: When to Use Each Shrimp Size for Specific Dishes

Colossal Shrimp (8-12 count per pound)

Extra Large Shrimp (13-15 count per pound)

Large Shrimp (16-20 count per pound)

Medium Shrimp (21-30 count per pound)

Small Shrimp (31+ count per pound)

How to Measure Shrimp

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