You don’t want to miss May 24^th when National Yucatan Shrimp Day arrives. A creation with depth and unlimited flavor, it’s the perfect authentic Mexican cuisine combined with Caribbean flair – especially satisfying during the spring and summer seasons! However, contrary to popular belief, the dish is not native to Mexican cuisine. Instead, Yucatan shrimp comes from Florida!

Intrigued? We are …

The creation of Yucatan Shrimp

Founded in 2020, this National Day is a new addition to the 1,500 national days out there (yes, there really are that many). However new, we expect this one to stick around.

Yucatan Shrimp was created by Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille located in Ft. Meyers, St. Pete Pier, Captiva and Sanibel Islands in Florida. The recipe calls for several jumbo shrimp to be steamed with the shell on. Then bathed in a garlic and butter sauce, the dish is finished with Doc Ford’s sauce that provides a spicy chili kick.  Complemented with a rum drink or your favorite Mexican beer (of course), this meal is the ultimate blend of Mexican and Caribbean cuisine.

The Yucatan Peninsula

In between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, you’ll find the Yucatan Peninsula. The Peninsula encompasses three Mexican states and areas of Belize and Guatemala. The Yucatan demonstrates a unique culture, including its style of food. Unlike other regions of Mexico, food in the Peninsula represents a blend of authentic Mexican cuisine and Caribbean cuisine combined.

Below, we’re providing you with two recipes we hope that you enjoy. The first is Doc Ford’s Yucatan Shrimp, and the second is a traditional Mexican-styled shrimp recipe.

Yucatan Shrimp

Ingredients: 

• 4tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1large clove garlic, minced
• Juice of two large limes
• 1tablespoon Indonesian sambal
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1pound large, fresh, shell-on shrimp
• 2tablespoons chopped cilantro

Preparation: 

In a small saucepan set over low heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the garlic and cook, stirring for 2 minutes. Add remaining 3 tablespoons butter to saucepan. When it melts, stir in the lime juice, chili sauce, salt and pepper. Turn off the heat and allow the sauce to rest.

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes or until they are just firm and pink. Do not overcook. Drain into a colander and shake over the sink to remove excess moisture.

In a large bowl, toss the shrimp and chili sauce. Sprinkle with cilantro and toss again.

Traditional Mexican Shrimp

What you’ll need:

• 1 pound of jumbo peeled shrimp
• 4 tablespoons of your favorite high-quality olive oil like Goya Unico extra virgin olive oil
• 5 minced garlic gloves
• 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• Minced serrano pepper or red pepper flakes to taste (optional)
• 1 large zest of lime
• ¼ cup dry white wine

This dish is perfect for a quick dinner fix on a busy day or when you just don’t feel like cooking! Taking about 5 minutes to prepare (depending on your shrimp selection) and ten minutes to cook – your family and friends will be in awe thinking you slaved over the stove for hours!

Save yourself time and start your side dishes ahead of the meal. Camarones al mojo de ajo pairs perfectly with white rice and your favorite bean dish – we love black beans.

To prepare:

• Begin by heating your oil on medium-low heat in a skillet, add garlic once heated.
• Once the garlic flavor infuses into the oil, add your shrimp and serrano pepper (or red pepper flakes).
• Continue sautéing until the shrimp is cooked, stirring as needed.
• Add butter, lime, and wine for finishing touches. Cook for a few minutes and you’re done!

Wh

erever the day leads you, on May 24^th, La Santa Tacos & Tequila will be here and ready to serve you! Providing the most authentic Mexican cuisine to the Northern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire regions, you can be sure your cravings will be satisfied.

When visiting, be sure to check out our Camarones a la Diabla – jumbo shrimp cooked in our house diablo sauce! A perfect way to celebrate National Yucatan Shrimp Day! We can’t wait to see you!