Shrimp - Don't Leave It Out Of Your Gourmet Ideas

Seafood dinners are often first choice among diners looking for a special treat, but don't forget about shrimp.  Lobster tails, filet mignon and shrimp scampi are top choices, but shrimp cocktail remains a favorite appetizer for many people.  Shrimp has become the most popular seafood choice in the United States, surpassing tuna in popularity. 

Shrimp are found in abundance in the United States, off the Atlantic and Pacific seaboards in inshore waters wherever the bottom is sandy.  Shrimp are in season from May to October and 95% of the shrimp caught come from the warm waters of the South Atlantic and Gulf states.  Black tiger shrimp is a jumbo variety that is very popular in the Asian, European, and American markets.  The designation "jumbo" means you will get between 16 and 20 shrimp per pound.  "Large" size shrimp generally provides 26-30 shrimp per pound.

Shrimp can be either wild-caught or farm-raised. Wild-caught (or "free-range") shrimp naturally exist in bays, estuaries, and oceans. Farm-raised shrimp are grown in a more controlled environment. Farm-raised shrimp are also known as pond-raised or aquacultured.

In the coastal New England states, where fresh seafood is abundant, shrimp boil is a classic recipe.  For 1 lb. shrimp, combine ½ c. water with ½ c. white vinegar and 4 t. "Old Bay" seasoning.  When the water boils add the shrimp, stir gently and cook as follows: Jumbo shrimp take about 7 to 8 minutes, large shrimp take about 5 to 7 minutes, and medium size are done in about 3 to 4 minutes. Once shrimp are cooked, they should be plunged into cold water to stop the cooking process.  Served with crusty bread and a fresh salad and it's a meal to remember.

When choosing seafood remember that shrimp is #1 for many reasons.  Chilled jumbo shrimp with cocktail sauce remains a quick and easy party platter but you can easily use cooked shrimp in salads, sandwiches or mixed with pasta.  Any way you prepare it, shrimp will be a popular dish which can turn an ordinary meal into a special treat.