Hey there, foodies! Today I’m super excited to share with y’all about one of South Carolina’s most beloved seafood treasures – Calabash shrimp If you’ve never heard of it before, you’re in for a real treat!
What Makes Calabash Shrimp So Special?
Let me tell ya, Calabash shrimp ain’t your ordinary fried shrimp. These little beauties are something special that originated in Calabash, NC, right on the border with South Carolina. But we’ve totally made it our own along the Grand Strand!
Here’s what makes Calabash shrimp unique
- Super light, crispy batter that’s almost see-through
- Small-sized shrimp (usually called “creek shrimp” or “popcorn shrimp”)
- Always served in HUGE portions (like, bring-your-friends huge!)
- Affordable prices that won’t break the bank
- Comes with amazing hot hush puppies on the side
The Secret’s in the Cooking Method
The magic happens when these babies hit the fryer! Here’s how it works
- Start with fresh, small shrimp
- Coat them in a special light batter
- Fry in super hot oil until golden
- Serve immediately while piping hot
The result? A perfectly crispy exterior that’s light as gossamer (fancy word, I know!) with that perfect hint of salt and just enough grease to make it tasty without being heavy.
Where Can You Find the Best Calabash Shrimp?
Let me hook you up with some of the best spots to get your Calabash fix in South Carolina:
Grand Strand Area
- The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood (Myrtle Beach)
- Captain Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood (Myrtle Beach)
- Bennett’s Calabash (North Myrtle Beach + 2 locations in Myrtle Beach)
- Crabby Mike’s (Surfside Beach)
- Hook’s Calabash Seafood Buffet (Myrtle Beach)
- Hot Fish Club (Murrells Inlet)
- Sea Captain’s House (Myrtle Beach)
Inland Locations
- Catawba Fish Camp (Fort Lawn)
- The Clock (Greer) – They even do Calabash chicken!
- Daddy Joe’s Beach House BBQ & Grill (Gaffney)
- Dry Dock Seafood (Mullins)
- Jumpin’ J’s (Florence)
- Luvan’s Fish Camp (Conway)
- Roebuck Fish Camp (Roebuck)
- Shrimp Boat (Lancaster and Rock Hill)
Fun Facts About Calabash Style Cooking
Did ya know that while Calabash started in North Carolina, we South Carolinians have totally embraced it? The funny thing is, folks in Calabash, NC, say it ain’t real Calabash unless you’re eating it in their town. But we just laugh and keep on frying!
Here’s what makes it authentically Calabash:
- Must be served in massive portions
- Gotta be affordable
- Always comes with hush puppies
- Uses small shrimp
- Super light, crispy batter
Why You’ll Love It
I gotta tell you, there’s something special about sitting down to a huge plate of Calabash shrimp. Maybe it’s the way the batter crackles when you bite into it, or how the seafood flavor really shines through without being overwhelmed by heavy breading.
And the best part? It’s perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Casual dates
- Beach trips
- Seafood cravings
- Budget-friendly meals
Tips for First-Timers
If you’re planning your first Calabash shrimp experience, here’s what ya need to know:
- Come hungry – portions are HUGE
- Don’t skip the hush puppies
- Try it at a buffet first to get the full experience
- Look for places that serve it fresh and hot
- Don’t be afraid to try other Calabash-style seafood too!
The Bottom Line
Listen, y’all – if you haven’t tried Calabash shrimp yet, you’re missing out on one of South Carolina’s best coastal treats. It’s the perfect combo of crispy, light, and delicious, plus it won’t empty your wallet!
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, make sure to add this to your must-try list. Trust me, once you’ve had proper Calabash shrimp, regular fried shrimp just won’t cut it anymore!
Would you like me to explain or break down any specific aspects of this article further?
What is Calabash Style Seafood?
The Calabash-style dish got its name from the small fishing town of Calabash in North Carolina. The recipe spread fast around the U.S. and became one of the dishes widely accepted by many, especially among seafood foodies.
Another interesting characteristic of the Calabash-style seafood is that itâs served in a buffet style. Confused about what is Calabash seafood buffet? To reflect the true Calabash style, similar to traditional buffets, Calabash seafood is served in large amounts. When it comes to serving, the shrimp prepared in Calabash style go best with a glass of beer or white wine.
The Original Calabash Style Seafood Recipe
The original Calabash style is also known as the popcorn shrimp. People call it this way because the shrimp are small, fried, and powdered in corn flour. Once ready, they are crispy, just like popcorn.
- OilÂ
- Cornflour
- Salt, and pepper
- Evaporated milk
This is the classic recipe. You can add other seasonings like paprika, chili, or garlic if that is what you prefer.Â
Directions
- To prepare the dish, you need to clean the shrimp first.Â
- Then, add the milk to the shrimp just enough to cover them all. Usually, ¼ cup of evaporated milk would suffice.Â
- Heat the oil and prepare it for deep-fry.
- Put a cup of flour and ½ spoon of salt in a large bowl or deep container. Take out a few shrimps and put them in the flour.Â
- Toss the shrimp around until they are fully coated.Â
- Once done, put them in the oil and deep fry them for 1-2 minutes until they reach a caramel color.
This is the classic recipe. You can add other seasonings like paprika, chili, or garlic if that is what you prefer. Fresh seafood (frozen shrimps also work well, but to reach that specific taste, you need to learn how to defrost the seafood properly).
Although Calabash shrimp come as an appetizer with a cold beer or a glass of white dry wine, you can turn them into a main dish with a few simple side dishes.Â
Since they are deep-fried, the best way to enhance the taste is to add boiled veggies. You can never go wrong with corn on a cob, boiled potatoes with a hint of white onion and vinegar, or coleslaw. Additionally, you can refresh the deep-fried course with a fresh seasonal salad. Try it and thank us later.
Reunions with friends, family gatherings, or just cozy dinner dates are synonyms with the Calabash shrimps in North Carolina. When prepared by an experienced chef, they are the best appetizer that will get your mouth watering at the thought of it and make you come back for more.
To conclude, what is Calabash-style seafood? Itâs a simple dish of deep-fried oysters, shrimp, crabs, or other seafood, as tasty and contagious as popcorn. They are the best appetizer for a good company.Â
However, although the Calabash style seafood falls into the category of starters, you can still turn it into a main course by pairing it with some boiled veggies.
What is Calabash-style seafood? ‘Absolutely dee–licious!’
FAQ
Is calabash shrimp the same as popcorn shrimp?
And the shrimp for Calabash-style dishes are quite small—often referred to on menus as “creek shrimp,” “popcorn shrimp” or “baby shrimp.” So, let’s see: scrumptious, freshly prepared, big portions, affordably priced.
Why is it called calabash shrimp?
An Indian name meaning “gourd,” many say Calabash was chosen because of the gourd-like shape of the Calabash River. The true definition of Calabash seafood was born around the 1930’s when fishermen of the then quaint fishing village would set out before dawn from the docks off the river.
What makes calabash seafood different?
Calabash-style seafood means a light dusting of corn flour or corn meal, not a heavy batter or dunk in eggs. It’s the lightness of the dredge that lets the taste of the seafood stand on its own.
What does Calabash mean in Myrtle Beach?