These are super colossal wild-caught brown shrimp sold by the pound at Costco's seafood counter, previously frozen for freshness. The "U-12" designation means there are under 12 shrimp per pound, making these among the largest shrimp available — ideal for grilling, stuffing, shrimp cocktails, and impressive appetizer presentations.

Brown shrimp (Farfantepenaeus aztecus) are a prized Gulf Coast species known for their robust, briny flavor and firm texture. Wild-caught from the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic, they are naturally sourced without aquaculture additives. At this jumbo U-12 size, the shrimp are substantial enough to cook on a skewer over the grill without falling through the grates, and their size holds up well to bold seasonings, sauces, and longer cook times compared to smaller varieties.

These shrimp are sold headless and are previously frozen, a standard practice for maintaining quality and freshness from boat to warehouse. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or in a sealed bag submerged in cold (not running) water for 20–30 minutes before cooking. Pat dry before seasoning for best results. Shrimp of this size typically cook in 6–8 minutes depending on method.