National French Fried Shrimp Day – December 21, 2024

On December 21 we celebrate, National French Fried Shrimp Day a day to celebrate, crispy, golden shrimp with a delightful burst of flavour with each bite. To make it extra delicious you can dipped in cocktail sauce or even enjoy it plain, these shrimp deliver a savoury, satisfying treat. If you are a shrimp lover then this article is for you

History of National French Fried Shrimp Day

Did you know that humans have been eating shrimp since they have been on Earth?  Also, Ancient Romans and Greeks were extremely fond of shrimp, which is also called Squilla, and preferred it to other variations of crustaceans. The great food writer Marcus Gavius Apicius shed light on the shrimp situation during the fourth or fifth century AD in his compilation of culinary writings. Also, did you know that in this ancient cookbook, Greeks liked to cook large shrimp and wrap them in fig leaves, while the Romans roasted them and drizzled honey over the top?

However, it is also believed that Americans have probably been eating it at home for centuries since it was widely available from Southern waters in early America. However, shrimp didn’t create waves in American cookbooks until after the Civil War in 1865 when it became available in cans. Also, Shrimp salad whole shrimp piled up on lettuce with a mayonnaise dressing became a popular delicacy, especially among women till now it is famous.

However, did you know that variations of shrimp dishes broke out countrywide after the shrimp salad became a hot item on the menu? Where, shrimp cocktails also became a staple at bougie banquets during the early 20th century where the recipe was quite similar to that of the shrimp salad, but with an extra zing. Later on, instead of mayonnaise, a cocktail sauce was added, similar to oyster sauce, which was mixed with extra lemon or vinegar. Horseradish, Tabasco, or Worcestershire sauce could also be used.

During the early 20th century, fried shrimp was thought to have first appeared on menus but the breaded version did not gain popularity until after World World II ended in the year 1945 because pre-cooked frozen shrimp entered the market and appeared on grocery store shelves.

Did you know that today, shrimp’s popularity has grown even more and is the average American’s favourite seafood? Similarly, more than 650 million pounds of shrimp are harvested by the United States per year, and another 200 million are imported as of 2024.

Recipe for French fried shrimp

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce (optional, for serving)

How to make:

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps the coating adhere better.
2.  In a shallow dish, place the flour.
3. In a second shallow dish, beat the eggs.
4. In a third shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
5. Dredge each shrimp in the flour, shaking off excess.
6. Dip the floured shrimp into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
7. Coat the shrimp with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
8. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when it reaches 350°F (175°C) or when a breadcrumb dropped into the oil sizzles.
9. Carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are golden brown and cooked through.
10. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
11. Serve the French fried shrimp hot with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.

How To Celebrate National French Fried Shrimp Day- Activites

1. Cook a Shrimp Feast:

To celebrates, Natioanl French Fried Shrimp day you can host a shrimp-frying party at home. Gather friends or family to prepare and enjoy French fried shrimp together. Also, you can set up a cooking station with all the necessary ingredients and equipment, and let everyone join in on the fun.

2. Try Different Dips:

Even you can experiment with a variety of dipping sauces like cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, spicy aioli, or a tangy lemon-garlic sauce. Have a tasting party to find your favorite combination.

3. Explore Recipes:

Try out different recipes or variations of French fried shrimp. Also, Consider adding unique spices or experimenting with different breading techniques, such as using panko breadcrumbs or adding Parmesan cheese.

4. Visit a Seafood Restaurant:

If you planning to dining out, you can visit a seafood restaurant that specializes in fried shrimp. It’s a great way to enjoy a high-quality dish and discover new flavors.

5. Share on Social Media:

Capture the deliciousness momnet of enjoying of your French fried shrimp and share it on social media. After posting you can even use hashtags like #NationalFrenchFriedShrimpDay and #FriedShrimp to join the online celebration and see how others are enjoying the day.

6. Cook with Kids:

Involve kids in the cooking process. Let them help with breading the shrimp or setting the table.However, it’s a fun way to make the meal a family affair.

7. Learn About Shrimp:

Take some time to learn about the different types of shrimp and their origins. Even you might discover interesting facts or recipes that you can incorporate into your cooking.

8. Create a Shrimp-Themed Playlist:

Put together a playlist of songs that mention shrimp or seafood. Play it during your celebration to add some fun and festive atmosphere to the occasion and you can get into the actual vibes of it.

9. Host a Shrimp-Themed Quiz:

Expreiences your knowledge with a shrimp-themed trivia quiz. Include youself with a questions about shrimp varieties, cooking techniques, and fun facts to engage your guests.

5 Delicious Facts About Shrimp

1. Shrimp come in many sizes- A shrimp averages about six inches but the longest ever found was at 18 inches.
2. There’s a lot of species- There are over 128 species of shrimp, to be precise.
3. Butter and garlic- Shrimp that has been boiled or sautéed, usually in butter and garlic is called ‘scampi’.
4. Now that’s a lot of shrimp- Over five billion pounds of shrimp are produced every single year.
5. Fascinating creatures- Some shrimp glow in the dark and some can even change from male to female!

Concluion

In conclusion, French fried shrimp are a delectable treat that combines a crispy, golden exterior with the tender, flavorful meat of the shrimp inside. However, their satisfying crunch and subtle sweetness make them a versatile dish, you can even perfect for enjoying on their own or paired with a variety of sauces. Whether for a special occasion or a casual meal, they offer a delightful flavor experience that’s both savory and satisfying.

FAQs

What are French fried shrimp?

French fried shrimp are shrimp that are breaded and deep-fried until crispy and golden. They are typically seasoned with spices and served with various dipping sauces.

Can French fried shrimp be made ahead of time?

French fried shrimp are best enjoyed freshly made for optimal crispiness, you can prepare them in advance and reheat them in an oven to help maintain some of their crunch.

Are French fried shrimp healthy?

French fried shrimp are typically high in calories and fat due to the frying process. For a healthier option, consider baking the shrimp or using a lighter coating.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before breading and frying.

How can I ensure the shrimp stay crispy?

To keep the shrimp crispy, avoid overcrowding the frying pan, maintain the oil temperature, and drain the cooked shrimp on a wire rack instead of paper towels.

Also, read more about National Pumpkin Pie Day – December 25, 2024