Listen up seafood lovers! Today we’re diving deep (literally!) into everything you need to know about rock shrimp – those amazing little crustaceans that taste like lobster but come in a shrimp-sized package. I’ve been cooking these tasty creatures for years, and I’m excited to share all the juicy details with you!
What Exactly Are Rock Shrimp?
Rock shrimp (Sicyonia brevirostris) are these fascinating deep-water shrimp that live about 120-240 feet below the surface in the warm Atlantic waters You’ll find them hanging out from Florida down through the Gulf of Mexico, Cuba, and the Bahamas
What makes them special? Well, they’ve got this super hard shell (that’s why we call them “rock” shrimp!) and they’re pretty tiny – usually just 2-3 inches long. But don’t let their small size fool you – these little guys pack a serious flavor punch!
Why Rock Shrimp Are Different From Regular Shrimp
Let me break down the key differences
- That Shell Though: Rock shrimp have this crazy hard, crunchy shell that’s way tougher than regular shrimp
- Deep Sea Dwellers: Unlike their coastal cousins, these guys live way down deep
- Meat Quality: The flesh is meatier and has more snap when you bite into it
- Taste Profile: They’ve got this amazing sweet, lobster-like flavor
- Size Matters: They’re consistently smaller than regular shrimp
- Year-Round Availability: You can get them any time since they spawn throughout the year
The Amazing Taste of Rock Shrimp
Ya know what’s cool about rock shrimp? They taste more like lobster than regular shrimp! Here’s what you can expect:
- Sweet and briny flavor
- Firm, snappy texture
- Rich, lobster-like taste
- Pleasant crunch from the shell when cooked whole
Buying Guide: How to Choose Rock Shrimp
When you’re shopping for rock shrimp, you’ll usually find them in these forms:
- Whole: Everything intact (head and shell)
- Headless: Just the shell-on body
- Peeled: Shell removed but vein intact
- Deveined: Completely cleaned
- Butterflied: Split lengthwise with shell on
Size Guide
Rock shrimp are sold by count per pound:
- 21-25 count: Large
- 26-30 count: Medium
- 31-35 count: Small
Storage Tips
Here’s how to keep your rock shrimp fresh:
- Fresh: Only keeps 1-2 days in the fridge
- Frozen: Up to 4 months when properly sealed
- Pro tip: If you’re freezing them, peel and devein first!
How to Prepare Rock Shrimp
Getting these little guys ready for cooking isn’t hard, but you gotta know what you’re doing:
Basic Prep Methods:
-
Butterflying:
- Use kitchen shears
- Cut through back shell lengthwise
- Leave shell attached
-
Peeling:
- Score shell with knife
- Pull shell off
- Remove vein if needed
Cooking Methods That Rock!
These are my favorite ways to cook rock shrimp:
Quick-Cook Methods (Best Options)
- Sautéing: 2-3 minutes in hot oil
- Broiling: 2-3 minutes until opaque
- Grilling: 1-2 minutes per side
- Steaming: 2-3 minutes total
- Boiling: 60-90 seconds max
Longer Methods
- Baking: 5-8 minutes at 425°F
- Seafood Stews: Add at the end
Delicious Ways to Serve Rock Shrimp
Here are some of my favorite rock shrimp recipes:
-
Classic Broiled
- Split and brush with lemon butter
- Quick broil
- Serve with drawn butter
-
Summer Shrimp Salad
- Chilled peeled shrimp
- Fresh greens
- Citrus vinaigrette
-
Awesome Tacos
- Sautéed rock shrimp
- Warm tortillas
- Fresh slaw
- Spicy sauce
-
Pasta Paradise
- Garlic and oil base
- Fresh herbs
- White wine sauce
Sustainability Notes
Good news! Rock shrimp are considered a sustainable choice. The fishery is well-managed, and population levels are stable. We can enjoy these tasty critters without worry!
