Tacos, Pasta & Po’Boys: Shrimp Dishes in the D

By: Amber Ogden | April 17, 2015
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It’s mid-April in the D, and nothing puts a spring in my step quite like walking down the street and seeing signs of warm weather. Birds are singing, restaurants are beginning to dust off their patios and the sun is shining. That means it’s time for some warm weather food, too! How about some shrimp on the barbie?

Well, shrimp of any sort, really. Shrimp pasta, shrimp tacos, shrimp po’boys, you name it, Metro Detroit restaurants have ‘em. Let’s see what there is to choose from!

Streetside Seafood, 273 Pierce St., Birmingham, promises the freshest seafood in town. The restaurant is situated right in downtown Birmingham, and has received high praise across the board throughout the 10 years it’s been in operation.

Since we’re talking shrimp, start yourself off with Spicy Buffalo Shrimp or Coconut Shrimp. As for the entrée, Shrimp Pasta (with fresh tomato basil sauce) is a great choice for lunch or dinner.

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Armando’s, 4242 Vernor Hwy., Detroit, is a popular Mexicantown restaurant with a number of authentic offerings. Order the Shrimp Quesadilla (with Muenster cheese, served with pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole) to start while you peruse the menu. But, if you’re there for something with shrimp, allow me to save you some time.

Shrimp Fajitas (char-grilled with tomatoes, green peppers and onions, served with rice, beans, sour cream, guacamole and pico de gallo) are an excellent choice, and jumbo deep-fried shrimp and fries are also on the menu.

Gators Cajun Cooking, 25859 Lahser Rd., Southfield, specializes in Cajun cooking, including hand-battered alligator, but we’ll save that for another time. If you’re craving seafood, order the Jumbo Shrimp meal with a side, coleslaw and bread. Another option is the Shrimp Po’Boy Sandwich, with lettuce, tomato, mayo and pickles.

If the po’boy sounds right up your alley, print off this coupon before you go and enjoy a sandwich with fries for just $6!

Barrio Cocina Y Tequileria, 555 Forest Ave., Plymouth, serves over 150 different varieties of tequila, in case you’re thirsty as well as hungry. “Entradas” or starters include Shrimp Ceviche, which consists of marinated shrimp, salsa and avocado, served on tostadas and topped with sour cream.

As for the main event, signature tacos include Camarones, or spicy shrimp tacos with green onions, pico de gallo, lettuce, queso fresco and cilantro. Tacos come three to an order and are served on corn tortillas.

Inyo, 22871 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, is an Asian fusion restaurant with a great selection of dishes. If you’re thinking shrimp and are looking for something fresh and healthy, look no further!

Order the Grilled Shrimp Salad, with mixed greens, asparagus, beets, olives, tomato, feta cheese and avocado. It’s served with your choice of dressing (Honey Yuzu, Garlic Infused, Wasabi Ranch, Ginger Infused or Balsamic Vinegar).

If you’re not watching your waistline so closely, appetizers include Ebi Gyoza (a pan fried or steamed shrimp dumpling) or Jalapeno Shrimp (wok-fried with jalapenos, bell peppers and onion, served on mixed greens). When it comes to entrees, consider Crispy Ebi Chili (fried jumbo shrimp sautéed and served with veggies), Ebi California roll (with shrimp, cucumber and avocado) or Spicy Lady roll (shrimp tempura and marinated crab topped with tuna and crunchy flakes).

O’Brien’s Crabhouse, 621 S. Opdyke Rd., Auburn Hills, is a seafood tavern open for both lunch and dinner. No matter what time of day you’re dining, you’ll find plenty of shrimp options. To start, there’s always the ever popular Shrimp Cocktail or Coconut Shrimp (served with a pineapple rum dipping sauce).

Main shrimp dishes include Jumbo Shrimp (coated in Panko crumbs and deep fried, served with fries and coleslaw) or Shrimp and Artichoke Pasta (linguine pasta tossed with a tomato sauce). If you like your shrimp with a medley of other seafood, try the East Coast Special (broiled shrimp, grouper and scallops served with rice pilaf and coleslaw).

Sala Thai, 3400 Russell St., Detroit, is located in Eastern Market. Thai cuisine is always a sure bet for tasty meals with shrimp, and there are plenty here. Golden Shrimp Rolls, anyone?

A few offerings include Shrimp Kow Pad Sala Thai (fried rice with green onions, tomatoes, onions, peas, carrots and egg), Pla Khoong (salad with shrimp, onions, green onions, lemon grass, bell peppers and lime juice) and Shrimp Kuoy Tiew Haeng (rice noodles with green onions, bean sprouts and Thai brown sauce, topped with crushed peanuts and fried garlic).

No matter what kind of shrimp you’re craving this weekend—fried or fresh with cocktail sauce—there are plenty of restaurants in southeast Michigan with dishes to suit your taste buds. Enjoy!

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