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As a seafood lover living in the South, I’m always eager to try new and unique varieties of fish and shellfish. On a recent trip to the Gulf Coast, I had the chance to taste royal red shrimp for the first time. I was immediately wowed by their large size, brilliant color, and incredibly sweet, succulent meat.
In this article, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about what makes royal red shrimp so special. Whether you’re new to royal reds or are already a fan, my goal is to provide a helpful guide covering key topics like their background, flavor, seasonality, and more. Let’s dive in!
Royal red shrimp (scientific name: Hymenopenaeus robustus) are a species found in deep, cold ocean waters of the Western Atlantic. Their habitat ranges from the northeastern United States down along the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean to northern South America.
Compared to other shrimp species, royal reds are quite large, averaging between 4 to 6 ounces each. Only spot prawns come close in size. But the most distinctive trait is their beautiful, deep reddish-pink shells that earned them the regal name.
While royal reds have likely been harvested since ancient times they only grew in popularity in the 1990s once U.S. fisheries began targeting them. Today they’re highly prized by gourmands who consider them the crème de la crème of shrimp. Let’s look closer at why food lovers covet these crimson crustaceans.
The Unique Flavor Profile
It’s the exceptionally sweet, succulent taste and tender texture that make royal red shrimp a standout. Their flavor has been described as similar to lobster or sea scallops with a subtle brininess.
The red shrimp’s pristine habitat is key to this taste. They thrive unspoiled in deep, cold waters far offshore. Quick freezing at sea helps lock in the freshness. This results in a buttery, moist meat with a cool, sweet profile many find addictive.
Royal reds have a higher percentage of edible meat compared to smaller shrimp varieties Their large size means there’s more to love in each bite!
When is Royal Red Shrimp Season?
One downside of royal reds is their limited season. The shrimp are only harvested from late July through late December when they move into shallower waters to spawn September sees the peak of royal red season.
The shrimp are found in offshore waters from North Carolina down to Key West, with prime spots being the Gulf Coast from Louisiana to Florida. This is when local restaurants advertise fresh royal red specials.
Outside of season, frozen royal reds are available, still delivering great flavor. But for the ultimate experience, try them fresh if you’re in the region during peak harvesting months. Check local seafood markets or look for “Royal Reds” on menus.
Appearance and Size
It’s easy to distinguish royal reds from other shrimp varieties based on appearance alone. Their most obvious trademark is the deep, ruby-hued shells ranging from dark red to brilliant scarlet. No other shrimp boast such a vivid pop of color.
Beneath the dramatic exterior, the tails have a translucent, grayish white flesh. Raw, they resemble the color of lobster. Their heads often take on a slight greenish tint.
Royal reds dominate in size, weighing 4 to 6 ounces each on average. That’s roughly 8 to 15 shrimp per pound. Jumbo shrimp of other species typically weigh under an ounce each. The extra-large size means bigger, meatier bites.
Where to Buy Royal Red Shrimp
You may get lucky finding fresh royal reds at local fish markets during peak season if you’re near the Gulf Coast. Elsewhere, look for frozen options at higher-end grocers or order online. Reputable retailers like Vital Choice and Catalina Offshore Products ship fresh-frozen seafood overnight.
Prices are higher than standard shrimp but on par with wild-caught lobster or scallops, ranging from $25-$35 per pound. It’s a splurge, but worth it for special occasions or a memorable seafood feast.
When buying, look for plump, whole shrimp with undamaged shells and a vibrant color. Smell should never be fishy or ammonia-like. Opt for domestic wild-caught over imported.
How to Cook Royal Red Shrimp
Experts recommend quick, simple preparation methods that highlight the natural flavor of royal reds. Favorites are grilling, broiling, sautéing, or steaming – just 2-3 minutes per side. Serve with melted butter, olive oil, or light seasonings.
The meat stays tender when not overcooked. Take care not to undercook either, checking for an opaque interior. I love tossing them in pasta, tacos, seafood boils, or this easy garlic butter shrimp recipe.
Although costly, they make an impressive appetizer or entrée. Pair with a crisp white wine, champagne, or light beer. Be sure to supply plenty of napkins for peeling and fingers sucking!