Where to Find Rock Shrimp
You can get your hands on rock shrimp at:
- Well-stocked fish markets
- Seafood counters in better grocery stores
- Online seafood retailers
- Direct from fisheries
Quick Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook! They cook faster than regular shrimp
- Look for firm, intact shells
- Avoid any with black spots or funky smells
- Fresh is best, but frozen works great too
- When in doubt, buy from a reputable seller
The Bottom Line
Rock shrimp are these amazing little creatures that give you lobster vibes in a shrimp-sized package. They’re sustainable, versatile, and absolutely delicious when cooked right. Whether you’re grilling, sautéing, or adding them to your favorite pasta dish, these little guys are gonna rock your seafood world!
So next time you’re at the fish market and see these hard-shelled beauties, grab some and give ’em a try. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Remember, cooking should be fun, and these little crustaceans are definitely worth getting excited about. Now get out there and start cooking some rock shrimp!
NC, SC, GA, FL
- Season is currently open.
- Fishing Year: Jan 1 – Dec 31
Area 51 SMZ is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points:32° 35.250 N 79° 28.600 W32° 35.250 N 79° 27.000 W32° 33.750 N 79° 27.000 W32° 33.750 N 79° 28.600 WFishing for, possession, and retention of snapper grouper species is prohibited in the Spawning SMZs.Harvest and possession of other species, such as dolphin, mackerel, and tuna, would be allowed as other regulations dictate.Fishermen are allowed to transit with snapper grouper species onboard their vessel if their fishing gear is stowed according to regulations. Properly stowed means:Terminal gear (i.e., hook, leader, sinker, flasher, or bait) must be disconnected and stowed separately from automatic reel, bandit gear, buoy gear, hand-line, or rod and reel. Rod and reel must be removed from the rod holder and stowed securely on or below deck.Longline may be left on the drum if all gangions and hooks are disconnected and stowed below deck. Hooks cannot be baited. All buoys must be disconnected from the gear: however, buoys can remain on deck.A trawl or try net may remain on deck, but trawl doors must be disconnected from the net and must be secured. Note: This regulation may vary among protected areas and habitat areas of particular concern.A gill net, stab net, or trammel net must be left on the drum. Any additional such nets not attached to the drum must be stowed below deck.A crustacean trap, golden crab trap, or sea bass pot cannot be baited. All buoys must be disconnected from the gear; however, buoys can remain on deck. Area 53 Spawning SMZ
Area 53 SMZ is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points:32° 22.650 N 79° 22.250 W32° 22.650 N 79° 20.500 W32° 21.150 N 79° 20.500 W32° 21.150 N 79° 22.250 WFishing for, possession, and retention of snapper grouper species is prohibited in the Spawning SMZs. Harvest and possession of other species, such as dolphin, mackerel, and tuna, would be allowed as other regulations dictate.Fishermen are allowed to transit with snapper grouper species onboard their vessel if their fishing gear is stowed according to regulations. Properly stowed means:Terminal gear (i.e., hook, leader, sinker, flasher, or bait) must be disconnected and stowed separately from automatic reel, bandit gear, buoy gear, hand-line, or rod and reel. Rod and reel must be removed from the rod holder and stowed securely on or below deck.Longline may be left on the drum if all gangions and hooks are disconnected and stowed below