What are baby shrimp?
Baby shrimp, also known as bay shrimp or salad shrimp, are smaller shrimp typically ranging from size 41 to size 100. They are usually harvested at a younger age than larger shrimp varieties, when they are still quite small in size. Common types of baby shrimp include pink shrimp, white shrimp, and brown shrimp. These tiny crustaceans have a sweet, mild flavor and a firm, plump texture. Their petite size makes them perfect for incorporating into recipes whole or leaving unshelled.
Benefits of baby shrimp
Baby shrimp offer several nutritional and culinary benefits:
- Higher yield – Baby shrimp provide more shrimp per pound compared to their larger counterparts, giving you more bang for your buck.
- Versatile ingredient – The small size allows baby shrimp to work well in a wide variety of dishes from pastas and salads to skewers and tacos.
- Mild, sweet taste – Their milder flavor can appeal to picky eaters, especially children who may be less receptive to the stronger taste of large shrimp.
- Lower mercury levels – Smaller shrimp like baby shrimp tend to accumulate fewer environmental contaminants like mercury.
- Firm texture – Baby shrimp have a pleasing snappy, plump texture even when cooked.
So if you’re looking to get maximum shrimp flavor and enjoyment for minimal cost, baby shrimp can be an excellent choice. Their versatility and mild taste also make them suitable for the whole family.
How to select baby shrimp
When purchasing baby shrimp, here are some tips to follow:
Check for freshness
Examine raw baby shrimp for signs of quality. Their shells should be translucent with a grayish, greenish, or pinkish tint. The shrimp should smell pleasant, similar to the ocean, without any fishy or ammonia-like odor. They should also feel firm to the touch, not slimy. Discoloration, mushiness, or a strong fishy smell indicate the shrimp are past their prime.
Purchase sustainably
Choose baby shrimp certified by organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council to ensure they were harvested sustainably without harming ecosystems. Aquaculture-raised shrimp can also be an eco-friendly alternative to wild-caught.
Opt for wild-caught or domestic
In general, wild-caught or domestically farm-raised baby shrimp will have better flavor and texture compared to imported shrimp. Shrimp caught and processed closer to where you purchase will often be fresher.
Check the size grade
Baby shrimp are typically sized from 41 to 100 shrimp per pound, with lower numbers indicating larger shrimp. Choose your ideal size based on the recipe and your preferences. Some common grades are 51/60, 61/70, 71/90, and 100+.
How to store baby shrimp
Proper storage is critical to preserve the quality and shelf life of baby shrimp. Here are some storage tips:
Keep refrigerated
Raw baby shrimp are highly perishable and must be stored in the coldest section of the refrigerator, 35-38 °F. Place them in a sealed container or resealable plastic bag to prevent odors from absorbing into other foods.
Use promptly
For best quality and taste, plan to cook baby shrimp within 1-2 days of purchasing. They will keep refrigerated for 3-4 days at most before edibility and flavor decline.
Do not refreeze
Avoid refreezing thawed shrimp as this seriously impacts texture and increases risk of bacterial growth. Only buy frozen shrimp if planning to use immediately after thawing.
Freeze for longer storage
If you need to store baby shrimp for more than a few days, wrap tightly in freezer bags and freeze. This extends shelf life for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator when ready to use.
How to prepare baby shrimp
Here are some tips for preparing raw baby shrimp before cooking:
Rinse under cold water
Rinse baby shrimp briefly under cool running water right before use. This washes away any dirt or debris. Pat dry with paper towels.
Peel and devein (optional)
Since they are so small, baby shrimp are often cooked and served with the shell on. But you can peel and devein them by making a shallow cut along the back to expose the vein. Rinse out any residue under water.
Butterfly for grilling
For grilling or broiling, you can butterfly baby shrimp by cutting almost all the way through the top side of the shrimp to open it up. This allows it to lay flat on the grill.
Leave shells on
If keeping shells intact, make small shallow cuts 1 to 2 slits across the backside of each shrimp. This will prevent them from curling up as they cook.
Once prepped, baby shrimp are ready to season and cook using your desired recipes. Their versatility makes them suitable for soups, pasta, stir fries, tacos, seafood bakes, skewers, salads, and more!
How to cook baby shrimp
From sautéing to boiling and more, baby shrimp can be cooked in numerous ways. Some popular cooking methods include:
Pan frying or sautéing
In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm 1-2 tbsp oil or butter. Toss in prepared baby shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes until pink and cooked through, stirring frequently. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, lemon juice or other spices as desired.
Boiling
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add baby shrimp and boil for just 1-2 minutes until pink. Drain immediately and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking. Toss with spices, herbs, oil or sauce. Great for shrimp cocktails.
Grilling or broiling
Thread baby shrimp onto skewers and brush with olive oil. Grill or broil for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and lightly charred, turning once. Brush with a sauce glaze the last minute if desired.
Baking
Toss prepared baby shrimp with olive oil, garlic, and seasonings. Bake at 400°F for 4-6 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned. Sprinkle with Parmesan or breadcrumbs for the last few minutes.
Air frying
Coat baby shrimp in cornstarch and spices, then mist with oil. Air fry at 400°F for 3-5 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy. Great for bang bang shrimp appetizers.
Monitor shrimp closely when cooking as overcooking can quickly make them rubbery. Baby shrimp generally take just 1-3 minutes to cook through since they are so small and cook quickly.
9 delicious baby shrimp recipe ideas
Here are 9 amazing ways to use baby shrimp in appetizers, mains, salads, and more:
1. Garlic butter shrimp pasta
Sauté baby shrimp in garlic butter and toss with linguine. Top with Parmesan and parsley.
2. Coconut shrimp
Coat baby shrimp in coconut flakes and panko breadcrumbs and bake or air fry until crispy.
3. Skillet shrimp tacos
Season baby shrimp with taco seasoning and sauté in a skillet. Serve in warmed corn tortillas with avocado, cabbage, lime and cilantro.
4. Thai shrimp salad wraps
Marinate baby shrimp in Thai chili sauce. Grill and add to lettuce wraps with carrots, cucumber, mint, and peanut dressing.
5. Gumbo
Add baby shrimp in the last 10 minutes of cooking gumbo for tender seafood flavor.
6. Bang bang shrimp
Toss fried baby shrimp in a spicy mayo or sweet and sour sauce for an iconic appetizer.
7. Shrimp scampi
Cook baby shrimp in white wine, lemon, and garlic butter sauce served over angel hair pasta.
8. Shrimp ceviche
Marinate cooked baby shrimp in lime juice, tomatoes, onions, jalapeño, cilantro for a no-cook ceviche.
9. Grilled shrimp skewers
Build colorful skewers with baby shrimp, veggies, and pineapple. Brush with teriyaki marinade and grill.
The small size of baby shrimp allows for quick cooking and big flavor impact in recipes. Let your creativity guide you to endless possibilities!
Conclusion
Baby shrimp offer a convenient, affordable way to enjoy sweet, tender shrimp without a lot of fuss. Their petite size makes them ideal for soups, pastas, tacos, skewers, stir fries, and more. Look for plump, fresh-smelling shrimp and store promptly in the fridge. Rinse just before use and cook for 1-3 minutes by sautéing, grilling, baking, or boiling until pink. Baby shrimp cook fast, so be careful not to overdo it. Incorporate them into all kinds of global recipes from shrimp scampi to coconut shrimp to shrimp gumbo. With proper selection, storage, preparation and cooking, baby shrimp provide a mild, versatile ingredient to add seafood goodness to any meal.