“Shrimp is the fruit of the sea. You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, saute it … ”

- Bubba from “Forrest Gump”

 

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, you may be finding it harder to come up with different meals that won’t have you and the family bored with dinnertime. Luckily, we know just what you can do to spice up your meals once again. If it’s versatility you’re searching for, look no further than shrimp. Whether you want to make it an appetizer or throw it into a meal, shrimp can be prepared in an array of ways, making it nice to have around in your refrigerator or freezer. Not to mention, if you’ve been wanting to start eating healthier, shrimp is rich in protein and provides key nutrients that your body craves. It is also low in calories, so if you’ve been working on shedding a few pounds, shrimp is a solid food to add to your diet. 

Since National Shrimp Day is happening on May 10, we’ve got the low-down for you on all things shrimp. Your questions on how to buy shrimp, how to store shrimp, and even how to prepare shrimp will finally be answered!

 

How to Buy Shrimp

While you can go to the store and simply buy any bag of frozen shrimp, you want to make sure you are only buying the freshest batch there is to offer. Luckily, there is an easy way on how to buy shrimp from the store, especially if you don’t live near the ocean where you can catch your own or take a stroll at a seafood market near you. We want to make sure you are getting the high-quality stuff which means talking to the person behind the counter of the fresh seafood department in your local grocery store. They should have the knowledge to tell you where the shipment is from, when it was caught, and how long it has been sitting out. Unless it was caught the same day as when it was placed on display, going with a bag of frozen shrimp is your best bet to stay fresh.

 

How to Store Shrimp

Now that you’ve bought only the freshest shrimp your marketplace has to offer, it’s time to store those little guys properly! Unless you plan to eat them all within 3-4 days, you should place them in your freezer to make sure they last longer. If kept in the freezer, make sure they are in either an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag that way they’ll safely last 3-6 months. If you do decide to put your raw shrimp in the fridge, put them in the coldest area. You can usually tell when shrimp has gone bad by the color, so if you see any discolored shrimp -- if it’s yellow or green-ish -- then it’s no longer a good idea to eat. 

 

How to Prepare Shrimp

Before you can cook your shrimp, it takes a teensy amount of work to prepare it. If your shrimp was frozen, take it out the night before you plan to eat it, submerge in a bowl of cold water, and refrigerate overnight. Add a little salt into the water to keep the shrimp tasting fresh.

The next day, remove the shell and tail (if you wish) and then devein your shrimpies. Devein by cutting along the back of the shrimp with a small kitchen knife and remove the vein with it. And just like that, you’ve learned how to prepare shrimp! Now that the “hard” part’s over, get ready to cook and devour!

Now that you’ve learned how to buy, store, and prepare shrimp, it’s time to put your newfound skills to the test. Make sure your refrigerator is in good condition for storing, and your cooktop and oven are ready for some action. If you're concerned with your appliances, give us a call at Grand, and we’ll be happy to help you find the perfect replacement.