deck. Hooks cannot be baited. All buoys must be disconnected from the gear: however, buoys can remain on deck.A trawl or try net may remain on deck, but trawl doors must be disconnected from the net and must be secured. Note: This regulation may vary among protected areas and habitat areas of particular concern.A gill net, stab net, or trammel net must be left on the drum. Any additional such nets not attached to the drum must be stowed below deck.A crustacean trap, golden crab trap, or sea bass pot cannot be baited. All buoys must be disconnected from the gear; however, buoys can remain on deck. Y 73 Reef
Y-73 Reef is bounded on the north by 32°33.20′ N. lat.; on the south by 32°32.70′ N. lat.; on the east by 79°19.10′ W. long.; and on the west by 79°19.70′ W. long.Fishing may only be conducted with handline, rod and reel, and spearfishing gear.Use of a sea bass pot or bottom longline is prohibited. Use of a powerhead to take South Atlantic snapper-grouper is prohibited. Possession of a powerhead and a mutilated South Atlantic snapper-grouper in, or after having fished in, this SMZ constitutes evidence that such fish was taken with a powerhead in the SMZ.Harvest and possession of a South Atlantic snapper-grouper is limited to the bag-limits specified §622.187(b).All harvest and possession of coastal migratory pelagic fish (King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, and Cobia) within the SMZ is limited to the recreational bag limit.Warsaw Hole SMZ
Warsaw Hole SMZ is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points: 24° 22.277 82° 20.417; 24° 22.277 82° 18.215; 24° 20.932 82° 18.215 24° 20.932 82° 20.417.Fishing for, possession, and retention of snapper grouper species is prohibited in the Spawning SMZs. Harvest and possession of other species, such as dolphin, mackerel, and tuna, would be allowed as other regulations dictate.Anchoring prohibited.Fishermen are allowed to transit with snapper grouper species onboard their vessel if their fishing gear is stowed according to regulations. Properly stowed means:Terminal gear (i.e., hook, leader, sinker, flasher, or bait) must be disconnected and stowed separately from automatic reel, bandit gear, buoy gear, hand-line, or rod and reel. Rod and reel must be removed from the rod holder and stowed securely on or below deck.Longline may be left on the drum if all gangions and hooks are disconnected and stowed below deck. Hooks cannot be baited. All buoys must be disconnected from the gear: however, buoys can remain on deck.A trawl or try net may remain on deck, but trawl doors must be disconnected from the net and must be secured. Note: This regulation may vary among protected areas and habitat areas of particular concern.A gill net, stab net, or trammel net must be left on the drum. Any additional such nets not attached to the drum must be stowed below deck.A crustacean trap, golden crab trap, or sea bass pot cannot be baited. All buoys must be disconnected from the gear; however, buoys can remain on deck. Stetson-Miami Terrace
No person may:Use a bottom longline, trawl (mid-water or bottom), dredge, pot, or trap.If aboard a fishing vessel, anchor, use an anchor and chain, or use a grapple and chain.Fish for coral or possess coral in or from the Deepwater Coral HAPC on board a fishing vessel.South Cape Lookout Spawning SMZ
