Tag: LA Seafood

Louisiana’s Inshore Shrimp Season Opens Amid Calls for Domestic Seafood Protection

As the fall inshore shrimp season approaches, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission made a significant announcement on August 7, according to this article from The Daily Advertiser. Simultaneously, Louisiana’s legislatorsand seafood industry stakeholders have united to address pressing issues facing the state’s domestic seafood sector. This collaborative effort aims to shield Louisiana’s shrimping industry from the adverse impacts of imported shrimp and safeguard the livelihoods of countless coastal communities.

The Louisiana Shrimp Association, alongside nineteen allied organizations and companies representing over 4,000 seafood businesses in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic region, penned a letter to Congress. The letter highlights the challenges stemming from the surge in imported shrimp, which has created a myriad of problems for local harvesters. “For the past 40 years, the average dockside price of Gulf shrimp has ranged from $1.50-$2.00 per 2 pounds,” the letter stated. These static prices have persisted despite escalating costs for fuel and labor, rendering it increasingly difficult for domestic shrimpers to sustain their operations. The situation has become untenable, necessitating immediate attention and action.

To address these concerns, the Louisiana Legislature presented House Concurrent Resolution 113 to the Secretary of State. This resolution urges Congress to impose a ban on the import of shrimp and crawfish from outside the United States. The resolution argues that such imports create an environment of unfair competition, allowing foreign competitors to inundate the U.S. market with seafood harvested under intensive farming practices. This flood of imports has detrimental effects on local industries and the coastal communities that rely on them.

Furthermore, the resolution emphasizes the importance of domestically produced shrimp and crawfish for the health and safety of U.S. consumers. Imported seafood doesn’t always meet the same safety standards as domestic products. Research indicates that while the number of outbreaks from imported foods is relatively small compared to all foodborne outbreaks, seafood is the most common type of imported food linked to outbreaks, and the frequency of such outbreaks is on the rise.

The Louisiana Shrimp Association has also submitted recommendations for inclusion in the National Seafood Strategy of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These recommendations aim to address long-standing issues faced by the domestic seafood industry. One recommendation focuses on increasing testing and destroying all contaminated products being imported and stored in cold-storage facilities within the country. This initiative would include products already in stores, as determined by board of health testing or any necessary means to ensure public safety.

The second recommendation calls for the return of funds generated by tariffs on imported shrimp to the American domestic seafood industry. These funds, acquired through industry efforts, should be allocated as fuel subsidies,grants for improvements, and support for the harvesters who have been most affected by the drop in shrimp prices. Lastly, the third recommendation urges the federal government to hold foreign imports to the same rigorous standards as American aquaculture. This parity is crucial for both food independence and public health, particularly during times of national crisis.

In conclusion, as Louisiana’s inshore shrimp season begins, the call to protect the domestic seafood industry has gained momentum. The concerted efforts of Louisiana’s lawmakers, the Louisiana Shrimp Association, and other stakeholders reflect a shared commitment to preserving the rich heritage and economic vitality of the state’s coastal communities. The battle to safeguard the future of the Louisiana shrimp industry continues, and the coming months will likely see increased advocacy and action on multiple fronts.

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A Recipe that Combines Creole Tomatoes and LA Seafood

If you’re craving a dish that’s full of flavor and easy to make, look no further than these shrimp-stuffed Creole tomatoes. Bursting with juicy shrimp, zesty Creole spices, and fresh creole tomato goodness, this recipe from LouisianaCookin is the perfect way to spice up your weeknight dinner routine. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for something new to try in the kitchen, this dish is sure to impress both your taste buds and dinner guests alike. So grab some ripe tomatoes and get ready to dive into one of the best recipes around!

Ingredients

Directions

  1. You’ll want to start this delicious recipe for shrimp-stuffed creole tomatoes by coring your 8 beefsteak or Creole tomatoes with a small paring knife. Then, using a small spoon, you’ll scoop out the center of each of the eight tomatoes. Afterward, place the tomatoes into a 13×9-inch baking dish.
  2. Next, take a Dutch oven and melt 1 tablespoon of butter with oil over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add in your onion, celery, garlic, salt, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook these ingredients while stirring occasionally until the vegetables are softened, which should take about 5 minutes.
  3. Add in your tomato paste and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Then, add in your fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, and white wine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the browned bits from the vegetables from the bottom of the pan.
  4. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring it all to a boil. Add in your rice and cook while stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and allow it all to simmer until the rice is tender,which should be approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
  5. The next step is to preheat your oven to 375°F. Stir your shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and parsley into your cooked rice mixture. Cover the pot and continue to cook until the shrimp become pink and quite firm, which should take about 10 minutes. At this point, remove the pot from the heat, uncover it, and let it cool for 10 minutes.
  6. Next, spoon the rice mixture into the pre-cored tomatoes that you placed into a baking dish. Place approximately ½ cup of the rice mixture in each tomato.
  7. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt your remaining 1 tablespoon of butter on high and stir in your bread crumbs and the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt. Sprinkle this on top of the rice mixture.
  8. Bake until the topping is of a golden brown coloration, which should take about 15 to 20 minutes. Garnish the tops with fresh chives and enjoy!

