According to Bubba Blue from the 1994 movie Forrest Gump, there are many different ways to prepare shrimp. It can be barbecued, broiled, baked, boiled, turned into shrimp gumbo, shrimp creole, or even shrimp kabobs. It can be made into coconut shrimp, pineapple shrimp, or even pepper shrimp.

You can make shrimp stew or salad, and even shrimp sandwiches. Of course, we think that while all the versions of shrimp are good, none can match French fried shrimp. And that’s why we like to celebrate National French Fried Shrimp Day every December 21st. We think Bubba would approve.

Delicious Facts About Shrimp

Since we’re talking about shrimp, we thought we’d go over some facts that people can really enjoy. Feel free to share the following facts with your friends, coworkers, and family members while you’re enjoying National French Fried Shrimp Day.

• Every year, Americans consume over a billion pounds of shrimp.
• Every year, over 5 billion shrimp are produced.
• National Shrimp Scampi Day falls on April 29th.
• National Shrimp Day falls on May 10th.
• There are over 2,000 different shrimp species.
• Shrimp scampi is simply shrimp that has been sautéed or broiled—usually in butter and garlic.
• Some varieties of shrimp can grow to be well over 12 inches long.
• Some shrimp can snap their pincers loudly.
• Shrimp are omnivorous and consume microscopic plant and animal matter.
• Some shrimp can catch and eat small fish as well.
• In some parts of the world, shrimp are eaten with their heads on.
• Shrimp are high in protein but low in calories.

Observing National French Fried Shrimp Day

Even though the whole purpose of this day is to enjoy French-fried shrimp, it doesn’t mean that you have to eat them plain. You can use this type of shrimp for just about any shrimp recipe, so if you want French-fried coconut or lemon shrimp, then go for it.

Just make sure that while you’re enjoying this type of shrimp, you use a good quality cocktail dipping sauce and that you use the hashtag #NationalFrenchFriedShrimpDay on your social media accounts.