U-15 Black Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon) from Costco's seafood counter, sold fresh per pound. The U-15 size designation means fewer than 15 shrimp per pound, placing these among the largest commercially available shrimp in the world — with individual shrimp averaging 9 to 11 inches in length. Farm-raised under controlled aquaculture conditions for consistent size, quality, and availability, sourced primarily from Vietnam, India, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Black tiger shrimp are instantly recognizable by their distinctive gray-to-black stripes on bluish-gray shells, which transform into a vibrant bright red when cooked. The white flesh takes on a beautiful orange hue when prepared in the shell. The flavor is mild and slightly sweet, with a firm, meaty texture that holds up well to high-heat cooking. Their thick shells retain heat efficiently, so black tigers cook faster than many other shrimp varieties — watch them closely to avoid toughening.

These jumbo shrimp shine as classic shrimp cocktail, grilled on skewers, sautéed with garlic butter, tossed in pasta, or featured in stir-fries and casseroles. For best quality after thawing, consume within two days, though they keep well refrigerated for up to four days.