Where To Find Gigantic Shrimp
Yes, it is a ‘Forrest Gump’ reference and it should be predicted any time shrimp is mentioned for the subsequent 20 years. “Bubba Gump” shrimp is how Forrest made his millions in the Hollywood movie. But, the movie will always be remembered for the wonderful variety of ways an individual can make shrimp. As Bubba would say, “There’s barbecue shrimp, shrimp-kabobs, shrimp soup, fried shrimp.the list is sort of unending. And while there are certainly a large number of ways to cook shrimp, there is actually a fair amount of confusion as to what exactly a shrimp really is. Perhaps Bubba wasn’t really cooking shrimp?
In Britain and a number of other places, what would be called shrimp in the US is actually referred to as prawn. If you were to look at a prawn and a shrimp side by side, it might be very unlikely to distinguish which was which. Technically speaking, however, a prawn really isn’t a shrimp.
To the naked eye, the two may appear matching but they are biologically different. On the abdomen of a shrimp or prawn are flaps. Without going into too much detail and causing everybody to go running for a Biology book, let’s just say the there’s a very subtle difference between the 1st stomach flap on a shrimp and a prawn. But fundamentally, these are the same creature.
As far as the USA citizens are concerned, a shrimp is any crustacean that is a component of the Natantia family of crustaceans. It’s not relevant how massive the shrimp is or where it is found-so long as it’s a Nantantia crustacean-it’s a shrimp! However, there is a rather strange phenomenon among American shrimp that does have to do with size.
Were Bubba to have grown up on the West Coast of the U. S. , he definitely would not have seen much potential in the shrimp-for eating, let alone making any money! The reason is because the typical size of a shrimp found of the West Coast is about ½ inch In length. For some reason, the Pacific Sea just is not a great place for jumbo shrimp to grow. But elsewhere, it is nothing for shrimp to be twelve inches in length or more.
Shrimp, like any species, comes in a wide assortment of variety. There are rock, brine, royal red, white, brown, and even pink shrimp to choose from. Each offers a unique flavor and consistency but all are absolutely delicious when prepared properly. And, Bubba was correct-you can make shrimp just about any way your imagination will let you! So whether you want to call it prawn or just plain old shrimp-the truth is that it tastes great no matter how you make it!.
To get more recipes and cooking ideas, visit cooking101.org and while you are at it, you might also want to have a look at recipe for grilled shrimp salad.
