Shrimp are a species of shellfish that are found all over the world. Although most shrimp species are accustomed to living in the sea, several shrimp can also be found in freshwater. Shrimp’s range in size can vary depending upon its types. Its adaptability is part of its worldwide popularity, as it imparts a somewhat sweet, briny, and soft flavour to anything it’s cooked with. It can be poached, fried, fermented, broiled, grilled, sautéed, stir-fried, and used in soups, salads, spaghetti, curries, kebabs, and appetisers, among other things.
There is a vast and tasty range of shrimp from all over the world to choose from when deciding what to offer for dinner. Knowing a little more about your shrimp alternatives might mean the difference between a hard, bland shrimp and a buttery, delicious appetiser that melts in your mouth. Here is a guide to the different types of shrimps.
Pink Shrimp
Pink Shrimp, also known as Gulf Pink Shrimp, is a large, meaty shrimp that can be found all year. The greatest population of Pink Shrimp can be found off the coast of southern Florida, where trawling is used to capture them. To bring out the natural sweetness of these huge, plump shrimp, boil, grill, pan-fry, or steam them. It has a springy texture and is sweet and delicious.
Chinese White Shrimp
These Chinese medium-sized shrimp are caught in cold water. As a result, before cooking, their texture and flavour are delicate and even watery. A fast stir-fry with Asian greens and plenty of spice is a classic way to prepare Chinese White Shrimp. In a hot wok, these soft shrimp cook for about two minutes. The texture of these white shrimp is delicate, and the flavour is light. In the last decade, illness reduced the population of Chinese White Shrimp. The Chinese government attempted to replace the stock by releasing baby shrimp into the ocean, and the population has rebounded since then.
Rock Shrimp
The hard, calcified shell of the rock shrimp gives it its name. Rock Shrimp are on the smaller side, reaching a maximum length of 3 inches. They’re fantastic for grilling if you buy them with the hard skin on them since they’re well protected. Their flavour is meaty and buttery.
Tiger Shrimp
Tiger Shrimp are one of the largest shrimp species - measuring 10 to 12 inches in length. The tiger stripes on the shell inspired its name. Tiger Shrimp is well-known for its adaptability. These have a solid texture and a moderate flavour, making them ideal for grilling and steaming. Tiger Shrimp is mostly found in Thailand, the Philippines, India, and Vietnam.
Atlantic Northern Shrimp
This saltwater shrimp type is tiny, sweet, and light-coloured. It comes from the cold seas of the North Atlantic. Because of their small size and mild flavour, they are ideal for steaming, poaching, or pan-frying. They cook quickly and are delicious in salads.
Brown Shrimp
The flavour of these brown-shelled shrimp is richer than that of most shrimp kinds. They're commonly used in meaty, flavorful recipes. Brown shrimp populations are at healthy levels, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and this species is harvested responsibly to preserve these numbers. These are some of the best shrimp you'll find, with a bold, and salty flavour.
Royal Red Shrimp
They're commonly compared to lobster because of their rich flavour and firm texture. Royal Red Shrimp are named after their vivid red colour. These shrimps can be used in any shrimp recipe, but they deserve to be highlighted for their naturally briny flavour and rich, buttery meat, which is comparable to lobster. Steamed or grilled in their shells, with some ice-cold beverages, is the perfect way to enjoy these hearty shrimp.