May 10 is National Shrimp Day #NationalShrimpDay as a child I would eat Popcorn Shrimp but as I go older I quit eating it and I sure don’t want to try Shrimp again. What I would like to do to celebrate National Shrimp Day is because it’s Mother’s Day tomorrow is prepare Popcorn Shrimp for David and Charlie with Hashbrowns then I can have Hamburger Steaks with Onions like my grandmother used to make me for dinner. Would you like to join us for dinner and to celebrate Mother’s Day with us?
There is a movie called Forest Gump which David and I love and yes, Charlie isn’t to crazy about the movie but he will watch it with me at times. I would like to let you know if the fictional character Bubba from the movie Forrest Gump had his way, every day would be National Shrimp Day. Forrest Gump was a connoisseur of all different types of the Crustacean, and every which way to cook them.
Forest Gump would probably be disappointed that National Shrimp Day is only held once a year on May 10. Luckily Forest Gump’s Shrimp legacy carries on with a restaurant in his name: The Bubba Gump Shrimp Company and this restaurant operates 40 restaurants around the world and before you ask I’ve never been to his restaurant but I would like to go. How about you?
Shrimp fans all across the Country can come together to honor their love for the Shellfish, which is commonly called the “fruit of the sea.” Shrimp are interesting characters, and did you know some Shrimp can even glow in the dark! Elvis Presley even once sang a song about them, crooning, “If I should live to be ninety, I will never forget the little Shrimp and the song he sang as he jumped into the net.”
In the United States, Shrimp is eaten more than any other type of Seafood, so of course, Shrimp deserves its own day! Grill em, fry em, or eat Shrimp cold. Or you could do like David and Charlie and have Shrimp on a sandwich, on a salad, or one by one in Cocktail Sauce. Whatever you do, take some time to celebrate! In the meantime if you will excuse me I’ve going to see if Charlie would want to watch Forest Gump with me while David is at work.
NATIONAL SHRIMP DAY ACTIVITIES
- For National Shrimp Day, have each of your friends bring over a different Shrimp dish, and give prizes for the best: most original, tastiest, and even “most Shrimpy dish!” If you’re trying to win a top spot at the party, go with something that will wow your guests like Shrimp Scampi Pasta or Shrimp Risotto. Before you say I don’t know how to cook Shrimp there are endless options when it comes to Shrimp recipes you can find online or visit your local Bookstore for a cookbook.
- Today would be the perfect day to channel your inner-Bubba and get out there on the water! Boat charters all along the coast offer excursions to catch Shrimp all for yourself!
WHY PEOPLE LOVE NATIONAL SHRIMP DAY
- Shrimp taste great AND are good for you and Shrimp pack a big nutritional punch including being high in protein and flavor, and low in calories. Shrimp is a good source of zinc, and vitamins B6 and B12. Shrimp are full of Omega-3s, fighting inflammation and improving eye health! They are even a good source of selenium, which promotes brain function and a healthy immune system!
- If you’re looking for a little variety, then Shrimp is for you. Pre-cooked, cooked, or even frozen, you can find Shrimp to meet your every cooking need. Rock Shrimp have a hard shell, and look like a tiny Lobster tail. Tiger Shrimp can sometimes be found at nearly a foot long, and offer a more chewy taste. Don’t forget about the traditional pink Shrimp that give you a mild, sweet taste.
- If you’re trying to cut back on your meat, but are still ok with Fish, Shrimp is a great way to switch up your menu! Shrimp taste great, and help you promote heart health! Try Shrimp on a Salad of leafy greens, or over a plate of Pasta. Add Shrimp to a dish of Paella! You can even skewer Shrimp into a kabob and grill ‘ the Shrimp up.
Recipe for Popcorn Shrimp
Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 5 mins Total Time: 20 mins Servings: 4 Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 quart vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup dry bread crumbs
- 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
- 24 uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
Directions
- Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Place flour in a bowl. Whisk egg and milk in another bowl. Combine bread crumbs, salt, basil, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder in a third bowl.
- Gently press shrimp into flour to coat and shake off excess. Dip into egg mixture and press into bread crumbs. Gently toss between your hands so any bread crumbs that haven’t stuck can fall away. Place the breaded shrimp onto a plate while breading the rest; do not stack.
- Deep fry breaded shrimp in preheated oil until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer shrimp to a paper towel-lined platter to drain.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
