Understanding shrimp sizes is essential for anyone cooking with seafood, and the simple question, "how many grams is 25 shrimp?" has a more nuanced answer than you might expect. The weight depends heavily on the shrimp's classification, which is based on the number of shrimp per pound, not a standardized name like 'large' or 'medium'. A jumbo shrimp pack labeled '21/25' means you get 21 to 25 shrimp per pound, whereas a '51/60' pack indicates much smaller shrimp.
Decoding Shrimp Sizing
Shrimp are categorized by a count-per-pound system, which is the most reliable method for determining their size. This is important because the terms 'jumbo,' 'large,' and 'small' can vary between brands and markets.
- Jumbo (21/25): 21 to 25 shrimp per pound. Each shrimp weighs approximately 18.1 to 21.5 grams.
- Extra Large (26/30): 26 to 30 shrimp per pound. Each shrimp weighs around 15 to 17.3 grams.
- Large (31/35): 31 to 35 shrimp per pound. Each shrimp is about 13 to 14.7 grams.
- Medium (41/50): 41 to 50 shrimp per pound. A single medium shrimp weighs roughly 9 to 11 grams.
- Small (51/60): 51 to 60 shrimp per pound. Each shrimp is much lighter, at about 7.5 to 9 grams.
To calculate the weight of 25 shrimp, you multiply the average individual shrimp weight by 25. For example, 25 Jumbo (21/25) shrimp would weigh between 452.5 and 537.5 grams (18.1g 25 to 21.5g 25). In contrast, 25 small (51/60) shrimp would weigh between 187.5 and 225 grams.
Raw vs. Cooked Shrimp Weight
The weight of shrimp is also affected by the cooking process. As with many types of seafood, shrimp lose moisture when cooked, leading to a decrease in weight and size. This process is known as yield or meat shrinkage.
- Moisture Loss: Cooked shrimp can lose anywhere from 10% to 25% of their weight, with larger shrimp typically losing more due to higher initial water content.
- Preservatives: Some processors use preservatives like sodium tripolyphosphate, which causes shrimp to retain more water. These shrimp will shrink more during cooking than fresh or untreated shrimp, which can lead to a less favorable texture.
Shell-on vs. Peeled Weight
Most shrimp are sold by weight with their shells on. When you purchase shrimp with the head or shell intact, you are paying for the total weight, which includes the parts you may discard. A peeled, deveined shrimp will have a different weight-per-piece count than a shell-on shrimp. For accurate recipe measurements, it's best to peel and devein the shrimp first, then weigh the edible portion.
Comparison Table: 25 Shrimp by Size
| Shrimp Size (Count/lb) | Approx. Weight (grams) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jumbo (21/25) | 453 - 538 grams | Yields 1 to 1.2 pounds of whole shrimp. |
| Extra Large (26/30) | 375 - 433 grams | Roughly equivalent to 0.8 to 0.95 pounds of whole shrimp. |
| Large (31/35) | 325 - 368 grams | Approximately 0.7 to 0.8 pounds of whole shrimp. |
| Medium (41/50) | 225 - 275 grams | About 0.5 to 0.6 pounds of whole shrimp. |
| Small (51/60) | 188 - 225 grams | Approximately 0.4 to 0.5 pounds of whole shrimp. |
Note: Weights are based on raw, shell-on shrimp. Peeling and cooking will reduce the total weight.
Factors Affecting Shrimp Yield
For accurate portioning, it's not just about the starting weight. The final yield can vary, which is a consideration for chefs and home cooks alike. Besides water loss during cooking, the percentage of edible meat depends on whether the head and shell are removed. A rule of thumb is that shell-on shrimp will yield less meat per pound than pre-peeled shrimp.
When buying shell-on shrimp for a recipe that calls for peeled shrimp, you should purchase more to compensate for the weight of the shells. This prevents you from under-portioning your ingredients. For instance, if a recipe calls for one pound of peeled shrimp, you might need to buy 1.2 to 1.5 pounds of shell-on shrimp to get the right amount of edible meat.
Conclusion
The weight of 25 shrimp is not a universal constant but a variable determined by its size and preparation. The count-per-pound number on the packaging is the most reliable metric, with a smaller count indicating a larger shrimp and a greater total weight for 25 pieces. Jumbo shrimp will weigh significantly more than small shrimp for the same count. Accounting for weight loss during cooking and removal of shells ensures your recipes have the right amount of shrimp for optimal flavor and texture. For more on shrimp sizing, consult guides like the one from the Fulton Fish Market, which explains the industry sizing system in detail.
For Best Results:
- Check the Label: Always look for the count-per-pound numbers (e.g., 21/25) on the packaging rather than relying on descriptive terms like 'jumbo.'
- Purchase Accordingly: If your recipe calls for peeled shrimp, buy more if you are purchasing shell-on shrimp to compensate for the shell weight.
- Weigh After Prepping: For precision, weigh your shrimp after they have been peeled and deveined.
- Adjust for Cooking: Be aware that cooked shrimp will weigh less than raw due to moisture loss.
- Choose Fresh: Fresher shrimp typically have less retained water and will therefore shrink less during cooking.