South Cape Lookout SMZ is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points: 33° 53.040 76° 28.617; 33° 52.019 76° 27.798; 33° 49.946 76° 30.627; 33° 51.041 76° 31.424.Fishing for, possession, and retention of snapper grouper species is prohibited in the Spawning SMZs.Harvest and possession of other species, such as dolphin, mackerel, and tuna, would be allowed as other regulations dictate.Anchoring ProhibitedFishermen are allowed to transit with snapper grouper species onboard their vessel if their fishing gear is stowed according to regulations. Properly stowed means:Terminal gear (i.e., hook, leader, sinker, flasher, or bait) must be disconnected and stowed separately from automatic reel, bandit gear, buoy gear, hand-line, or rod and reel. Rod and reel must be removed from the rod holder and stowed securely on or below deck.Longline may be left on the drum if all gangions and hooks are disconnected and stowed below deck. Hooks cannot be baited. All buoys must be disconnected from the gear: however, buoys can remain on deck.A trawl or try net may remain on deck, but trawl doors must be disconnected from the net and must be secured. Note: This regulation may vary among protected areas and habitat areas of particular concern.A gill net, stab net, or trammel net must be left on the drum. Any additional such nets not attached to the drum must be stowed below deck.A crustacean trap, golden crab trap, or sea bass pot cannot be baited. All buoys must be disconnected from the gear; however, buoys can remain on deck.Shrimp Access Area 4
Shrimp Access Area 4 is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points: Origin 26°49′58″ 79°46′54″; A 26°48′58″ 79°46′56″; B 26°47′01″ 79°47′09″; C 26°46′04″ 79°47′09″; D 26°35′09″ 79°48′01″; E 26°33′37″ 79°48′21″; F 26°27′56″ 79°49′09″; G 26°25′55″ 79°49′30″; H 26°21′05″ 79°50′03″; I 26°20′30″ 79°50′20″; J 26°18′56″ 79°50′17″; K 26°18′56″ 79°48′37″; L 26°20′30″ 79°48′40″; M 26°21′05″ 79°48′08″; N 26°25′55″ 79°47′49″; O 26°27′56″ 79°47′29″; P 26°33′37″ 79°46′40″; Q 26°35′09″ 79°46′20″; R 26°46′04″ 79°45′28″; S 26°47′01″ 79°45′28″; T 26°48′58″ 79°45′15″; U 26°49′58″ 79°45′13″; Origin 26°49′58″ 79°46′54″.Within the Shrimp Fishery Access Areas in the Stetson-Miami Terrace CHAPC fishing with a shrimp trawl and/or shrimp possession is allowed by any vessel holding a rock shrimp limited access endorsement and equipped with an approved vessel monitoring system (VMS). Otherwise no person may:Use a bottom longline, trawl (mid-water or bottom), dredge, pot, or trap.If aboard a fishing vessel, anchor, use an anchor and chain, or use a grapple and chain.Fish for coral or possess coral in or from the Deepwater Coral HAPC on board a fishing vessel.Shrimp Access Area 3
Shrimp Access Area 3 is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points: Origin 28°14′00″ 79°46′20″; A 28°11′41″ 79°46′12″; B 28°08′02″ 79°45′45″; C 28°01′20″ 79°45′20″; D 27°58′13″ 79°44′51″; E 27°56′23″ 79°44′53″; F 27°49′40″ 79°44′25″; G 27°46′27″ 79°44′22″; H 27°42′00″ 79°44′33″; I 27°36′08″ 79°44′58″; J 27°30′00″ 79°45′29″; K 27°29′04″ 79°45′47″; L 27°27′05″ 79°45′54″; M 27°25′47″ 79°45′57″; N 27°19′46″ 79°45′14″; O 27°17′54″ 79°45′12″; P 27°12′28″ 79°45′00″; Q 27°07′45″ 79°46′07″; R 27°04′47″ 79°46′29″; S 27°00′43″ 79°46′39″; T 26°58′43″ 79°46′28″; U 26°57′06″ 79°46′32″; V 26°57′06″ 79°44′52″; W 26°58′43″ 79°44′47″; X 27°00′43″ 79°44′58″; Y 27°04′47″ 79°44′48″; Z 27°07′45″ 79°44′26″; AA 27°12′28″ 79°43′19″; AB 27°17′54″ 79°43′31″; AC 27°19′46″ 79°43′33″; AD 27°25′47″ 79°44′15″; AE 27°27′05″ 79°44′12″; AF 27°29′04″ 79°44′06″; AG 27°30′00″ 79°43′48″; AH 27°30′00″ 79°44′22″; AI 27°36′08″ 79°43′50″; AJ 27°42′00″ 79°43′25″; AK 27°46′27″ 79°43′14″; AL 27°49′40″ 79°43′17″; AM 27°56′23″ 79°43′45″; AN 27°58′13″ 79°43′43″; AO 28°01′20″ 79°44′11″; AP 28°04′42″ 79°44′25″; AQ 28°08′02″ 79°44′37″; AR 28°11′41″ 79°45′04″; AS 28°14′00″ 79°45′12″; Origin 