Where to Buy Colossal Shrimp Near Me

Colossal shrimp are the largest shrimp available, and their sweet, succulent taste makes them a delicious treat. But where can you find these jumbo shrimp locally? I’ve done the research to find the best places to buy colossal shrimp near me, so you can skip the hassle and get straight to enjoying these tender seafood delights.

What are Colossal Shrimp?

Colossal shrimp, also sometimes called jumbo or super shrimp, are the biggest shrimp you can buy They range from 12 or less shrimp per pound all the way up to just 4-8 shrimp per pound for the very largest sizes That means each individual shrimp can be 1/4 pound or more!

These massive shrimp get their size from living in the warm open waters of the Gulf of Mexico, where they can grow and mature slowly over their 2-3 year lifespan Their large size gives the shrimp a firmer, snappier texture while maintaining a sweet, briny flavor

Colossal shrimp are great for grilling, broiling, sautéing, or any preparation where you want the shrimp to shine as the star ingredient. Their hefty size also makes them fantastic for stuffing with crabmeat, cheese, or other fillings.

Where to Buy Colossal Shrimp

Finding fresh colossal shrimp used to mean going straight to the dock or Asian fish market. But today, you have some great options for buying colossal shrimp right in your neighborhood. Here are my top picks for the best colossal shrimp near me:

1. Seafood Markets

Independent seafood markets and fishmongers are a great place to find the freshest jumbo shrimp. Stores like Seattle Fish Company in Denver or New Deal Fish Market in Maryland source shrimp directly from the docks and stock colossal sizes regularly.

Ask your local seafood market when they get shipments in and request they set some jumbo shrimp aside for you. This personal touch ensures you get first pick of the biggest and best shrimp.

2. Specialty Grocery Stores

Upscale grocery stores like Whole Foods Market, Fresh Market, and Metropolitan Market often carry colossal shrimp when they’re in season. Their seafood departments work directly with local fishermen and vendors to bring in the highest quality catch.

I’ve found the selection and quality at these stores to be superior to regular supermarkets. Check the freezer section for bagged, cooked colossal shrimp as well as the fresh seafood case for raw options.

3. Online Seafood Retailers

Online seafood companies like Wild Alaskan Company and Seattle Fish Company ship fresh colossal shrimp overnight right to your door. This is a great option if you live farther from the coasts.

I like ordering online when I’m planning a special meal and want to ensure I get the perfect size shrimp. Direct-to-consumer providers often have better availability of the U10 and larger extra jumbo shrimp.

4. Big Box Stores

Membership warehouse stores like Costco and Sam’s Club regularly stock frozen bags of colossal shrimp. The shrimp are previously frozen onboard the boat but thawed before display.

The cost per pound is very reasonable at these bulk retailers, so I watch for sales on colossal shrimp to stock up my freezer. Just be sure to check the ingredients and confirm the shrimp are free of additives.

5. Local Fishermen

If you live near a coast, buying directly from the fishing boat is the ultimate way to get colossal shrimp at peak freshness. The shrimp will be extra snappy and flavorful when eaten right off the boat.

Check local listings and social media to find fishermen selling dockside in your area. Show up early before the catch sells out! Cash only is typical for dockside sales, so come prepared.

What to Look for When Buying Colossal Shrimp

To help you pick out the best colossal shrimp, keep these tips in mind:

• Check the count size – This number indicates how many shrimp there are per pound. U10, U12, U15 and under are the largest colossal sizes.

• Look for plump, firm bodies – Shrimp should have a hard shell and feel heavy for their size. Soft, mushy shrimp mean they are past their prime.

• Opt for wild-caught – Farm-raised shrimp lack the sweet flavor that wild shrimp get from their natural diet. Plus, wild is more sustainable.

• Make sure heads are attached – Heads keep moisture in the shrimp meat. If detached, the tail meat can dry out.

• Avoid added chemicals – Some imported shrimp contain additives to boost water retention. Choose American shrimp for the purest flavor.

• Purchase individually frozen – Shrimp frozen together in blocks suffer more damage when separating. IQF shrimp preserve quality better.

• Consider shell-on – Shells protect against freezer burn. You can peel before cooking or leave shells on for grilling.

Following these guidelines will help you select plump, juicy colossal shrimp that will impress your family and guests.

How Much Do Colossal Shrimp Cost?

Due to their large size and sweet taste, colossal shrimp do come at a premium price. Here are some average costs:

• U10 shrimp: $22-$32 per pound
• U12 shrimp: $18-$28 per pound
• U15 shrimp: $16-$26 per pound

You’ll pay the highest price for fresh-caught colossal shrimp bought dockside, with lower prices at retailers. Supermarkets and big box stores offer the best values for frozen bags.

Buying in bulk can also lower the per pound price. I watch for sales on multi-pound frozen bags which can save $2-3 per pound.

While not cheap, colossal shrimp offer great value considering their succulence and convenience. A little goes a long way, with 3-4 shrimp making a hearty main course serving.

How to Cook Colossal Shrimp

Colossal shrimp are extremely versatile in cooking methods. Their large size provides a nice firm bite that holds up beautifully:

• Grill – Skewer or place directly on grill. Brush with oil and seasoning. Grill 2-3 minutes per side.

• Broil – Toss shrimp in oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Broil 4-5 minutes until opaque.

• Sauté – Heat oil in pan. Cook shrimp 2 minutes per side until pink. Toss with garlic butter.

• Bake – Coat shrimp in breadcrumbs or panko. Bake at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.

• Stir fry – Cut into pieces. High heat stir fry with vegetables. Add sauce and serve over rice.

• Stuff – Butterfly shrimp open. Stuff with crabmeat, cheese or veggies. Bake or grill until cooked through.

Don’t overcook these tender giants. Shrimp should turn opaque and faintly pink when done. 3-5 minutes max depending on preparation.

Satisfy Your Colossal Shrimp Craving

With so many options now available at specialty markets, online retailers, warehouse stores and local docks, you’re sure to find fresh colossal shrimp no matter where you live. And nothing beats the presentation of a perfectly grilled or sautéed colossal shrimp cocktail.

So go ahead and satisfy your craving for these succulent seafood treats. Just follow my tips on what size to look for, signs of freshness, and best cooking methods for colossal shrimp success. Your family and friends will think you’re the ultimate grill master when you serve up a plate of these shrimp giants.