Have you ever heard of a dish called Shrimp Beeps?
If not, you’re not alone. This unique and delicious shrimp dish is a hidden gem that many people are unaware of.
But for those who have tried it, they can’t get enough. The lightly battered shrimp is sautéed in a spicy tomato sauce and served on top of a garlic biscuit.
It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds wanting more. But where did this dish come from? And why is it called Shrimp Beeps?
In this article, we’ll dive into the history and origins of this beloved dish and explore why it’s become a must-try for foodies everywhere.
What Are Shrimp Beeps?
Shrimp Beeps is a dish that originated from the Belmont Tavern and Restaurant in Belleville, New Jersey. It’s a family-run establishment that has been around since the early 1960s and has become a local legend.
The dish itself consists of jumbo shrimp that are lightly battered and sautéed in a spicy tomato sauce. The sauce has a slight kick to it, but it’s not overpowering. The shrimp are then served on top of a garlic biscuit, which adds a nice crunch and flavor to the dish.
But why is it called Shrimp Beeps? The name actually comes from the sound that the shrimp make when they’re cooking in the pan. As they sizzle and pop, they make a “beep” sound that can be heard throughout the kitchen.
The dish has become so popular that it’s now a staple on the Belmont Tavern’s menu. It’s also been featured in various food blogs and publications, which has helped spread its popularity beyond New Jersey.
The Origins Of Shrimp Beeps: A Deep Dive Into Its History
To truly understand the origins of Shrimp Beeps, we have to go back to the early days of the Belmont Tavern. The restaurant was first opened in the 1960s by a family of Italian immigrants who wanted to bring their traditional cuisine to the people of Belleville.
One of the family’s signature dishes was their Shrimp Fra Diavlo, a spicy shrimp dish that quickly became a customer favorite. However, they wanted to create something new and unique that would set them apart from other Italian restaurants in the area.
It was during one busy night in the kitchen that the idea for Shrimp Beeps was born. As the chefs were cooking up a batch of shrimp, they noticed that they were making a distinctive “beep” sound as they sizzled in the pan. The chefs joked about the sound and decided to name their new creation after it.
The dish was an instant hit with customers, who loved the combination of spicy tomato sauce and crispy shrimp. Over time, it became one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes and even gained a cult following among locals.
As the years went by, other restaurants in the area tried to replicate Shrimp Beeps, but none could match the original’s unique flavor and texture. Today, it remains a beloved dish at the Belmont Tavern and a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to creating innovative and delicious cuisine.
The Ingredients That Make Shrimp Beeps So Delicious
The secret to the deliciousness of Shrimp Beeps lies in its carefully selected ingredients. The jumbo shrimp used in the dish are fresh and succulent, providing a perfect texture that pairs well with the spicy tomato sauce. The batter used to coat the shrimp is light and crispy, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.
The spicy tomato sauce is the star of the dish, providing a burst of flavor that complements the shrimp perfectly. It’s made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a blend of spices that give it a unique taste. The sauce also has a slight sweetness to it, which balances out the spiciness and adds depth to the overall flavor profile.
The garlic biscuit that serves as the base for the dish is also an essential ingredient. It’s made with fresh garlic and herbs, giving it a distinct flavor that complements the shrimp and sauce. The biscuit is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, providing a perfect contrast in texture to the shrimp.
How To Make Shrimp Beeps At Home: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you want to try making Shrimp Beeps at home, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Ingredients:
– 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 4 garlic biscuits (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, and black pepper.
2. Dredge the shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
5. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
6. Add the onion and garlic to the same skillet and cook until softened.
7. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
8. Cook for 10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
9. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
10. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve on top of garlic biscuits.
With this recipe, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of Shrimp Beeps from the comfort of your own home. Don’t forget to listen for those beeps as you cook!
Shrimp Beeps Variations: Unique Twists On The Classic Dish
While the classic Shrimp Beeps dish is already a unique and flavorful experience, there are also several variations of this dish that have been created over the years.
One popular variation is the addition of bacon to the dish. The salty and smoky flavor of the bacon pairs well with the spicy tomato sauce and adds an extra layer of texture to the dish.
Another variation is the use of different types of seafood, such as scallops or lobster. These seafood options are more expensive than shrimp, but they can add a touch of luxury to the dish and make it even more special for a special occasion.
For those who prefer a milder flavor, some restaurants offer a version of Shrimp Beeps with a creamy garlic sauce instead of the spicy tomato sauce. This variation is still delicious and satisfying, but without the heat.
Finally, some restaurants have even created a vegetarian version of Shrimp Beeps by replacing the shrimp with mushrooms or tofu. While this may not be traditional, it’s a great option for those who want to enjoy the flavors and textures of this classic dish without eating meat.
The Health Benefits Of Shrimp Beeps: Why It’s A Nutritious Meal Option
Aside from being a delicious dish, Shrimp Beeps also offers numerous health benefits that make it a nutritious meal option. Shrimp, the main ingredient in this dish, is a low-calorie seafood that is packed with essential nutrients.
For starters, shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein. A 3-ounce serving of shrimp contains 90% protein and only 10% fat. This makes it an ideal food for those who are looking to build lean muscle mass or lose weight. Additionally, shrimp contains more than 20 different vitamins and minerals, including selenium, vitamin B12, iron, phosphorus, niacin, zinc, and magnesium.
One of the most significant health benefits of shrimp is its high iodine content. Iodine is a mineral that is essential for healthy thyroid and brain function. It’s also been found to be deficient in many people’s diets. By consuming shrimp regularly, you can ensure that you’re getting enough iodine to support your body’s vital functions.
Shrimp also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to promote heart health. These fatty acids can help reduce inflammation in the body, increase good cholesterol levels, and protect against free radicals. Additionally, studies have shown that shrimp can help maintain good cholesterol levels rather than the bad kind, which can further improve heart health.
While some people may be concerned about the cholesterol content in shrimp, it’s important to note that dietary cholesterol only has a small impact on blood cholesterol levels for about 75% of the population. This means that you can enjoy Shrimp Beeps without worrying about its impact on your cholesterol levels.