National Shrimp Day
May 10
About National Shrimp Day
National Shrimp Day is observed on 10 May each year in the United States, celebrating America’s most popular seafood. Shrimp accounts for more seafood consumption per capita than any other variety in the country, and this annual food day invites people to enjoy their favourite shrimp dishes, try new recipes, and appreciate the versatility of this small but mighty crustacean.
How to Celebrate National Shrimp Day
From simple preparations to elaborate feasts, there are many ways to mark National Shrimp Day:
- Cook your favourite shrimp dish – Whether it is shrimp scampi, garlic butter shrimp, or a classic shrimp cocktail, prepare the recipe you love most and savour every bite.
- Try a new recipe – Step outside your comfort zone and experiment with a shrimp dish from another cuisine. Try Thai shrimp pad thai, Spanish gambas al ajillo, Japanese tempura prawns, or Brazilian shrimp moqueca.
- Visit a seafood restaurant – Support a local seafood restaurant and let a professional chef prepare your shrimp for the day. Many restaurants feature special shrimp menus on 10 May.
- Host a shrimp boil – Invite friends and family for a traditional Southern shrimp boil with corn, potatoes, sausage, and plenty of Old Bay seasoning. Spread newspaper on the table and dig in.
- Grill shrimp outdoors – Thread shrimp onto skewers, brush with a marinade of olive oil, garlic, and lemon, and grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Quick, easy, and delicious.
- Learn about sustainable seafood – Use the day to educate yourself about where your shrimp comes from. Look for certifications from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) when shopping.
- Share your creation on social media – Photograph your shrimp dish and post it with the hashtags below. Tag your favourite seafood brands and restaurants.
- Pair shrimp with wine or beer – Shrimp pairs beautifully with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or a light wheat beer. Make your celebration a complete dining experience.
What is National Shrimp Day?
National Shrimp Day is an annual food celebration recognising the most consumed seafood in the United States. Americans eat approximately 4.6 pounds of shrimp per person each year, making it the clear leader among all seafood varieties. The day celebrates the wide range of ways shrimp can be prepared: baked, boiled, broiled, sauteed, fried, grilled, and everything in between. Shrimp plays a starring role in cuisines around the world, from American Southern cooking to Southeast Asian stir-fries and Mediterranean tapas.
When is National Shrimp Day?
National Shrimp Day is observed on 10 May every year. In 2026, that falls on a Sunday. The date is fixed and does not change from year to year.
The History of National Shrimp Day
National Shrimp Day began to be widely celebrated in the late 1990s as part of the broader food day movement in the United States. While no single organisation claims credit for establishing the day, it quickly gained traction among seafood lovers, restaurants, and food media.
The history of shrimp consumption in America, however, goes back much further. Shrimp has been harvested from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic coast for centuries, with Native American communities being among the first to rely on it as a food source. Commercial shrimp fishing in the US began in earnest in the early 1900s, with Louisiana and Texas emerging as the leading producers. The invention of the otter trawl in the 1910s revolutionised the industry, making large-scale shrimp harvesting possible.
The rise of shrimp farming, particularly in Southeast Asia and Latin America, transformed the global market from the 1980s onward. Today, the majority of shrimp consumed in the US is farmed and imported, primarily from India, Indonesia, Ecuador, and Vietnam. This global supply chain has made shrimp affordable and accessible year-round, contributing to its status as America’s favourite seafood. The National Shrimp Festival, held annually in Gulf Shores, Alabama, is one of the largest celebrations of shrimp in the country, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each October.
Fun Facts About Shrimp
- Americans consume approximately 4.6 pounds of shrimp per person each year, more than any other seafood.
- There are over 2,000 species of shrimp found in waters around the world, though only a handful are commonly eaten.
- A 3-ounce serving of cooked shrimp contains roughly 84 calories and 20 grams of protein, making it one of the leanest protein sources available.
- Shrimp are decapod crustaceans, meaning they have 10 legs. They are closely related to lobsters and crabs.
- The heart of a shrimp is located in its head, along with most of its other vital organs.
- The pistol shrimp can snap its claw so quickly that it creates a bubble reaching temperatures close to the surface of the sun, momentarily stunning prey.
Why National Shrimp Day Matters
Beyond being a delicious food, shrimp supports a significant portion of the American economy. The US shrimp industry, including both wild-caught and imported shrimp, generates billions of dollars annually and supports thousands of jobs in coastal communities. National Shrimp Day also provides an opportunity to think about sustainable sourcing and the environmental impact of shrimp farming. Choosing responsibly sourced shrimp helps protect marine ecosystems and supports fishing communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Shrimp Day?
National Shrimp Day is an annual celebration on 10 May honouring America’s most popular seafood. The day encourages people to enjoy shrimp in all its forms and appreciate its role in American cuisine.
When is National Shrimp Day in 2026?
National Shrimp Day falls on Sunday, 10 May 2026.
What is the healthiest way to cook shrimp?
Grilling, steaming, and baking are among the healthiest preparation methods, as they require little to no added fat. Shrimp is naturally low in calories and high in protein, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your favourite shrimp dishes on social media with #NationalShrimpDay and #NationalShrimpDay2026. Tag your favourite seafood restaurants and challenge your friends to try a new shrimp recipe.
Related Awareness Days
- National BBQ Week – Taking place in the last week of May, grilled shrimp is a perfect addition to any barbecue spread.
- Eat What You Want Day – Celebrated on 11 May, the day after National Shrimp Day, giving you two days of guilt-free food enjoyment.
- World Oceans Day – Observed on 8 June, this day highlights the importance of ocean conservation, including sustainable seafood practices.
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