🦐National Shrimp Day 2025🦐

Shell-abrate Good Times! National Shrimp Day is Coming to the Outer Banks!

Get ready to peel and eat, Outer Banks! Mark your calendars because Saturday, May 10th, 2025, is National Shrimp Day, and there's no better place to celebrate this beloved seafood than right here on our beautiful coast.

From the salty air carrying the promise of a fresh catch to the abundance of local restaurants serving up shrimp in every imaginable way, the OBX is a shrimp lover's paradise. Whether you prefer them steamed with Old Bay, fried to crispy perfection, grilled with a smoky char, or swimming in a flavorful scampi, you're sure to find your shrimp fix here.

Why is Shrimp So Special on the Outer Banks?

Our proximity to the Atlantic Ocean means we have access to some of the freshest and most flavorful shrimp you can find. Local fishermen work hard to bring in their daily hauls, ensuring that the shrimp on your plate is as fresh as can be. Supporting our local seafood industry not only tastes good but also helps sustain our coastal community.

How to Celebrate National Shrimp Day on the OBX:

• Indulge in Local Shrimp Dishes: This is a no-brainer! Head to your favorite Outer Banks restaurant and treat yourself to a shrimp-centric meal. Many local spots will likely be featuring special shrimp dishes or deals in honor of the day. Keep an eye out for fresh catch specials!
  
  Here are a few local restaurants to try:
  
  
1. Basnight’s Lone Cedar Café – Nags Head
A longtime OBX favorite, Lone Cedar is known for sourcing local seafood straight from the docks. Their shrimp dishes—especially the shrimp and grits or fried shrimp platter—are fresh and flavorful.





 2. Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar – Manteo
Located on the waterfront at Pirate’s Cove Marina, Blue Water offers delicious shrimp tacos, peel-and-eat shrimp, and rotating specials with a view of the sound.





 3. Tortugas' Lie – Nags Head
This quirky beachside favorite is a local legend. Their grilled shrimp, seafood specials, and island-inspired flavors keep shrimp lovers coming back for more.





• Cook Up a Shrimp Feast at Home: Pick up some fresh, local shrimp from one of our seafood markets and get creative in the kitchen. Whether you're whipping up a classic shrimp boil, a spicy shrimp scampi, or some crispy fried shrimp for the family, the possibilities are endless. Don't forget some Old Bay seasoning – it's practically a local requirement!
  
  
🦐 Outer Banks Low Country Boil (Feeds 6–8)
Ingredients:
 2 lbs fresh local shrimp (shell-on)
 1 lb smoked sausage (cut into 1–2 inch chunks)
 6–8 small red potatoes (halved if large)
 4–6 ears of corn (cut into halves or thirds)
 1–2 lemons (halved)
 1/2 cup Old Bay seasoning (or more to taste)

 🧑‍🍳Easy Prep:
Boil water in a large stockpot (about 4–5 quarts), add lemons, Old Bay, and optional garlic/onions. Bring to a rolling boil.
Add potatoes and cook for 10–12 minutes, until just starting to soften.
Add sausage and cook 5 minutes.
Add corn and cook another 5–7 minutes.
Add shrimp last, cooking 2–3 minutes or until pink and curled.
Drain everything and spread it out on a newspaper-lined table or large platter.

✅ Serve with: Melted butter, lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, and hot sauce on the side. Cold drinks and beach music highly recommended!


• Support Local Fishermen: Consider purchasing your shrimp directly from a local seafood market. You'll be getting the freshest possible product and supporting the hardworking individuals who bring this delicious seafood to our tables.

• Pair it Perfectly: What goes better with shrimp than a refreshing local brew or a crisp glass of wine? Many Outer Banks restaurants and bars offer excellent drink pairings to complement your shrimp dishes.

Get Ready to Shrimply Enjoy!

National Shrimp Day is the perfect opportunity to savor the flavors of the Outer Banks and appreciate the bounty of the sea. So, gather your fellow seafood enthusiasts and get ready for a day filled with delicious shrimp and good times. We can't wait to see how you celebrate!