It's National Shrimp Day!

It's National Shrimp Day! What better time is there to clap our tiny little forks together for the small fry who for the past decade has reigned large as America’s No. 1 seafood?

While there’s no denying how much consumers savor the inimitable taste of shrimp, the healthful benefits of this popular shellfish also can’t be understated.  So, for your audiences, The Shrimp Council gives us 10 big reasons shrimp continues to be America’s No. 1 seafood:

1.    Shrimp are a snap to prepare!  They can be boiled, sautéed or grilled in under five minutes.

2.    Shrimp is a simple and light protein.  A 3-ounce serving of shrimp, which contains less than 90 calories and 1 gram of fat, packs nearly 20 grams of protein.  That’s pretty BIG for a SHRIMP!

3.    Shrimp is just the answer for elevating dishes from ordinary to extraordinary.  You can take a simple salad to the next level by topping it with shrimp, or jazz up a breakfast omelet by substituting shrimp for the same old protein.

4.    Shrimp are versatile!  Their sweet, mild flavor is the perfect complement to dishes ranging from tantalizing Thai and mouthwatering Mexican to tried-and-true American recipes and authentic, Old-World Italian specialties.

5.    Shrimp’s price per pound is a value similar to other proteins.

6.    Shrimp can be part of an A+ balanced and delicious diet.  Four large shrimp have fewer than 100 calories and, for a 10-year-old child, they provide approximately two-thirds of the recommended daily intake of protein.

7.    Pop till you drop!  The easiest to eat of all crustaceans, shrimp are a pop-able, crave-able, delectable delight!

8.    High in calcium, iodine and dozens of other nutrients, shrimp can contribute to the health of the circulatory system.

9.    Shrimp helps the hostess shine, filling the bill for heavenly hors d’oeuvres, elegant entrees, scintillating sauces and flavorsome sides.

10.  Shrimp are perfection on a plate – they come in an ideal bite size and with a natural handle, making them everybody’s favorite nosh.

In recognition of National Shrimp Day, The Shrimp Council is encouraging Americans to enjoy additional servings of succulent and satisfying shrimp, to liven up dinner at home, a night on the town, or special occasions.

Lemony Garlic Shrimp Cocktail

Number of servings:  4

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons minced elephant garlic

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

1 pound large cooked shrimp, fresh or frozen (thawed)

Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Heat the oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat.  Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until barely golden, about 2 minutes.  Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice, parsley and shrimp.  Season with pepper to taste.  Refrigerate until ready to serve, either plain (no cocktail sauce needed!) or on top of a salad.

Recipe courtesy of The Shrimp Council and Janice Newell Bissex, MS, RD, and Liz Weiss, MS, RD, Co-Founders, MealMakeoverMoms.com

Lemony Garlic Shrimp Cocktail image courtesy ©Marco Mayer, Fotolia.com