Note:

When it comes to shrimp-stuffed creole tomatoes, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re looking for an appetizer or a main dish, this recipe is sure to please. Here are some of our favorite serving suggestions: As an appetizer: Serve shrimp-stuffed creole tomatoes as part of a larger spread, alongside other hors d’oeuvres like cheese and crackers or veggie plates. As a main dish: Serve shrimp-stuffed creole tomatoes as a main course, alongside a simple salad and some crusty bread. As a side dish: Serve shrimp-stuffed creole tomatoes as a side to complement another protein-rich main course, like steak or chicken.

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Delicious Recipe for Louisiana Shrimp and Crab Stew

Wintertime means that it’s the perfect time of the year to whip up some classic Louisiana recipes. So, if you’re in the mood for a hearty, rich, and delicious shrimp and crab stew, then look no further than this recipe from Louisiana Cookin’.

Ingredients for Shrimp and Crab Stew 

Directions for Shrimp and Crab Stew

  1. You’ll want to begin this recipe by scalding your dozen blue crabs with hot water in order to stun them. You’ll then remove the back from each crab (which is the top shell) so that you can clean out the gills (also affectionately referred to as “dead man fingers”), lungs, and the center of each crab. Afterward, crack the crabs in half and remove the claws, placing them aside for a future seafood stock. You’ll also want to peel and devein your shrimp for this recipe. You can also put the shrimp heads and shells along with your crab claws for a future homemade seafood stock.
  2. Next, in the large heavy stockpot, you’ll want to combine your vegetable oil and flour over medium heat. Begin stirring slowly to make a dark brown roux, and continue stirring for about 15-20 minutes. Once your roux is of a dark brown coloration all over, you’ll add your celery, bell peppers, and onion (also known as the holy trinity in South Louisiana cooking circles). You’ll cook the vegetables in the roux until the vegetables are soft, which should take about 5 minutes if you are stirring frequently.
  3. After the vegetables are soft, add your bay leaves, salt, cayenne pepper, and seafood stock to your stockpot. Stir all of the ingredients in order to combine them, and bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the stew ingredients and base are boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, add in your crabs, and let them simmer for approximately 20 minutes.
  4. Next, add your crabmeat and shrimp, and continue to cook for another 10 minutes. Remove the stockpot from the heat, add your parsley, and serve the dish hot. Enjoy!

Notes for Shrimp and Crab Stew:

  • To make cooking easier and more humane, place your live crabs in the freezer for about 15 minutes before preparing them. Fill your largest stock pot with heavily salted water and add 3 bay leaves, a tablespoon or so of black peppercorns, and a teaspoon of paprika. Bring the water to a boil and then, using a pair of tongs, grasp each crab from behind so you don’t get pinched. Depending on the pot’s size and the number of crabs being cooked, you may want to cook one at a time. Lower each crab into the boiling water with its legs facing down and allow it to cook for roughly 15 minutes (when it floats to the top give an extra two to three minutes). To cool off after cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with cold water and ice cubes then drop in each crab briefly before beginning the cleaning process.
  • Crab and shrimp stews definitely pair nicely alongside some homemade potato salad, french bread, or rice.

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18th Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off Crowns Queen of American Seafood

The 18th annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off was held in New Orleans at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in early August. The event was a humongous success, as it attracted 14 culinary master chefs from across the United States who competed to earn a royal title, as per this feature article from Nola.com.

The Great American Seafood Cook-Off served as the primary attraction of the Louisiana Restaurant Association’s 18th annual showcase for dozens upon dozens of vendors displaying and distributing their products and services for the general public to enjoy. Hundreds of people attended the event and made up the crowd at the main event where each competing chef was given only 30 minutes to produce a seafood dish that would be judged by a team of judges against the 13 other contenders.

The executive director of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, Samantha Carroll, commented on the 14 chefs who participated in the cook-off, calling them among the most “competitive and qualified” in the history of the Great American Seafood Cook-Off.

After the judges of the event had sampled all 14 entries, Erin Miller of Cambridge, Massachusetts was crowned the “Queen of American Seafood.” Miller won the cookoff by preparing a dish, the Cape Ann Tide Pool, which was complemented by a consommé of lobster tails as well as dune rose pits. As reported, “the winning creation included a scallop custard with corn and a sauté of sweet margarine, corn, mussels, and scallops, finished with a butter-poached lobster tail and scallops with sea beans.”

Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser commented on the event and crowning, saying, “what an outstanding competition we had today with one of the best lineups of competing chefs in the history of the Great American Seafood Cook-Off. It went great, the dishes are incredible. The personalities of each chef from each state from each state. This was definitely a tough decision for our judges.”

This year’s judges of the event included Louisiana Celebrity Chef John Folse, California Chef Shirley Chung, Two-time Chopped Champion and Florida Chef James Briscione, and Kentucky-based Sri Lankan-American Chef Sam Fore.

Competition winner, Chef Erin Miller had trained at the French Culinary Institute of New York, and she is reportedly proud to count her restaurant, Urban Hearth, “among the small number of acclaimed woman-owned and led restaurants in the Boston area.” Coming in second place was Floridian Chef Al Massa from Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer in Destin, Florida, and Ohioan Chef Christian Gill from Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey in Cincinnati, Ohiowas awarded third place.

Chef Erin Miller, who was crowned as the first-ever Queen of American Seafood, commented on her winning dish by saying, “we wanted to really focus-in on the breadth of seafood available in Massachusetts, not only the fish and shellfish we know really well but also the things that grow along the shore. So the dish is built around multiple layers of seafood and multiple layers of textures integrated with the sea beans and the garnishes that grow in the rocky shoals in Massachusetts. I’m in probably my favorite city in the world right now. It just means so much to represent my state and be here with these extraordinarily creative chefs. It just makes this mean so much more.”

The Great American Seafood Cook-Off, which just finished its 18th year of competitions and crownings, was initially started by the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board in 2004. The Cook-Off was purposeful in its origins, as it aimed to promote domestic, sustainable seafood.

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A Louisiana Shrimp Festival in Delcambre

Twenty miles southwest of Lafayette, Louisiana there is a town known for an American delicacy that most of us enjoy: SHRIMP! Delcambre, Louisiana has an entire festival dedicated to these crustaceans. This year the festival is going on from August 14th- August 18th.

The original name was not the Delcambre Shrimp Festival. The Iberia Parish Shrimp Festival and Agricultural fair held the name title until 1974. It originally started as a festival to help raise money for the Delcambre Fire Department in 1950, since then it has flourished. It is now one of the top ten festivals in Louisiana! The festival is 5 days filled with entertainment, rides, and of course, food.

Shrimp is one of the most versatile foods out there so the options are endless. Shrimp dishes like shrimp sauce piquante, fried shrimp, boiled shrimp, shrimp salad and more! Do not worry if you want to go but aren’t a shrimp person; the festival offers options that are not just shrimp! Tons of delicious complimentary sides are available to purchase, as well as desserts, kid foods, and interesting Louisiana-themed dishes.  There is something for every palate and cold drinks are always available.

The 14th, 15th, and 18th dates of the festival require no entry fee. The 16th and 17th there is a $10 entry fee. There is even a bracelet offered for unlimited rides for the festival.

Shrimping has a long history in Louisiana; fishermen have taken advantage of Louisiana’s marshes and estuaries of our coastline since earliest settlement. As the size of the catch increased to meet a growing consumer demand, shrimping emerged as an important folk occupation in Louisiana during the twentieth century.

Two types of fishermen shrimp in coastal Louisiana; those who shrimp with the small vessels in the shallow bays and those with large vessels who shrimp offshore in deeper waters. The inland fishermen operate during seasons regulated by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Often, their crews are family members, and the trip may last for around 1-3 days. Many of the shrimpers who fish seasonally live in settlements along the bayous of south Louisiana and along the lower Mississippi River. Many come from a tradition of fishing and shrimping during the spring, summer and fall months, then oystering and trapping during the winter months. The ranks of shrimpers have increased as others have entered the shrimping industry. Many left city and industrial work, preferring to be their own boss. While traditionally many shrimpers in Louisiana come from a French-speaking background, Chinese, Filipino, Croatian, and Vietnamese immigrants have also entered the South Louisiana fishing industry for their livelihoods.  Larger vessels are outfitted to pursue offshore shrimp for extended periods of time and are able to work year round.

While shrimping continues as a way of life for many folks in Louisiana, changes are occurring which will affect the continuity of the shrimping tradition and the availability of shrimp. As a business, shrimping has become much more competitive, with more licenses granted now than several years ago. A steady increase in cheaper, imported shrimp from South America and Southeast Asia has greatly cut into the local fishermen’s market and pollution in the waterways are also taking their toll.

So while shrimping as a way of life and a family tradition is still present in Louisiana, many fishermen are having to relinquish this heritage. One way to support this Louisiana tradition is to opt to purchase gulf shrimp and ask that your local restaurants and grocers purchase their shrimp from local sources.

The 2019 Special Events

2019 Baby Shrimp Pageant

2019 Little & DEB Shrimp

2019 Junior and Teen Shrimp Queen Pageant

2019 Miss Shrimp Queen Pageant

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