28°14′00″ 79°46′20″.Within the Shrimp Fishery Access Areas in the Stetson-Miami Terrace CHAPC fishing with a shrimp trawl and/or shrimp possession is allowed by any vessel holding a rock shrimp limited access endorsement and equipped with an approved vessel monitoring system (VMS). Otherwise no person may:Use a bottom longline, trawl (mid-water or bottom), dredge, pot, or trap.If aboard a fishing vessel, anchor, use an anchor and chain, or use a grapple and chain.Fish for coral or possess coral in or from the Deepwater Coral HAPC on board a fishing vessel.Shrimp Access Area 2
Shrimp Access Area 2 is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points: Origin 29°08′00″ 79°59′43″; A 29°06′56″ 79°59′07″; B 29°05′59″ 79°58′44″; C 29°03′34″ 79°57′37″; D 29°02′11″ 79°56′59″; E 29°00′00″ 79°55′32″; F 28°56′55″ 79°54′22″; G 28°55′00″79°53′31″; H 28°53′35″ 79°52′51″; I 28°51′47″79°52′07″; J 28°50′25″ 79°51′27″; K 28°49′53″ 79°51′20″; L 28°49′01″ 79°51′20″; M 28°48′19″ 79°51′10″; N 28°47′13″ 79°50′59″; O 28°43′30″ 79°50′36″; P 28°41′05″ 79°50′04″; Q 28°40′27″ 79°50′07″; R 28°39′50″ 79°49′56″; S 28°39′04″79°49′58″; T 28°36′43″ 79°49′35″; U 28°35′01″ 79°49′24″; V 28°30′37″ 79°48′35″; W 28°30′37″ 79°47′27″; X 28°35′01″ 79°48′16″; Y 28°36′43″ 79°48′27″; Z 28°39′04″ 79°48′50″; AA 28°39′50″ 79°48′48″; AB 28°40′27″ 79°48′58″; AC 28°41′05″ 79°48′56″; AD 28°43′30″ 79°49′28″; AE 28°47′13″ 79°49′51″; AF 28°48′19″ 79°50′01″; AG 28°49′01″ 79°50′13″; AH 28°49′53″ 79°50′12″; AI 28°50′25″ 79°50′17″; AJ 28°51′47″ 79°50′58″; AK 28°53′35″ 79°51′43″; AL 28°55′00″ 79°52′22″; AM 28°56′55″ 79°53′14″; AN 29°00′00″ 79°54′24″; AO 29°02′11″ 79°55′50″; AP 29°03′34″ 79°56′29″; AQ 29°05′59″ 79°57′35″; AR 29°06′56″ 79°57′59″; AS 29°08′00″ 79°58′34″; Origin 29°08′00″ 79°59′43″.Within the Shrimp Fishery Access Areas in the Stetson-Miami Terrace CHAPC fishing with a shrimp trawl and/or shrimp possession is allowed by any vessel holding a rock shrimp limited access endorsement and equipped with an approved vessel monitoring system (VMS). Otherwise no person may:Use a bottom longline, trawl (mid-water or bottom), dredge, pot, or trap.If aboard a fishing vessel, anchor, use an anchor and chain, or use a grapple and chain.Fish for coral or possess coral in or from the Deepwater Coral HAPC on board a fishing vessel.Shrimp Access Area 1
Shrimp Access Area 1 is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points: Origin30°06′30″ 80°02′2.4″; A 30°06′30″ 80°05′39.6″; B 30°03′00″ 80°09′30″; C 30°03′00″ 80°06′00″; D 30°04′00″80°02′45.6″; E 29°59′16″ 80°04′11″; F 29°49′12″ 80°05′44″; G 29°43′59″ 80°06′24″; H 29°38′37″ 80°06′53″; I 29°36′54″ 80°07′18″; J 29°31′59″80°07′32″; K 29°29′14″ 80°07′18″; L 29°21′48″ 80°05′01″; M 29°20′25″ 80°04′29″; N 29°20′25″ 80°03′11″; O 29°21′48″ 80°03′52″; P 29°29′14″ 80°06′08″; Q 29°31′59″ 80°06′23″; R 29°36′54″ 80°06′00″; S 29°38′37″ 80°05′43″; T 29°43′59″ 80°05′14″; U 29°49′12″ 80°04′35″; V 29°59′16″ 80°03′01″; W 30°06′30″ 80°00′53″; Origin 30°06′30″ 80°02′2.4″Within the Shrimp Fishery Access Areas in the Stetson-Miami Terrace CHAPC fishing with a shrimp trawl and/or shrimp possession is allowed by any vessel holding a rock shrimp limited access endorsement and equipped with an approved vessel monitoring system (VMS). Otherwise no person may:Use a bottom longline, trawl (mid-water or bottom), dredge, pot, or trap.If aboard a fishing vessel, anchor, use an anchor and chain, or use a grapple and chain.Fish for coral or possess coral in or from the Deepwater Coral HAPC on board a fishing vessel.Pourtales Terrace
