where to buy royal red shrimp

Where to Find and Purchase the Sweet, Succulent Royal Red Shrimp

As a seafood lover and home chef, I’m always seeking out new and exciting varieties of fish and shellfish to cook up delicious meals for my family and friends. Lately, I’ve become enthralled with a unique shrimp known as the royal red – prized for its outstanding sweet, briny flavor and soft texture. If you also want to get your hands on these special crustaceans, you may be wondering – where can I buy royal red shrimp?

In this detailed guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about finding and buying this amazing delicacy, from a bit of background to the best purchasing sources. Let’s dive in!

An Introduction to Royal Reds

Royal red shrimp (Hymenopenaeus robustus) are a species found in very deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean, from North Carolina down to the coasts of Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. They live at depths of up to 2,000 feet. Royal reds were first discovered in the 1950s but have remained relatively rare and obscure.

What makes them so special? Their flesh has a remarkably sweet, almost fruity or nutty flavor and a soft texture akin to lobster or scallops Their size is on the larger side for shrimp, typically 16 to 20 count per pound When boiled or steamed briefly, their shells turn a beautiful, vibrant reddish-orange color.

Once you get a taste you’ll understand why royal reds are becoming more popular with discerning foodies and chefs. Now let’s look at your options for where to buy royal red shrimp fresh or frozen.

Purchase Royal Reds from Local Fish Markets

One way to source these shrimp is to check with local fish markets or seafood stores in your area. Especially near their native waters in the southeast U.S., some fresh seafood suppliers may carry royal reds, or be able to specially order them for you.

The benefit of buying straight from a seafood market is you know you’re getting ultra fresh shrimp, and you can see and smell them in person to ensure quality. Be aware that supplies may be limited. Prices often range from $15 to $25+ per pound due to the effort required to harvest royal reds from deeper waters.

Order Online for Convenient Home Delivery

If no shops near you regularly stock royal reds, don’t fret. The internet has made it possible for anyone to order high-quality seafood online and have it shipped overnight right to their door.

I recommend a couple reputable websites:

• Eaton Street Seafood – A Florida Keys supplier offering 1 pound bags of frozen 16/20 count royal red shrimp for around $19 per pound including overnight shipping.

• Peter’s Fresh Florida Seafood – A family biz providing premium royal reds freshly packed and shipped with reusable ice packs to keep them chilled. Price is $40 per pound.

The convenience of online ordering and direct delivery is handy, letting you buy only what you need. Keep an eye out for any shipping specials or coupon codes too. Pro tip: Order early in the week to avoid deliveries on weekends.

Purchase Frozen at the Grocery Store

Several mainstream supermarket chains have expanded their seafood sections to include more premium offerings like royal red shrimp. Availability varies by location, but some stores now carry frozen royal reds.

Watch for them at:

• Publix – Spotted at some Florida locations and elsewhere in the southeast U.S.

• Kroger – Royal reds can sometimes be found in the freezer cases of Kroger-owned chains like Ralphs and Harris Teeter.

• Wegmans – This Northeast chain stocks flash-frozen royal reds at select stores.

• Whole Foods Market – Occasionally carries them frozen at their seafood counters.

If you see frozen royal reds at your local grocery store, inspect the packaging closely to check freshness and the production method. Try to buy brands labeled individually quick frozen (IQF). Price may be $25+ per pound.

More Places to Buy Royal Red Shrimp

Beyond local shops, online, and the grocery store, you may also find royal reds at:

• Specialty seafood markets – Check stores dedicated to fresh, gourmet seafood.

• Fish counters at warehouse clubs – Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s sometimes carry royal reds.

• Asian supermarkets – Frozen royal reds can be found in the seafood section of Asian grocery stores.

• Local fishermen – If you live near the Gulf Coast, ask area shrimp boat captains if they harvest royal reds.

• Food expos – Events like seafood festivals may have vendors selling the real deal.

• High-end restaurants – Some exclusive eateries will sell extra supplies to patrons.

With so many potential sources, tracking down royal red shrimp may take a bit of effort and asking around, but will be worth it. There’s just no substitute for their incredibly sweet taste and tender texture!

What to Look for When Buying Royal Red Shrimp

To ensure you wind up with the best-tasting royal reds, keep these tips in mind when buying:

• Freshly caught – For local live shrimp, only buy from reputable fishermen. Else, choose recently flash-frozen.

• Vibrant color – Shells should be a vivid reddish hue when cooked. Faded color means they are old.

• Firm texture – Raw royal reds should feel firm and plump with a slight natural curl. Avoid mushy shrimp.

• Intact shells – Shells should fully encase the meat and not be cracked or peeling off.

• Proper packaging – Fresh shrimp should be on ice. Frozen should show no signs of frost or freezer burn.

• Wild-caught – Farm-raised royal reds lack the depth of flavor from their wild habitat.

• Good size – Target shrimp around 16 to 20 per pound. Larger shrimp have better taste.

Keep these guidelines in mind and you’ll have delicious royal reds to create amazing seafood dishes at home. From stir fries to pastas, salads and more, these shrimp truly shine.

Storing Royal Reds to Maintain Freshness

Once you have your precious cargo of royal reds, proper storage is key to keep them as fresh as possible:

• Place fresh shrimp immediately on ice or refrigerate. Use within 2 days for best flavor.

• Frozen shrimp should feel solidly frozen with no frost buildup. Use within 3 months.

• Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge, not at room temperature.

• Put thawed shrimp on ice if not using immediately, and cook within 1-2 days.

• Don’t refreeze thawed shrimp.

Follow these tips to prevent any loss of the natural sweetness that makes royal red shrimp so incredible.

Exciting and Easy Recipes for Royal Reds

Once you have some royal reds on hand, you’ll want some quick and delicious ways to put them to use. Here are a few of my favorite recipes:

• Garlic shrimp scampi over angel hair pasta

• Blackened shrimp tacos with avocado salsa

• Shrimp ceviche with fresh citrus and cucumber

• Shrimp and scallop skewers on the grill

• Lemony roasted shrimp with green beans

• Thai coconut curry shrimp with rice noodles

The options are endless! Royal reds work great in so many dishes. Their uniquely sweet flavor and tender texture even hold up to quick cooking methods like grilling or sautéing.