National Shrimp Day – everything has a ‘Day’, now-a-days – is upon us, and it’s a great time to fire up your backyard BBQ and celebrate with some tropically-themes skewers, or some butterflied Jumbos. Or, you can simply defrost a party Shrimp Ring and eat it in front of your fave TV show…
A glorious Shrimp Stirfry: With Long Beans, Snow Peas, Broccoli and Fried Rice.
When did this get started?
This all-American commemorative Day is not enshrined in any official proclamation, but it is celebrated widely in the US. And what better country to lionize the Shrimp. As the National Day Calendar tells us: “Americans eat more shrimp than any other seafood.”
It’s unclear when folks started celebrating National Shrimp Day, but a number of Restaurant chains whose cuisines feature Shrimp dishes are making it a party. And they’re pulling out all the stops in New Orleans, home of Jambalaya!
How do you like your Shrimp?
Shrimp come in all sizes, from tiny Cocktail (61-70 per lb.) to ‘Extra Collossal’ (under 10 per lb.) The Spruce Eats provides this comprehensive chart:
You can prepare Shrimp in any number of ways (including Chinese Shrimp Dumplings, pictured top of page), as Bubba Blue told Forrest Gump:
But, as I said…
Today is an ideal time to toss some skewers of Jumbo Shrimp on the grill. I like to alternate the peeled and de-veined Shrimp with pieces of Green and Red Sweet Pepper, Onion and Cherry Tomatoes: a classic. And I also like to marinate the skewers for half an hour or so in a mix of Sesame Oil and Light Soy Sauce; not so heavy that it will overwhelm the Shrimp themselves, but strong enough to add complementary flavour and piquance. There’s enough Salt in the Marinade, so don’t add more. You may want to sprinkle some fresh grounds Black Pepper over the skewers just before grilling. Or, if you’re a heat fan, add some small pieces of Poblano or Jalapeño Peppers on the skewer (to taste).
However you prepare your Shrimp, be careful not to over-cook them. They’ll be rubbery, chewy and off-flavoured.
So get out there and do it!
Any other day of the year, Shrimp for supper would be a sinful luxury. But, on National Shrimp Day, it’s a duty.
~ Maggie J.