Hey seafood lovers! I’ve been absolutely obsessed with royal red shrimp lately, and lemme tell you – these aren’t your regular ol’ shrimp from the grocery store. After doing tons of research and tasting these beauties myself, I’m excited to share everything I know about where these amazing crustaceans come from.
What Makes Royal Red Shrimp So Special?
Before we dive into their location, let’s talk about why everyone’s going crazy for these shrimp:
- They’re HUGE – typically 8-12 shrimp per pound
- Their meat tastes more like lobster and scallops than regular shrimp
- They have this gorgeous deep crimson color (hence the “royal” name!)
- The texture is incredibly tender and sweet
Primary Fishing Grounds
The Gulf of Mexico – The Mother Lode
The main hotspot for royal reds is definitely the Gulf of Mexico Here’s where you’ll find the most action
- Florida Panhandle
- Alabama coastline
- Mississippi waters
- Louisiana shores
- Texas coast
These shrimp are deep-water dwellers – we’re talking 800 to 1,500 feet below the surface! That’s why they’re not easy to catch and why they’re kinda special.
Other Fishing Locations
Would ya believe these fancy shrimp aren’t just Gulf residents? They’re actually found in several places:
- Atlantic Coast (from Massachusetts to French Guiana)
- New England waters (known as Stonington reds here)
- South American waters
Best Fishing Spots (The Inside Scoop!)
If you’re wondering exactly where the commercial boats are getting these beauties, here’s the tea:
-
Alabama Waters
- Around Mobile Bay
- Near Dauphin Island
- About 60+ miles offshore
-
Mississippi Area
- Off Biloxi coast
- Gulfport waters
-
Florida Spots
- Pensacola area
- Destin waters
- Cape Canaveral region
When’s The Best Time to Catch ‘Em?
The prime season runs from late summer through fall, with September being the sweet spot. But here’s a cool thing – since they’re usually flash-frozen right on the boats, you can actually get them year-round!
How They’re Caught
This ain’t your regular fishing trip, folks! Here’s what it takes:
- Special deep-water nets with weighted doors
- Commercial vessels with specific permits
- Trips that go 60+ miles offshore
- Immediate flash-freezing equipment on board
Can I Catch Them Myself?
Hate to break it to ya, but unless you’ve got some serious commercial fishing equipment, probably not. These guys live way too deep for recreational fishing. Your best bet is to:
- Buy from local seafood markets
- Visit Gulf Coast restaurants
- Order online from reputable sellers
- Check out seafood festivals during peak season
Sustainability Status
Good news for all us royal red lovers! These shrimp are being managed pretty well:
- Strictly regulated fishing permits
- Controlled fishing seasons
- Monitored population levels
- Stable numbers in the Gulf
Pro Tips for Buying and Cooking
When you get your hands on some royal reds, here’s what I’ve learned:
Buying Tips:
- Look for bright red shells
- Check for firm texture
- Buy frozen if fresh isn’t available
- Expect to pay more than regular shrimp
Cooking Tips:
- Don’t overcook! (They cook faster than regular shrimp)
- Simple preparations work best
- Great for grilling or steaming
- Perfect with just butter and garlic
The Bottom Line
Royal red shrimp are truly something special, and now ya know exactly where they come from! Whether you’re planning a Gulf Coast vacation or just want to order some online, these crimson beauties are worth seeking out. Just remember – they’re mainly caught in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico, but their range stretches along both American coasts.
I gotta say, after learning all about these magnificent shrimp, I’m getting hungry! Time to head to my local seafood market and see if I can score some of these delicious deep-water treasures. Happy shrimping, y’all!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article further?
Royal Red Jumbo Shrimp: Exquisite Flavor from the Deep
Experience the luxurious taste of Royal Red Jumbo Shrimp, a true delicacy from the coast of Argentina. Known for their sweet, buttery flavor and tender texture, these shrimp are a favorite among seafood enthusiasts and top chefs alike. Perfect for a wide variety of culinary creations, from gourmet shrimp cocktails to sizzling seafood paellas, Royal Red Jumbo Shrimp elevate any dish to a new level of deliciousness. Make sure to check out our delicious selection of Shrimp Recipes.
Our Royal Red Jumbo Shrimp are sustainably and responsibly caught, ensuring minimal impact on the marine environment. Harvested by experienced fishermen dedicated to preserving the delicate balance of the ocean’s ecosystem, these shrimp are a testament to our commitment to sustainability. Enjoy the freshest, highest quality shrimp while supporting responsible fishing practices.
