What Are Rock Shrimp? - Savory Suitcase

Raw rock shrimp. — Photo by Wild Ocean Direct.

If you’re always on the hunt for exciting new ingredients to play with in the kitchen, let me introduce you to a real gem: the rock shrimp. Don’t let its small size and tough exterior fool you – this little guy delivers the sweet, succulent flavor of lobster in a pint-sized package.

What Exactly Is a Rock Shrimp?
A Taste and Texture to Rival Lobster
Cooking with Rock Shrimp: The Possibilities Are Endless
Where to Find Rock Shrimp and How to Store Them
References

What Exactly Is a Rock Shrimp?

Rock shrimp get their name from their hard, rock-like shell. They’re actually much more closely related to prawns than typical shrimp. These petite crustaceans call the deep, warm waters off the coast of Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean home 1, 3, 4.

More specifically, brown rock shrimp (Sicyonia brevirostris) are found along the coasts of the western Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico from Norfolk, Virginia, to Yucatán, including Cuba and the Bahamas.

They live and spawn in warm, deep waters, mainly between 80 to 240 feet below the surface 2, 5, 6. On average, they measure just 2-3 inches long, but those found in shallower waters are typically smaller, measuring less than 2 inches 7.

For years, rock shrimp were a delicacy enjoyed mainly by fishermen because getting through that tough shell to the tender meat inside was a real chore. But with the invention of clever processing machines, we can now all get our hands on these bite-sized bits of ocean candy.

A Taste and Texture to Rival Lobster

So what makes rock shrimp so crave-worthy? In a word: flavor. These little fellas pack a sweet, briny taste that’s remarkably similar to Dungeness crab. But it’s their texture that really sets them apart. Rock shrimp have a tender yet meaty bite, akin to the tail meat of a spiny lobster 8.

In fact, if you were to split open a rock shrimp, brush it with butter, and give it a quick broil, you’d swear you were eating a mini lobster tail. It’s a luxurious eating experience, all in a cute curly shrimp package.

Cooking with Rock Shrimp: The Possibilities Are Endless

The best part about rock shrimp? They’re incredibly versatile in the kitchen. You can use them in pretty much any recipe that calls for shrimp or even lobster.

Because of their rich flavor, rock shrimp really shine in simple preparations that let their natural taste come through. Grilling, roasting, steaming, and broiling are all fantastic cooking methods. Just be sure not to overcook them – their delicate texture is best when not overdone.

Some mouthwatering ideas to try:

Toss grilled rock shrimp with lemon, garlic, and a touch of olive oil for a quick, elegant appetizer
Fold them into a creamy risotto with Parmesan and fresh herbs
Skewer them for festive shrimp “lollipops” at your next BBQ
Sauté them with butter, white wine, and cherry tomatoes for an easy pasta topper

Really, you’re limited only by your imagination. Any dish that could use a pop of sweet, briny seafood flavor is a prime candidate for rock shrimp.

Where to Find Rock Shrimp and How to Store Them

You can find rock shrimp at many well-stocked seafood markets or in the seafood section of gourmet grocery stores. They’re typically sold fresh or frozen, with the heads on or off, shell on or pre-split, and deveined for easier preparation.

If you buy fresh rock shrimp, plan to clean, cook, and eat them within one to three days 9, 10. You can also freeze raw, cleaned rock shrimp in airtight bags for three to six months 11, 12. Just avoid re-freezing previously frozen shrimp, as this can mess with their perfect texture.

So next time you’re feeling fancy but don’t want to splurge on lobster, give rock shrimp a try. These tiny treasures from the sea deliver huge flavor, and with a little know-how, they can be the star of your next dinner party or date night. Happy cooking!