Finding Delicious Boiled Shrimp Near You: A Guide to the Best Local Spots

Boiled shrimp are a delicious and versatile seafood ingredient that can be used in many recipes or enjoyed on their own. Their sweet briny flavor when cooked just right is hard to beat. But where can you purchase high-quality boiled shrimp in your area?

In this article we’ll discuss

• Benefits and uses of boiled shrimp
• Where to buy boiled shrimp locally
• What to look for when buying boiled shrimp
• How to tell if boiled shrimp is fresh
• Average prices for boiled shrimp
• How to store and reheat boiled shrimp

Follow these tips to find and select amazing boiled shrimp from stores and restaurants near you

Why Buy Boiled Shrimp?

Boiled shrimp cooked just until pink and tender have a sweet, ocean-fresh taste. They make a great addition to:

• Seafood salads or sandwiches
• Pasta, rice, and grain bowls
• Tacos, burritos, and quesadillas
• Appetizer platters
• Dips and cocktail sauces
• Soups, stews, and chowders

Buying pre-cooked boiled shrimp saves the time and mess of boiling them yourself. It also gives you access to seasoned varieties you wouldn’t get cooking from raw. Keep reading for where to find high-quality pre-boiled shrimp close by.

Where to Buy Boiled Shrimp Locally

Here are some good options for buying cooked, ready-to-eat boiled shrimp in your area:

• Seafood markets – Fresh seafood shops and fishmongers often carry boiled shrimp. Ask them when and where it was cooked.

• Grocery seafood counters – Many grocery store seafood departments now sell cooked, peeled boiled shrimp. Look for plump, deveined shrimp with no odor.

• Supermarket frozen section – Bags of frozen boiled shrimp are convenient but check for signs of freeze burn.

• Big box stores – Warehouse retailers like Costco sometimes have large bags of boiled shrimp in the freezer section or fresh seafood area.

• Seafood restaurants – Takeout boiled shrimp from seafood restaurants, shacks, and food trucks can be very fresh and flavorful. Ask when it was cooked.

Buying boiled shrimp from sources with high turnover helps ensure you get the freshest product. Inspect carefully for quality before purchasing.

What to Look for When Buying Boiled Shrimp

To select delicious boiled shrimp:

• Color – Shells should be bright pink to red. Avoid blackened or yellow spots.

• Odor – Should smell mildly briny but not fishy or ammonia-like. Discard if any unpleasant odor.

• Texture – Meat should be firm and spring back when pressed gently. Soft, mushy meat means old, stale shrimp.

• Size – Count per pound indicates size. Higher counts like 41-50 are smaller shrimp. Lower counts like 16-20 are jumbo shrimp.

• Veins – Whole shrimp should be thoroughly deveined with a clean, smooth appearance.

• Shells – Shells should cling tightly to meat. Separated shells indicate improper cooking.

Paying attention to these quality cues will help you choose the best boiled shrimp for your recipes and meals.

How to Tell if Boiled Shrimp are Fresh

With pre-cooked boiled shrimp, freshness is especially important since you don’t cook it yourself. Here are tips for assessing freshness:

• Purchase date – Ask when it was cooked, especially with refrigerated varieties. Ensure it was very recently boiled.

• Package integrity – Vacuum-packed boiled shrimp should be tightly sealed with no punctures.

• Use by dates – Purchased boiled shrimp should be consumed within 3 days typically or 1 week for frozen.

• Color – Shells and tail fins should have vivid color without yellowing or black/brown spots.

• Texture – Meat should be firm and plump, not shriveled or mushy.

• Smell – Should have a clean, mild sea smell. Any “off” odors mean spoiled shrimp.

Getting boiled shrimp from a busy seafood outlet and using these freshness checks reduces your risk of getting spoiled products. Know where and when it was cooked.

What Are Typical Prices for Boiled Shrimp?

Pricing for boiled shrimp depends on size, whether sold individually or by the pound, and source:

• Grocery cooked shrimp counters – $7 to $15 per pound; $1 to $3 each for jumbo

• Restaurant takeout boiled shrimp – $10 to $18 per pound; up to $5 each for jumbo

• Frozen boiled shrimp – $6 to $12 per pound bag

• Fresh seafood market boiled shrimp – $8 to $20 per pound; $2 to $4 each for jumbo

Boiled shrimp are often sold by “count per pound” which is the number of individual shrimp in a pound. Lower counts around 16 to 20 are largest. Counts over 30 or 40 are smaller shrimp. Size influences price per piece or pound.

Storing and Reheating Boiled Shrimp

To maximize shelf life, store boiled shrimp:

• Refrigerated at 34°F – 40°F

• In original airtight packaging or repackaged in airtight container

• Away from raw seafood to avoid cross contamination

• For no more than 3 days from purchase or cook date

To reheat boiled shrimp:

• Thaw frozen boiled shrimp overnight in fridge if using frozen

• Place in a bowl with a damp paper towel over top

• Microwave on 50% power for 1 to 2 minutes until warmed through

• Or place in simmering water for 2 to 3 minutes until hot

Proper storage and reheating ensures boiled shrimp taste delicious and are safe to eat.

Finding the Freshest Boiled Shrimp

Follow these tips when buying boiled shrimp:

• Check date cooked and use by date to ensure freshness

• Inspect for proper color, texture, smell, and veins

• Buy from busy seafood outlets for quickest turnover

• Store for no more than 3 days refrigerated

• Reheat gently to preserve texture and flavor

Seeking out high-quality boiled shrimp from local supermarkets, seafood markets, and restaurants means you can skip cooking it yourself and still enjoy delicious shrimp for your recipes and meals. Just focus on finding the freshest options available using these handy buying guidelines. Happy shrimp recipe making!