There are different types of shrimp, and they can vary in size, color, texture, flavor, and even how they cook. Some are sweet and delicate, while others are firmer and more flavorful. And then there are those size numbers on the package that can leave you wondering what in the world 21/25 is supposed to mean.
Let’s make it simple.
First Things First: Shrimp Comes in Different Varieties
You’ll commonly come across white shrimp, brown shrimp, pink shrimp, royal red shrimp, tiger shrimp, and rock shrimp.
They aren’t all interchangeable, especially if you’re particular about the flavor and texture you’re looking for.
White Shrimp
White shrimp are one of the most common varieties you’ll find at seafood markets and grocery stores.
They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a tender texture. Because their flavor isn’t overpowering, they’re incredibly versatile.
Good for: grilling, sautéing, pasta, stir-fries, shrimp tacos, and just about any seasoned shrimp dish.
They’re also a great canvas for bold seasoning - which is exactly where a good spice blend comes in.
Brown Shrimp
Brown shrimp have a slightly stronger, more pronounced seafood flavor than white shrimp. Their texture can also be a little firmer.
They’re especially popular in the Gulf Coast and are excellent when you want the shrimp itself to bring a little more flavor to the dish.
Good for: grilling, frying, stews, seafood boils, and strongly seasoned dishes.
Pink Shrimp
Pink shrimp are known for their delicate, slightly sweet flavor and tender texture.
They’re often smaller than some of the larger shrimp varieties and are delicious when you want a lighter shrimp dish.
Good for: salads, ceviche, shrimp cocktails, pasta, and simple sautéed preparations.
Royal Red Shrimp
Now, if you’ve never tried Royal Reds, you’re in for a treat.
Royal Red shrimp are naturally deep red and are known for their rich, sweet flavor and soft, almost lobster-like texture.
They’re a little more delicate than many other shrimp, so they don’t necessarily need a lot of work to taste good.
Good for: simple preparations where the shrimp can be the star.
And honestly, with shrimp this flavorful, sometimes all you need is a little seasoning, heat, and butter.
Tiger Shrimp
Tiger shrimp are easy to recognize because of their distinctive dark stripes.
They’re typically large, firm, and meaty, making them popular for dishes where you want a substantial bite.
Good for: grilling, skewers, frying, stuffing, and dishes where larger shrimp really stand out.
They also make a beautiful presentation on a plate.
Rock Shrimp
Rock shrimp are a little different.
They have a firm texture and a rich flavor, and their appearance is more similar to a small lobster tail than the typical shrimp you’re used to seeing.
They’re delicious fried, grilled, sautéed, or used in dishes where you want a hearty seafood texture.
So What Do Those Shrimp Numbers Mean?
Here’s something that confuses a lot of people.
You might see:
U/10
16/20
21/25
26/30
31/40
41/50
Those numbers aren’t a shrimp species.
They’re size counts.
The numbers tell you approximately how many shrimp you’ll get per pound.
So, for example, 16/20 means there are approximately 16 to 20 shrimp per pound.
That means:
The smaller the numbers, the larger the shrimp.
So a U/10 shrimp is much larger than a 31/40 shrimp.
And the “U” means under - so U/10 means fewer than 10 shrimp per pound.
Simple enough, right?
Freshwater vs. Saltwater Shrimp
Shrimp can also come from different environments.
Saltwater shrimp are harvested from oceans and coastal waters, while freshwater shrimp come from rivers, lakes, and other freshwater environments.
The flavor and texture can vary depending on the species, where they’re harvested, and how they’re raised or caught.
That’s why simply saying “I like shrimp” doesn’t tell you very much.
You might love one type and not care for another.
Which Shrimp Should You Use?
That really depends on what you’re making.
Want something mild and versatile? Try white shrimp.
Looking for a little more seafood flavor? Brown shrimp may be your choice.
Want something sweet and delicate? Pink shrimp are worth trying.
Want something rich and luxurious? Give Royal Reds a try.
Making something where you want a big, meaty shrimp? Go for larger tiger shrimp or another large variety.
And if you’re frying, grilling, or cooking shrimp with a bold seasoning blend, choosing a larger, firmer shrimp can give you that satisfying bite you’re looking for.
And Then There’s the Size Question…
Here’s one more thing to remember:
Bigger isn’t always better.
Sometimes a smaller shrimp is exactly what a recipe needs.
Think shrimp pasta, fried rice, salads, soups, or dishes where the shrimp needs to mingle with everything else.
But if you’re grilling shrimp on skewers or serving them as the star of the plate, you may want something larger.
It’s all about what you’re cooking.
So… Shrimp Is Shrimp?
Not quite.
The next time you’re standing in front of the seafood counter looking at bags of shrimp, take a second look.
Pay attention to the type, size, texture, and flavor instead of simply grabbing the first bag that says “shrimp.”
Because just like herbs and spices, the details matter.
The right shrimp can completely change a dish.
And once you know what you’re looking at, choosing the right one becomes a whole lot easier.
Now, Let’s Season That Shrimp
No matter which shrimp makes it to your kitchen, there’s one thing they all have in common:
They need good seasoning.
Whether you’re grilling jumbo shrimp, sautéing tender pink shrimp, tossing shrimp into pasta, or making a quick weeknight shrimp dish, the right blend of herbs and spices can take it from just shrimp to something you actually want to make again.
That’s where Luv’s Kitchen Seasoning comes in.
Our complete seasoning blends are made to make cooking easier without sacrificing flavor. No MSG. No preservatives. Just thoughtfully blended herbs and spices that make it easy to build flavor without reaching for a dozen different spices.
So once you’ve picked the shrimp that’s right for your dish, the next step is simple:
Season it well.
Take a look at our complete spice blends and see which one works best with the shrimp dish you have in mind.