Storing and Freezing Royal Reds
Fresh royal reds are highly perishable, with a short 1-2 day shelf life. Keep refrigerated until ready to cook. Place frozen shrimp in a bowl in the fridge overnight to thaw gradually.
To freeze fresh shrimp yourself: peel, devein, pat dry and arrange in a single layer on a tray. Freeze 2 hours until firm, then transfer to freezer bags. Press out air and use within 2-3 months for best quality.
Royal Red Shrimp Facts
To recap key facts, royal red shrimp:
- Live in deep Atlantic/Gulf waters, harvested July-December
- Distinctive bright crimson shells with sweet, tender meat
- Very large, averaging 4-6 ounces each
- Best simply prepared by grilling, steaming, sautéing
- Quickly perishable when fresh; buy frozen online/retailers
- A prized, luxurious seafood indulgence
Health Benefits of Royal Red Jumbo Shrimp
In addition to their exceptional taste, Royal Red Jumbo Shrimp are packed with health benefits. They are a great way to get minerals, vitamins, and lean protein, like selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. These nutrients contribute to overall health, supporting functions like metabolism, thyroid health, and immune response. Royal Red Jumbo Shrimp is a healthy choice for people who want to eat a balanced diet because it is low in calories and high in omega-3 fatty acids. Indulge in this gourmet treat and reap the benefits of its wholesome nutritional profile.
- 6lbs (3) 2lb. packages contain approximately (78-90) jumbo shrimp
- 8lbs (4) 2lb. packages contain approximately (104-120) jumbo shrimp
- 10lbs (5) 2lb. packages contain approximately (130-150) jumbo shrimp
The ingredients are shrimp, water, salt, and antioxidants Sodium metabisulfite (E223) and Sodium ascorbate (E301). Potassium citrate (E332) and sodium citrate (E331) are used to control the acidity and stabilize the food.
Your orders are securely packed in insulated boxes with plenty of dry ice, ensuring they arrive frozen. We ship Monday through Thursday, with deliveries scheduled from Tuesday to Friday. We don’t ship on the weekends or for Monday deliveries, and that goes for all of our shipping options, even the fastest ones. If you have any questions or want to know more about how we ship, please visit our Shipping page.
Please see our Storing, Thawing, and Cooking page for information on how to serve and take care of all of our seafood.
We’re keeping things simple here—just marinate for a few hours to add some heat to this delicious shrimp.
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Royal Red Jumbo Shrimp: Exquisite Flavor from the Deep
Enjoy the delicious taste of Royal Red Jumbo Shrimp, a real treat from the Gulf of Mexico. For their sweet, buttery taste and soft texture, these shrimp are a favorite among seafood lovers and top chefs. Royal Red Jumbo Shrimp make any dish taste even better. They are great in a wide range of recipes, from gourmet shrimp cocktails to sizzling seafood paellas. Make sure to check out our delicious selection of Shrimp Recipes.
Our Royal Red Jumbo Shrimp are sustainably and responsibly caught, ensuring minimal impact on the marine environment. These shrimp were caught by skilled fishermen who care about keeping the ocean’s ecosystem in balance. They show how committed we are to sustainability. Enjoy the freshest, highest quality shrimp while supporting responsible fishing practices.
What are Royal Reds?
What is royal red shrimp?
What are royal red shrimp? Interestingly enough, royal red shrimp, or rather Pleoticus Robustus, are one of a few deepwater shrimp species that are caught commercially in North America; and you can find them all the way from the Gulf of Mexico to New England waters.
What does royal red shrimp taste like?
A New Orleans resident explains what distinguishes royal red shrimp, where to taste them, how to cook with royal reds, and more about the Gulf Coast’s seafood specialty that’s said to taste like scallops and lobster.
How to cook royal red shrimp?
When cooking Royal Red Shrimp, it is essential to avoid overcooking as they can become rubbery and lose their flavor. Monitor their cooking time closely and remove them from heat as soon as they turn opaque and pink. Additionally, be careful when seasoning, as Royal Red Shrimp have a delicate taste that can be easily overwhelmed by strong flavors.
Are royal red shrimp available year-round?
It also makes them available year-round. Few people beyond coastal Alabama knew of royal reds in the 1990s (in New England, they’re known as Stonington red shrimp). But today, savvy tourists time their annual Flora-Bama stops and Gulf Shores vacations to coincide with peak harvest.