Shrimp 101: A Complete Guide
“If there’s no fish, shrimp’s OK too.”—Cantonese proverb
Savoury, versatile, and full of surprises, shrimp is a staple of local cuisine! Whether it comes from the icy waters of the St. Lawrence or tropical farms, this little marine marvel adapts to countless recipes. But how much do you really know about it? Discover its varieties, nutritional benefits, and even its influence on language and culture.
6 Surprising Facts About Shrimp
• Also known as “Matane shrimp,” named after the first processing plant in Matane.
• Wild-caught in the cold waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
• Small, naturally pink, with a delicately sweet taste.
• Always sold cooked, frozen, or thawed.
• Perfect for salads, shrimp rolls, and shrimp cocktails.
• Contains more omega-3 and protein than farmed shrimp.
Shrimp Varieties Found in Grocery Stores
Though more than 2,000 shrimp species exist worldwide, three main types dominate Quebec’s grocery store shelves.
Northern Shrimp (Pandalus borealis)
• Surnommée crevette de Matane, car la première usine de transformation était située à Matane
• Sauvage, pêchée dans les eaux froides du golfe du Saint-Laurent.
• Petites, d’un rose naturel et au goût délicatement sucré.
• Toujours vendue cuite, surgelée ou décongelée.
• Idéales pour les salades, guédilles et cocktails de crevettes.
• Contient plus d’oméga-3 et de protéines que les crevettes d’élevage.
White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
• Native to tropical waters, mainly farmed in South America and Asia.
• Larger than northern shrimp, with firmer flesh.
• Available raw (gray) or cooked (pink), with or without the shell.
• The most common shrimp variety in grocery stores and fish markets.
• Ideal for stir-fries, grilling, and saucy dishes.
Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon)
•Farmed primarily in Southeast Asia, recognized by its large size and striped shells.
• Slightly sweeter and firmer than white shrimp.
• Sold raw or cooked, whole or peeled.
•Best for skewers and Asian-inspired dishes.
How to Choose the Best Shrimp?
Fresh or Frozen?
“Fresh” shrimp have typically been frozen right after being caught. If thawed, consume them within 24 hours.
Raw or Cooked?
Northern shrimp are always sold cooked, while white and tiger shrimp come in both raw and cooked options. Use cooked shrimp for cold dishes and raw shrimp for grilling or stir-frying.
Peeled or Unpeeled?
The shell adds extra flavour, especially when grilled on the BBQ. For saucy dishes, peeled shrimp are more convenient.
A Nutritional Powerhouse
• Shrimp aren’t just delicious—they’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and lean proteins, perfect for a balanced diet.
• Antioxidants (Astaxanthin)—Help protect cells and give skin a healthy glow.
• Lean Protein—Great for athletes and anyone looking to maintain a lean physique.
• Omega-3s—Promote heart and brain health.
• Vitamins B12 & D—Boost energy and support strong bones.
Shrimp in Art, Culture … and Music!
From film to music, shrimp have left their mark on pop culture. Who could forget Bubba from Forrest Gump, who dreamed of opening a shrimp business and listed endless ways to cook them? In music, shrimp often symbolize celebration and good times—just listen to Song of the Shrimp, performed by Elvis Presley in 1962 for the film Girls! Girls! Girls!. This little crustacean has definitely earned its place in the collective imagination!
An Ocean Treasure Worth Rediscovering
Shrimp is so much more than just a crustacean! With its impressive health benefits, cultural significance, and endless culinary possibilities, it has everything to delight. Whether you’re a fan of shrimp rolls, BBQ feasts, or exotic dishes, this little ocean gem always hits the mark. So, next time you take a bite, remember—shrimp has plenty of secrets to reveal and deserves a place of honour on your plate!
