Hey there shrimp lovers! I’ve been researching and tasting shrimp from all over the world and lemme tell you – not all shrimp are created equal! As someone who’s super passionate about seafood, I’m gonna break down everything you need to know about finding the absolute best shrimp out there.
Quick Answer:
The best shrimp typically comes from:
- Atlantic coastal waters (US) – Known for sweet, clean taste
- Gulf of Mexico – Famous for rich, mineral-like flavor
- Maine waters – Prized for tender, sweet varieties
- Pacific Northwest – Known for spot prawns with exceptional sweetness
The Big Players in Shrimp Production
Top Shrimp Exporting Countries
- Thailand – Biggest shrimp exporter to US
- India – Exports 150,000+ metric tons annually
- Indonesia – Major player in Southeast Asian shrimp farming
- Ecuador – Leader in wild-caught shrimp
- Vietnam – Growing rapidly in Mekong Delta region
- China – Expanding coastal farming operations
Wild-Caught vs. Farmed: What’s the Real Deal?
Farmed Shrimp (55% of global production)
-
Pros
- Consistent size and availability
- More affordable
- Year-round production
-
Cons
- Potential antibiotic use
- Environmental concerns
- Quality can vary
Wild-Caught Shrimp (45% of global production)
-
Pros:
- More diverse flavors
- Generally better texture
- No antibiotics
-
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Seasonal availability
- Environmental impact from trawling
US Shrimp: A Tale of Two Coasts
Atlantic Coast Shrimp
Y’all, this is where some magic happens! Atlantic shrimp benefit from:
- Higher tides (up to 7 feet)
- Sweet spartina grass habitat
- Natural cold water flows
- Cleaner food supply
Popular varieties:
- Royal Reds
- Key West pinks
- Florida rock shrimp
Gulf Coast Shrimp
These bad boys have their own charm:
- Warmer waters
- Lower tides (2-3 feet)
- Muddy environment = unique mineral taste
- Best between Louisiana and Alabama
How to Choose the Best Shrimp
Quality Indicators
-
Appearance:
- Should look shiny and firm
- No black/brown spots
- No mushiness
-
Smell:
- Mild ocean scent
- Run away from ammonia smells!
-
Size Matters:
- Larger sizes: U12 or 16/20 count
- Numbers = shrimp per pound
Pro Tips for Buying
-
Buy frozen when possible
-
Look for sustainability certifications:
- MSC
- ASC
- Naturland
-
Check origin:
- US shrimp = stricter regulations
- Local sources when available
Best Ways to Use Different Shrimp Types
Atlantic Shrimp
Perfect for:
- Shrimp and grits
- Simple poached preparations
- Frogmore stew
- Light seasoning dishes
Gulf Shrimp
Great for:
- Gumbo
- Etouffée
- Po’ boys
- Heavily seasoned dishes
My Personal Take
After trying shrimp from pretty much everywhere, I gotta say – Atlantic coastal shrimp wins the flavor game. But here’s the thing – if you can’t find Atlantic shrimp, Gulf shrimp are still awesome and WAY better than imported stuff.
Sustainability Matters
When you’re shopping for shrimp, keep these eco-friendly tips in mind:
- Choose US-caught when possible
- Look for recirculating farm systems
- Support local fishermen
- Consider freshwater varieties
Bottom Line
The best shrimp really depends on what you’re cooking and your taste preferences. But if you’re after pure, sweet shrimp flavor, go for:
- Atlantic coast shrimp (especially from the Carolinas)
- Gulf shrimp (Louisiana to Alabama)
- Maine coldwater shrimp
- Pacific Northwest spot prawns
Remember, whatever you choose, domestic is usually better than imported. And frozen ain’t bad – most “fresh” shrimp was frozen anyway!
Happy shrimping, y’all! Drop a comment below if you’ve got any questions about finding the best shrimp in your area. I’d love to help!
P.S. – Don’t forget to check those sustainability labels! Our oceans will thank you later!
