The coast of North Carolina is known for a lot of things and fresh shrimp is certainly one of them. There is just something about our pristine Atlantic waters that allow shrimp to thrive. North Carolina shrimp is truly something you should try during your Topsail Island beach vacation. Of course, you might be wondering what the best way is to try this local delicacy. This week we have a simple and fun way to enjoy your fresh North Carolina shrimp, all in the comfort of your Topsail Island vacation home. Let's get started. 

Before we get too far into preparing this dish, let's first look at how to buy fresh shrimp. Buying shrimp is easy and with these little tips, you'll be buying shrimp like a local in no time. 

Tips for buying fresh shrimp

When you buy shrimp at the local market, follow these tips and you'll be sure to get the best shrimp available.  Avoiding dry, dull shrimp is all about locking in the moisture. To do this, buy fresh whole shrimp with the head still attached. If those aren't available, buy frozen shrimp with the shell still intact. The shell, like the head, helps the shrimp retain its moisture. Shrimp rot quickly, so really, fresh or frozen is the only way to go. 

Cleaning, peeling and deveining shrimp

Shrimp can be intimidating, but it shouldn't be. With a few simple steps, cleaning, peeling and deveining shrimp has never been easier. Of course, a picture (or a video, in this  case) is worth a thousand words. So take a moment and watch this quick video, and you'll be cleaning fresh North Carolina shrimp like a pro during your Topsail Island beach vacation. 

Simple Low Country Boil Recipe 

Now that you've gathered all the freshest local ingredients, it is time to start cooking. Don't worry about having all you need to prepare this recipe. All of our vacation homes have well-appointed kitchens, and you'll find everything you need to prepare great meals like this for your family and friends.

Low County Boil Recipe (Coastal Living Version) 

INGREDIENTS: 

4 pounds small red potatoes

5 quarts water

1 (3-ounce) bag of crab boil seasoning

4 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning

2 pounds kielbasa or hot smoked link sausage, cut into 1½-inch pieces

6 ears of corn, halved

4 pounds large fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined 

optional: Cocktail sauce

DIRECTIONS: 

Add potatoes to large pot, then add 5 quarts water and seasonings.

Cover pot and heat to a rolling boil; cook 5 minutes. Add sausage and corn, and return to a boil. Cook 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Add shrimp to stockpot; cook 3 to 4 minutes or until shrimp turn pink. Drain. 

Serve with cocktail sauce. 

Serves 12.

Are you ready to grab some fresh North Carolina shrimp? Well, the first step is to book your Topsail Island beach vacation, so you can be in the heart of Carolina shrimp country. Call us today at 800-497-5463 or click the button below to see our current inventory of vacation homes.