WRAL reporter Brian Shrader and our own Lisa Prince feature seasonal recipes in their Got to Be Good Cookin’ segment using ingredients grown and available right here in North Carolina.
Brian and Lisa kick off a month of N.C. shrimp recipes with this one for Spicy Shrimp Tacos. The secret to this recipe is the rub used to coat the shrimp before grilling. A combination of salt, paprika, cumin, curry powder, cayenne pepper and cinnamon give the shrimp a smoky and slightly spicy flavor.
The rub is great on N.C. shrimp, but also can be used on fish or fish tacos. Locally caught shrimp are available through early fall. To see what other seafood is currently in-season along the North Carolina coast, download this Seafood Availability Chart from North Carolina Sea Grant.
Here are some tips to use when purchasing and preparing shrimp for your next party:
- If you need a large quantity, ask the seafood market to peel and devein the shrimp for you.
- Buy fresh N.C. shrimp now and freeze to enjoy all year long.
- To freeze, leave the shells on and cover the shrimp with water.
- 2 pounds of shrimp in shell yields about 1 1/4 pound peeled.