Shrimp Sizing Chart
| Shrimp Label | Shrimp Per Pound |
| Small | 51 or greater |
| Medium | 36 to 50 |
| Large | 26 to 40 |
| Jumbo | 16 to 25 |
| Colossal | Fewer than 15 |
Check for Freshness
In most cases, youre better off buying frozen shrimp, even when “fresh” shrimp are available.
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Shrimp are highly perishable, so its important to know how to pick out the freshest shrimp available, not just for taste and texture but also for safety. First off, you dont want any shrimp that smell like ammonia—this is a telltale sign of spoilage, and its worth asking your fishmonger if you can take a sniff before buying. Youll also want to avoid shrimp that are limp, slimy, or falling apart, all of which are signs of decay.
A more advanced sign if youre buying head-on fresh shrimp: look for black spots on the head first, then the body. “Thats a pretty good indicator that its not at peak freshness,” says Davis Herron, the retail director at The Lobster Place, one of New Yorks best seafood markets. The black spots are called melanosis; its the result of the same oxidation process that turns your apples and avocados brown. In other words, they dont definitively mean that your shrimp is bad, but they do indicate that the shrimp could be fresher.
In most cases, youre better off buying frozen shrimp, even when “fresh” shrimp are available. Read on to see why.
How America’s Biggest Indoor Shrimp Farm Sells 2 Million Shrimp Every Year — Dan Does
FAQ
What country has the best shrimp?
There isn’t one definitive “best” shrimp country, as quality varies by region and even specific farms or fisheries. However, Ecuador is often cited for its advanced and sustainable aquaculture practices, resulting in healthy and flavorful shrimp.
Where does the best shrimp in the US come from?
Louisiana. It’s the best place for shrimp. Anywhere on the Gulf coast is good, but Louisiana is best. Anywhere else you’ll be getting farmed shrimp from Vietnam. It’s inferior.
What is considered the best shrimp in the world?
Your best choice would be California coonstripe shrimp, Oregon bay shrimp, and British Columbia spot prawns.
Who produces the best shrimp?
Ecuador’s Advanced and Sustainable Aquaculture
Ecuador boasts the most advanced and sustainable aquaculture industry globally, earning top ratings among farm-raised shrimp-producing countries.
Which country of origin is best for shrimp?
The USDA requires all shrimp in the United States to say the country of origin (or COO) on the package or at the seafood counter. That begs the question, which country of origin is best at producing a consistent, high-quality product? For anyone buying seafood, here is a list of the 4 best COOs for sustainably farmed shrimp. 1. Thailand
Where can you find fresh shrimp?
They can be found frozen at most grocery stores or fresh for those lucky enough to live near the Gulf of Mexico. According to NOAA, three-quarters of wild-caught American shrimp are pulled from the warm waters of the Gulf. Regardless of the origin, it seems like we can’t get enough shrimp.
Which country produces the best shrimp?
Conclusion When determining the best country to source shrimp, consistency and quality matter. Countries that have been perfecting aquaculture for years are ideal seafood partners. For total output mixed with quality, Thailand is the best country of origin for farmed shrimp. Which countries produce the most shrimp?
Where do shrimp come from?
Vietnam – Vietnam has rapidly expanded shrimp farming along the Mekong Delta and southern coasts, increasing exports to the US. China – China is increasing production, mostly farmed shrimp from coastal regions in the south. When looking at shrimp quality, an important distinction is between farmed shrimp versus wild-caught.
Should you buy American shrimp?
Luckily, there’s no reason to put that junk on your plate — buy American! The waters from the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coast produce some of the tastiest and cleanest shrimp in the world, and both are very accessible to everyday customers. But does one body of water produce better shrimp?
Where do cheap shrimp come from?
The vast majority of cheap shrimp comes from coastal pond farming in countries like China, India, Thailand, and Indonesia (of course, for the overwhelmingly majority of Americans, it’s not wild-caught). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.