Does Anyone Here Get Gulf of Maine Shrimp?

17 years ago

I've lived in NH & Maine all my life, but only discovered this winter delicacy about 10 yrs. ago after reading an article on them in "Yankee" magazine. I recall it said something like "they are Nature's compensation for tolerating the long New England winter."

The season varies, but generally they are available here in NH from late December through early February. We had our first meal tonight. Mmmm

If you've never had, or heard of them, these are little pink shrimp, actually called headless shrimp. They have thin shells and don't have to be deveined. They are tender and sweet and, to me, have a flavor that is close to a perfect bite of buttered lobster (without actually adding any butter).

I'm curious if any of you get them and how you prepare yours.

With our family it's like when fresh corn is at its peak - we have them often because the season is so short.

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Comments (6)

lindac
17 years ago
Never heard of them....but I wish I had!
seagrass_gw Cape Cod
17 years ago
Do you have help peeling them? I can buy them in the markets here on Cape Cod in the winter. I agree they are delicious, but they are so tiny and so much work!! I usually use a few of them in stuffed sole or in a mixed seafood casserole but I don't have the patience to process too many of them for one meal.

seagrass
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sue36
17 years ago
I live in Maine on the coast, so we get them regularly. I cook them simply, sauteed usually. They cook quickly. I buy them peeled usually.
triciae
17 years ago
They are delicious as an appetizer. Quickly saute the shrimp & put on top of garlicky bruschetta.

It's going to be a longer season this year.

/tricia

Here is a link that might be useful: Gulf Of Maine Shrimp 2008/09 Season
caliloo
17 years ago
I had them sauteed last weekend when I was up in Maine ad theyare realy wonderful. Tricia - I LOVE the idea of putting them on bruschetta! I am definitely putting that on my list to try the next time I am up in Maine and I am sending the idea along o my GF who made dinner with them when I was up there. What a great idea!

Alexa
User
Original Author
17 years ago
Since I was so pleased to have discovered them, I thought posting on the forum might introduce someone else to them, too.

I have only bought them peeled once, and found they didn't have the same texture as when I cooked & peeled them. They're so delicate, the peeled ones were a bit mushy.

To cook them, I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, throw 2 lbs of shrimp in and simmer for just under 2 minutes - until they turn coral and a few float to the top. Then I turn them into a colander in the sink to drain. Overcooking will make them rubbery.

They take only a few minutes to be cool enough to peel. Peeling does take a while because they're small, but the shells come off easily and I get into a kind of rythym. I turned on Oprah yesterday and got all my shrimp peeled while Dr. Oz taught me about healthy living - Multi-tasking!

My family's favorite recipe is something I concocted years ago.

I put 2 large sweet onions through the slicing blade of my food processor and cook them for about 45 mins. in a little olive oil. Low & slow until they are sweet and carmelized. I do this first so they are cooking while I peel the shrimp.

Toward the end I add two minced cloves of fresh garlic to the onion mixture. I divide the onions into 2 portions and spread the first portion on a thin-crust Boboli pizza crust.

I then place all the shrimp over the onion base in a single layer making sure the entire crust is covered - 2 lbs peeled is usually just right.

Then I cover the shrimp with the remaining onion/garlic, and over that I spread a mixture of shredded Gruyere and shredded mozzarella cheeses. Bake @ 450 degrees for 8 mins. and you have heaven on a plate!

For an easy Friday night supper we sometimes do what "Yankee" suggested. Boil up several pounds, drain, and place on a platter in the center of the table. Serve with a simple salad, a good crusty bread and wine or beer. Let everyone peel, eat and enjoy as you would steamed clams or mussels. If there's a college hockey game on TV while you're enjoying them, well, you can't ask for better than that for a January night in New England!

Does Anyone Here Get Gulf of Maine Shrimp?

Comments (6)

lindac

seagrass_gw Cape Cod

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triciae

caliloo

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Does Anyone Here Get Gulf of Maine Shrimp?

Comments (6)

lindac

seagrass_gw Cape Cod

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sue36

triciae

caliloo

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