One of the most popular seafood dishes is a shrimp basket. The baskets are served in restaurants but also can be made in the comforts of your kitchen. In Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, shrimp are sourced fresh from the coastal waters. When using fresh shrimp, the taste is unmatched compared to frozen. Here is what you need to know about a shrimp basket. 

What Kind Of Shrimp Are Used In Shrimp Baskets

Worldwide there are over 300 varieties of shrimp, but commercial and recreational fisherman harvests few. 

The coastal waters of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina are teaming with white shrimp. White shrimp are large, mild, and firm, making them an excellent option for serving. Frozen shrimp loses flavor and becomes mush; when possible, visit seafood restaurants serving fresh local shrimp or purchase them from the seafood market for homemade dishes. 

While other types of shrimp are suitable, we recommend selecting the most local option available to maximize taste and texture. 

What Is A Basket Of Shrimp

When people think of shrimp, one of the first thoughts that comes to mind is a shrimp basket. The shrimp included in a basket is prepared in multiple methods. 

Fried Shrimp

The classic basket utilizes fried shrimp. Fried shrimp is a favorite for the vast majority of the population because of the crunchy breading on the outside and firm and sweet inside. A basket full of fried shrimp is hard to pass up, especially when paired with tartar and cocktail sauce for dipping. 

Broiled Shrimp

A more healthy option is a basket loaded with broiled shrimp. Broiled shrimp is prepared with the shell on or shell off. The shrimp are seasoned and broiled before placing them in a basket and served hot. 

Boiled Shrimp 

Don’t forget boiled baskets of shrimp. Restaurants and homeowners alike flavor the water with lemon juice before dropping the shrimp in the boiling water. Depending on the restaurant or your preference, cook or order shell on or shell off. 

Steamed Shrimp

Similar to boiling is steaming; however, rather than being dropped in the water, the shrimp are placed in a basket above the water while cooking. One of the most popular steamed shrimp seasonings is Old Bay. Again, order steamed shrimp from a restaurant or cook at home. 

Grilled Shrimp

Last but not least is grilled shrimp. Grilled shrimp offer a unique flavor because the combination of the shrimp’s sweetness and charred and smoky flavor is delicious. Restaurants place shrimp on skewers to prevent them from falling through the grates. Request your seasoning when dining at a restaurant or prepare grilled shrimp in your backyard. 

What Comes With A Shrimp Basket

As a heaping of shrimp in a bowl wasn’t enough, don’t forget about the sides. Here are the most frequently paired sides when ordering from a restaurant or cooking and eating at home.

Coleslaw

A crisp pairing that compliments shrimp well is coleslaw. Coleslaw combines a creamy sweet flavor and crunch. What is unique about coleslaw is that it is served cold. Making the switch between hot shrimp to cold slaw compliments the taste buds. 

French Fries

Few meals do not combine well with french fries, and a shrimp basket is not one of them. Throw a heaping of french fries into the same basket as the fried shrimp. Cook them up to golden brown or request them as your side when ordering from a restaurant.

Hushpuppies

The hush puppy is a southern favorite. Hushpuppies are seasoned cornmeal batter formed into balls and deep-fried to golden perfection. The hushpuppies are tossed into the bowl and accompany fried, broiled, grilled, steamed, or boiled shrimp well. 

Shrimp Basket Near Me How Do I Find One

When it comes to finding a restaurant that offers shrimp baskets, the internet makes the task easy. Also, don’t assume you need to locate a seafood restaurant. Shrimp baskets are standard on the vast majority of menus. 

To locate a restaurant serving shrimp, search shrimp basket near me. A list of options in your vicinity will be available. Remember to read the reviews and ensure that baskets of shrimp are listed on the menu before heading out to eat. 

Order Up Or Cook A Shrimp Basket

 To maximize taste, order fresh shrimp from a restaurant or purchase from a local seafood market. Shrimp is prepared in many ways, so take your pick at flavor and cooking methods. Check out this great recipe when making the meal at home. Expect to pay between ten and twenty dollars for the shrimp and sides. The cost is worth the expense.