Hey seafood lovers! I’ve been absolutely obsessed with royal red shrimp lately, and I just gotta share everything I know about these amazing crimson beauties Trust me, once you try them, you’ll never look at regular shrimp the same way again!
What Makes Royal Red Shrimp So Special?
Let me tell ya – royal red shrimp (Pleoticus robustus) ain’t your average shellfish. These bad boys are like the fancy cousins of regular shrimp and here’s why
- They’re HUGE compared to regular shrimp
- Got this gorgeous deep red color (even when raw!)
- Taste incredibly sweet – more like lobster and scallops
- Have this rich, buttery meat that’ll make you drool
- Super tender texture that melts in your mouth
Where Do These Tasty Creatures Live?
These deep-water delicacies are pretty exclusive – you won’t find them hanging out in shallow waters! Here’s where they like to chill
- Live in super deep waters (800-1,500 feet down!)
- Found about 60 miles offshore
- Stretch from Massachusetts all the way to French Guiana
- Sweet spot: Gulf of Mexico (especially Florida Panhandle to Mississippi coast)
When Can You Get Your Hands on Some?
The prime time for royal reds is:
- Late summer through late fall
- Peak season: September
- Available year-round (thanks to flash-freezing on boats)
Cooking These Beauties – Don’t Mess It Up!
Listen up, because this is important! These aren’t your regular ol’ shrimp, so you gotta treat them special:
Do’s:
- Cook them HALF the time of regular shrimp
- Steam or grill them in their shells
- Keep it simple – just butter and maybe some garlic
- Use them the same day they thaw
Don’t’s:
- Don’t overcook them (seriously, they’re quick!)
- Don’t use heavy sauces that’ll mask their natural flavor
- Don’t walk away while they’re cooking
My Favorite Simple Recipe
Here’s how I like to prepare these bad boys:
- Thaw shrimp completely
- Heat grill to high heat
- Toss shrimp with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper
- Grill for literally 1-2 minutes per side
- Serve with melted garlic butter and lemon
- Don’t forget plenty of napkins!
Where to Find Royal Red Shrimp
If you’re wondering where to score some of these delicious creatures, here’s the scoop:
Best Places to Buy:
- Gulf Coast seafood markets
- Better seafood markets nationwide (frozen)
- Specialty fish markets
- Some high-end grocery stores
Best Restaurants to Try Them:
- The Blind Tiger (amazing Gulf views!)
- Knuckleheads in Ocean Springs (Wednesday all-you-can-eat!)
- Shaggy’s (try their royal red roll)
- DeSoto’s Seafood Kitchen in Gulf Shores
- Aquila Seafood in Bon Secour (local favorite)
Fun Facts That’ll Make You Sound Smart
- In New England, they’re called “Stonington red shrimp”
- They weren’t widely known outside Alabama until the 1990s
- Only a few fishermen are licensed to catch them
- They’re flash-frozen right on the boat to preserve freshness
- Some fancy folks say they’re better than lobster (I kinda agree!)
Why They’re Worth the Extra Cost
Look, I’ll be honest – royal reds usually cost more than regular shrimp. But here’s why they’re totally worth it:
- Unique sweet and salty flavor profile
- More meat than regular shrimp
- Lobster-like taste at a fraction of lobster prices
- Special occasion-worthy
- Impressive to serve to guests
Tips for Buying and Storing
When you’re ready to grab some royal reds, keep these tips in mind:
Buying:
- Buy frozen if you can’t get them super fresh
- Look for bright red color
- Make sure they’re firm, not mushy
- Check for any black spots (avoid these)
Storing:
- Keep frozen until ready to use
- Thaw in fridge overnight
- Use within 24 hours of thawing
- Don’t refreeze after thawing
Final Thoughts
Y’all, I gotta say – royal red shrimp are seriously something special. Whether you’re a seafood newbie or a seasoned pro, these crimson beauties deserve a spot on your plate. They might be a bit pricier and harder to find than regular shrimp, but trust me, they’re worth every penny and the hunt!
Next time you’re near the Gulf Coast or spot these at your local market, do yourself a favor and grab some. And when you do cook them up, remember – keep it simple and don’t overcook them! These babies shine brightest when you let their natural flavors do the talking.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some royal reds thawing in my fridge for dinner tonight!
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!
What are Royal Reds?
FAQ
What is the difference between royal red shrimp and regular shrimp?
Royal red shrimp differ from regular shrimp in several key ways: they are harvested from deeper, colder waters, which gives them a richer, sweeter flavor and a more lobster-like texture.
Are royal red shrimp good?
Yes, Royal Red shrimp are generally considered very good. They are known for their distinctive, rich, and naturally sweet flavor, often compared to lobster or bay scallops.
Where are royal red shrimp caught in the USA?
Due to their unique tenderness and sweetness, they do well in simple recipes or just on their own. They also cook in half the time of their counterparts. Royal red shrimp are found both in the Gulf of Mexico and the East Coast of Florida. Their uniqueness does not stop with their taste.
Do royal red shrimp taste like lobster?
Royal Red Shrimp can be identified by their large size, rich crimson color and their naturally salty and flavorful taste that has been compared to Lobster and Bay Scallops.