2 pounds of jumbo Gulf shrimp—Buy Now! 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, 1 cup of melted butter, 5 to 6 chopped garlic cloves, 1 small shallot, 1 tablespoon of dry sherry, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Kosher salt. 2 cups of chicken or fish stock. Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley. Griddled or toasted baguette slices.
Gulf shrimp from the waters of the Gulf of Mexico have an iconic place in Southern cuisine Their naturally sweet and briny flavor makes them ideal for so many classic shrimp dishes However, to get the most out of your Gulf shrimp, it pays to know the best methods for cooking them just right at home.
In this guide I’ll share expert tips on selecting, preparing and cooking Gulf shrimp, along with simple, delicious recipes even beginners can master. Let’s dive in to unlocking the flavors of this regional specialty!
What Makes Gulf Shrimp Unique
Unlike rock shrimp or other varieties true Gulf shrimp have some unique qualities
- Harvested wild in the Gulf of Mexico off Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida
- Three main species – pink, white and brown shrimp
- Larger size compared to other wild shrimp, with more earthy, robust flavor
- Plump, firm texture and reddish-pink shells when raw
- Available fresh or frozen, with peak season in late spring and summer
Their natural habitat gives Gulf shrimp a distinctly rich, briny taste. Their larger size also makes them ideal for grilling, broiling and sautéing.
Choosing Fresh Gulf Shrimp
When buying fresh Gulf shrimp, look for:
- Firm, shiny shells without black spots or blemishes
- Translucent flesh with redish-orange tint
- Mild ocean aroma – discard any with strong “fishy” smell
- Lively movement showing they are still alive
Choose shrimp sizes like jumbo (U15 per pound) or extra large (16-20 per pound) for heartier texture.
Thawing Frozen Gulf Shrimp
For frozen:
- Place bag of shrimp in refrigerator 24-36 hours to thaw gradually
- Submerge in cold water, changing water every 30 mins, for quick thawing
- Avoid microwave defrosting which can cook shrimp unevenly
Use thawed shrimp within 2 days. Do not refreeze.
Peeling and Deveining Gulf Shrimp
For raw shrimp:
- Use paring knife to slice down backside and remove shell
- Use tip of knife to remove legs and head if desired
- Make shallow cut down back to expose digestive vein
- Remove vein with tip of knife
- Rinse cleaned shrimp and pat dry
Leave shells on for grilling or sautéing shrimp. Clean just before cooking.
Cooking Methods for Gulf Shrimp
Gulf shrimp pair well with high, direct heat cooking:
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Grilling – Toss peeled shrimp in oil, season and grill 2-3 mins per side over hot grill.
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Broiling – Place oiled shrimp on broiler pan 4-6 inches from heat, 2 mins per side.
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Sautéing – Cook peeled shrimp 2 mins per side in hot skillet with butter or oil.
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Stir frying – Toss shrimp with sliced veggies in wok on high heat until just opaque.
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Blackening – Coat peeled shrimp in spicy blackening seasoning and pan-sear in cast iron skillet.
Delicious Gulf Shrimp Recipe Ideas
From classics to creative new flavors, Gulf shrimp shine:
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Shrimp scampi – Sauté shrimp in garlic butter sauce with lemon and white wine.
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Shrimp po’ boy – Crispy fried shrimp on French bread with rémoulade sauce.
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Shrimp boil – Boil shrimp in spices with sausage, corn and potatoes.
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Garlic shrimp pasta – Toss sautéed shrimp with pasta, olive oil, tomatoes and spinach.
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Coconut shrimp curry – Simmer shrimp in coconut milk curry with veggies and ginger.
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Shrimp tacos – Blackened shrimp, cabbage slaw and avocado crema in corn tortillas.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with global spices and flavors!
Storing Leftover Cooked Shrimp
Refrigerate cooked shrimp up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving again.
For longer storage, freeze cooked shrimp for 2-3 months maximum. Thaw overnight in fridge before using.
Preparing Perfect Gulf Shrimp Any Night
Gulf shrimp need little adornment to star in any meal. A simple rub or marinade is all it takes to accent their inherently sweet, briny taste. Follow these tips to pick, prepare and cook great shrimp dishes with this Southern specialty. Just add your favorite spices, vegetables or sauces for endless delicious dinners!
How to Make Perfectly Cooked Shrimp Every Time
How do you cook shrimp in a crock pot?
The How-To: In a glass bowl or other nonreactive dish, combine olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp and marinate for 1 hour. Melt butter in a large skillet; add the sliced garlic and shrimp. Reserve marinade and set aside. Stir-fry the shrimp over medium heat until pink. Discard garlic; remove shrimp to a warm platter and keep warm.
What ingredients do you need to make fried Gulf shrimp?
Beside garlic and lemon, other easy-to-find ingredients such as butter, almonds, and olive oil are all that you need. If Gulf shrimp season is on, or if you can find good-sized frozen Gulf shrimp, don’t forget about this recipe—it is as delicious as it is easy.
How long do you cook crawfish & shrimp?
Add fish; cook 2 to 3 minutes or until the fish is just opaque. Add Gulf shrimp, and cook 2 to 3 minutes or just until shrimp turn pink. If desired, stir in crawfish, and cook 2 to 3 minutes or until hot. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spoon the Gulf shrimp and whitefish into warmed soup bowls.
How long does it take to cook shrimp?
Cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side or until they are just opaque and cooked through. Do not overcook, as this makes shrimp tough. Cook it just enough so it’s tender and juicy.