A little reason to celebrate
National Shrimp Day
Food · May 10
A day for shrimp: the small, sweet shellfish that turns up in cocktails, gumbo, stir fries, tacos and backyard boils across the country.
National Shrimp Day falls on Monday, May 10, 2027. That is 195 days away.
Shrimp are small crustaceans with a curled body, a thin shell and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. They live in both salt water and fresh water, and they are among the most familiar seafoods on American tables.
Part of their appeal is speed. Shrimp cook in a few minutes, and they tell you when they are ready: the gray, translucent flesh turns opaque with pink or orange edges. Overcook them and they go rubbery, so most cooks pull them from the heat the moment the color changes. Shrimp should always be cooked through rather than eaten raw.
The ways to serve them follow the map. Chilled cooked shrimp hang on the rim of a glass with cocktail sauce. In Louisiana they go into gumbo and étouffée. Along the Gulf and the Carolina coast they share a pot with corn, potatoes and sausage, or sit on a bed of creamy grits. Elsewhere they end up in tacos, fried rice, scampi or on a skewer over the grill.
Buying them is simpler than it looks. Most shrimp sold in stores were frozen at some point, and a bag of frozen shrimp is often fresher than what sits thawed at the counter. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, or seal them in a bag under cold running water, and keep them cold until they hit the pan.
The shells are useful too. Simmered with water and a few aromatics, they make a quick stock that gives soups and rice dishes a deeper seafood taste.
Ways to celebrate
- Cook a quick garlic shrimp skillet for dinner.
- Try shrimp and grits or a simple shrimp taco.
- Save the shells and simmer a small batch of shrimp stock.
- Share a shrimp cocktail with friends or family.
- Look up a regional shrimp dish you have never made.
Dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday, May 10 |
| 2027 | Monday, May 10 |
| 2028 | Wednesday, May 10 |
| 2029 | Thursday, May 10 |
| 2030 | Friday, May 10 |
Also on May 10
Categories: Food days