Health Benefits of Royal Red Jumbo Shrimp
In addition to their exceptional taste, Royal Red Jumbo Shrimp are packed with health benefits. They are an excellent source of lean protein, essential vitamins, and minerals such as selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. These nutrients contribute to overall health, supporting functions like metabolism, thyroid health, and immune response. Low in calories and high in omega-3 fatty acids, Royal Red Jumbo Shrimp is a nutritious choice for those looking to maintain a balanced and healthy diet. Indulge in this gourmet treat and reap the benefits of its wholesome nutritional profile.
- 6lbs (3) 2lb. packages contain approximately (78-90) jumbo shrimp
- 8lbs (4) 2lb. packages contain approximately (104-120) jumbo shrimp
- 10lbs (5) 2lb. packages contain approximately (130-150) jumbo shrimp
INGREDIENTS: Shrimp, Water, Salt; Antioxidants: Sodium metabisulfite (E223) and Sodium ascorbate (E301); Acidity regulator: Potassium citrate (E332); Stabilizer: Sodium citrate (E331)
Your orders are securely packed in insulated boxes with plenty of dry ice, ensuring they arrive frozen. We ship Monday through Thursday, with deliveries scheduled from Tuesday to Friday. Please note that we do not ship on weekends or for Monday deliveries; this includes all expedited shipping options. For more details on our shipping practices or any questions, visit our Shipping & Packaging page or contact us directly.
For serving and care information related to all of our seafood products, please see our Storing, Thawing, and Cooking page.
We’re going simple here…just marinate for a couple of hours for a bit of heat to balance the sweetness of this impressive shrimp!
Catching Thousands of Tons Of Red Shrimp Of Sea Fishermen || Amazing fishing skills
FAQ
Where do royal red shrimp come from in the USA?
Royal red shrimp are tender, salty-sweet and one of the most unique harvestable species of shrimp in all of Florida.
Why are royal red shrimp so expensive?
So fishermen need to be careful, and, in the case of the Gulf, they need powerful freezers on board. Only the Stonington reds are not flash-frozen on board. All this makes them pricier than other American shrimp, and much more expensive than those crappy Southeast Asian shrimp you buy for pennies.
What’s the difference between royal red shrimp and regular shrimp?
Hank Shaw, author of Hook, Line and Supper, explains that royal reds are softer and more lobster-like than typical Gulf shrimp and similar to Pacific spot prawns, another deepwater shrimp. You can think of it more like scallops, blue crab, or lobster flavor profiles.
Are royal red shrimp healthy?
Low in calories and high in omega-3 fatty acids, Royal Red Jumbo Shrimp is a nutritious choice for those looking to maintain a balanced and healthy diet. Indulge in this gourmet treat and reap the benefits of its wholesome nutritional profile.
Where can you find royal red shrimp?
Fishermen must venture wide and far to find the prized shrimp. Royal red shrimp are caught in a range stretching across the Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts to French Guiana in South America. Still, sweet spots run along the Gulf of Mexico, from the Florida Panhandle to the Mississippi coast.
How is the Royal Red Shrimp caught?
The Royal Red Shrimp is primarily caught using trawls or traps. The United States, Mexico, and Brazil are the primary harvesters. The deep-water habitat of the Royal Red Shrimp has resulted in lower fishing pressure than other shrimp species, contributing to its relative sustainability.
What is royal red shrimp?
What are royal red shrimp? Interestingly enough, royal red shrimp, or rather Pleoticus Robustus, are one of a few deepwater shrimp species that are caught commercially in North America; and you can find them all the way from the Gulf of Mexico to New England.
What does royal red shrimp taste like?
A New Orleans resident explains what distinguishes royal red shrimp, where to taste them, how to cook with royal reds, and more about the Gulf Coast’s seafood specialty that’s said to taste like scallops and lobster.
When do royal red shrimp come out?
Royal red season lasts from late summer to late fall, peaking in September. The shrimp are found up to 60 miles offshore, in deep, cool waters between 800 and 1,500 feet down. Because of this, the few fishermen licensed to catch royal reds often freeze their catches immediately, capturing the fresh-off-the-boat flavor and texture in peak form.
Where does the Royal Red Shrimp grow?
The Royal Red Shrimp is primarily found in the Western Atlantic, ranging from North Carolina to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. The larvae undergo multiple moults before developing into juveniles and eventually reaching adulthood.