No person may:Use a bottom longline, trawl (mid-water or bottom), dredge, pot, or trap.If aboard a fishing vessel, anchor, use an anchor and chain, or use a grapple and chain.Fish for coral or possess coral in or from the Deepwater Coral HAPC on board a fishing vessel.Oculina Bank Habitat Area of Particular Concern
In the Oculina Bank HAPC, no person may:Use a bottom longline, bottom trawl, dredge, pot, or trap.If aboard a fishing vessel, anchor, use an anchor and chain, or use a grapple and chain.Fish for or possess rock shrimp in or from the Oculina Bank HAPC, except a shrimp vessel with a valid commercial vessel permit for rock shrimp that possesses rock shrimp may transit through the Oculina Bank HAPC if fishing gear is appropriately stowed. For the purpose of this paragraph, transit means a direct and non-stop continuous course through the area, maintaining a minimum speed of five knots as determined by an operating VMS and a VMS minimum ping rate of 1 ping per 5 minutes; fishing gear appropriately stowed means that doors and nets are out of the water.Devils Hole Spawning SMZ
Devils Hole SMZ is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points:32° 34.311 N 78° 34.996 W32° 34.311 N 78° 33.220 W32° 32.748 N 78° 33.220 W32° 32.748 N 78° 34.996 WFishing for, possession, and retention of snapper grouper species is prohibited in the Spawning SMZs.Harvest and possession of other species, such as dolphin, mackerel, and tuna, would be allowed as other regulations dictate.Anchoring ProhibitedFishermen are allowed to transit with snapper grouper species onboard their vessel if their fishing gear is stowed according to regulations. Properly stowed means:Terminal gear (i.e., hook, leader, sinker, flasher, or bait) must be disconnected and stowed separately from automatic reel, bandit gear, buoy gear, hand-line, or rod and reel. Rod and reel must be removed from the rod holder and stowed securely on or below deck.Longline may be left on the drum if all gangions and hooks are disconnected and stowed below deck. Hooks cannot be baited. All buoys must be disconnected from the gear: however, buoys can remain on deck.A trawl or try net may remain on deck, but trawl doors must be disconnected from the net and must be secured. Note: This regulation may vary among protected areas and habitat areas of particular concern.A gill net, stab net, or trammel net must be left on the drum. Any additional such nets not attached to the drum must be stowed below deck.A crustacean trap, golden crab trap, or sea bass pot cannot be baited. All buoys must be disconnected from the gear; however, buoys can remain on deck.Cape Lookout Lophelia Banks
In Cape Lookout Lophelia Banks no person may:Use a bottom longline, trawl (mid-water or bottom), dredge, pot, or trap.If aboard a fishing vessel, anchor, use an anchor and chain, or use a grapple and chain.Fish for coral or possess coral in or from the Deepwater Coral HAPC on board a fishing vessel.Cape Fear Lophelia Banks
In Cape Fear Lophelia Banks no person may:Use a bottom longline, trawl (mid-water or bottom), dredge, pot, or trap.If aboard a fishing vessel, anchor, use an anchor and chain, or use a grapple and chain.Fish for coral or possess coral in or from the Deepwater Coral HAPC on board a fishing vessel.Blake Ridge Diapir
In Blake Ridge Diapir no person may:Use a bottom longline, trawl (mid-water or bottom), dredge, pot, or trap.If aboard a fishing vessel, anchor, use an anchor and chain, or use a grapple and chain.Fish for coral or possess coral in or from the Deepwater Coral HAPC on board a fishing vessel.
Nobu – Rock Shrimp Tempura – City Cookin’
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