If you are interested in shrimp, you’ve probably heard good things about Gulf shrimp. Sometimes it is hailed as the best type of shrimp. Other times, there is a big fuss about a potential ban on its import.
All this talk about this shrimp might make you wonder what is so special about it.
So, what is Gulf shrimp? Gulf shrimp is warm water shrimp that grows in the Gulf of Mexico and its adjacent waters. It comes in three categories: pink, white, and brown – all with distinct tastes and textures. Gulf shrimp is preferred for being wild-caught, flavorful, and nutritious.
In this article, you will learn more about the three types of Gulf shrimp and how they taste, alongside how Gulf shrimp differs from regular shrimp and bay shrimp.
By the end, you will also learn where you can catch this shrimp and what the future of Gulf shrimp looks like.
Gulf Shrimp: The Origins and Popularity
Gulf shrimp is an umbrella term for warm water shrimp of three colors found in the northeastern US coast and the Gulf of Mexico (mainly Campeche Banks).
Gulf shrimp are mainly brown, white, and pink and get their name from their abundance in the Gulf of Mexico.
In North America, Gulf shrimp are a Mexican import and are popular because of their flavor, which comes from the nutrient-rich waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
These shrimp can be used in various spice-free recipes and are hence loved by local shrimpers, domestic tourists, and fine diners.
It is not uncommon for those visiting northeastern states to ask for Gulf shrimp, specifically at local fish markets.
The further up north you go, the more important it becomes to specify Gulf shrimp because Atlantic shrimp is abundant in North Eastern markets.
One of the best meals with gulf shrimp is good ole boiled shrimp check out our complete guide on how to boil shrimp.
What Is The Difference Between “Regular” Shrimp and Gulf Shrimp?
The term “regular shrimp” might refer to the common shrimp in a specific coastal town, while the term “Gulf shrimp” refers to warm-climate shrimp, usually caught from the Gulf of Mexico.
Gulf shrimp differ in taste from Atlantic shrimp, which has a higher color saturation, smaller size, and colder living conditions.
The Gulf of Mexico’s Campeche Banks is rich with Gulf shrimp, while the cooler water within the Atlantic has plenty of shrimp.
Depending on which haul is more significant in a fishing town, the shrimp would be considered “regular.”
In Maine, for example, Atlantic shrimp is considered regular shrimp. While in Alabama the Gulf whites might be regarded as regular shrimp.
You should never order shrimp without specifying the type because there is no such thing as universally agreed “regular” shrimp.
There are various types of shrimp, and even within the Gulf shrimp umbrella, there are three main different shrimps:
- The Gulf White Shrimp – These shrimp taste mild and have a natural sweetness to them. Their flavor is subtle and accommodates a variety of recipes. They are best deep-fried and consumed fresh without freezing.
- The Gulf Brown Shrimp – The Gulf browns are considered the best Gulf shrimp and have among the strongest shrimp flavors. They can be grilled without seasoning or marination but are best in dishes like gumbo and jambalaya. They are also among the largest shrimps.
- The Gulf Pink Shrimp – These are sweet and best enjoyed with saucy dishes or dip. They can be grilled or fried, and their sweetness can be overpowered with powdered spices.
White and brown shrimp are also commonly witnessed in the bay shrimp category, making you wonder if bay shrimp and Gulf shrimp are the same.
Well…kind of!
What is the Difference Between Bay Shrimp and Gulf Shrimp?
Gulf shrimp is adult bay shrimp, and bay shrimp is young Gulf shrimp. The juvenile shrimp is smaller and curlier and comes in all the colors in which the Gulf shrimp comes.
Bay shrimp is better than its adult counterpart because shrimp becomes tougher to eat as it grows. Here are a few ways in which juvenile Gulf shrimp differs from adult Gulf shrimp.
Taste
Within each category (brown, pink, white), the younger shrimp is sweeter than its adult counterpart. The difference is the least obvious in pink shrimp, which has a comparable taste (but not texture).
In most instances, the younger bay shrimp is preferable to the older Gulf shrimp. Sometimes, older shrimp even has an iodine-ish taste, which is never present in bay shrimp.
Texture
Texture-wise, bay shrimp comes out ahead as it is far more tender. Still, Gulf shrimp is generally considered a group of tender shrimp types as the climate of their origin keeps them from becoming outwardly rigid.
Availability
The older shrimp get, the easier they are to catch. This makes adult shrimps more abundant in shrimping yield.
Younger shrimp are harder to catch as they can slip through the nets and are harder to locate. This makes young shrimp more valuable.
Whether juvenile or adult, the shrimp you catch tastes better than what you get at the market.
Shrimping, unfortunately, is not as regulation-free as it once used to be. Still, there are places where you can catch shrimp without getting in trouble.
Where Can You Catch Gulf Shrimp?
You can catch Gulf Shrimp in Florida waters after getting a Florida fishing license. The license costs around $20 per year for the residents of the Sunshine State, and it costs the same for three days for visitors.
You can also catch Gulf shrimp in other states, provided they don’t ban wild shrimping and provide private fishing licenses.
Here are the states where Gulf shrimp are found:
- Texas – You can catch shrimp for use as bait or food but cannot sell it. You need a recreational fishing license for this.
- Louisiana – You need a fishing license to catch shrimp recreationally.
- Mississippi – Get the license specific to shrimping. It will be charged based on the boat and net size. Expect to pay $15 for the recreational shrimping license.
- Alabama – You need a boat license and a recreational shrimping license to catch shrimp legally in Alabama waters.
- Florida – As mentioned earlier, a saltwater fishing license is required for shrimping in Florida.
Is the Gulf Shrimp Arabic?
The Gulf shrimp consumed in the US is not from the Arabian Gulf. It comes from the Gulf of Mexico and should not be confused with the word “gulf” in the context of gulf countries.
The Arabian Gulf shrimp is also warm water shrimp but tastes significantly different from the standard Gulf shrimp. The trait both shrimps share, which locals and seafood enthusiasts enjoy, is that they are not farm raised.
The shrimp caught in the Arabian waters and in the Gulf of Mexico is not farmed in mass like most popular seafood currently governed by pro-consolidation regulations.
Recently, Mexican shrimp imports were banned because of the alleged effect cast net shrimping has on the bystander fish and turtles.
The ban was lifted in 2021, but the attitude remains. Local shrimpers are always on edge, fearing the prohibition of wild shrimping.
Is the Gulf Shrimp Wild Caught?
Gulf shrimp is wild-caught unless it is improperly labeled. Shrimp has to be caught in the Gulf of Mexico or the warm waters along the northeastern US coast to be considered Gulf shrimp.
But it is technically possible to breed Gulf shrimp in captivity. If the regulations around these shrimp keep tightening, the only Gulf shrimp available would be farm-raised or imported.
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Final Thoughts
Gulf shrimp is an umbrella term for pink, brown, and white shrimp caught in the Gulf of Mexico and adjacent waters.
It is warm water shellfish with a sweet and mild flavor alongside a tender texture.
It is best consumed when young and can be caught legally with a state-specific recreational fishing or shrimping license.
