Hey seafood lovers! Today I’m gonna share something super interesting that I recently discovered – mantis shrimp! I know what you’re thinking… “Wait, can you actually eat those weird-looking creatures?” Well, I did some deep diving into this topic and lemme tell you all about it!
Quick Answer
Yes, you can totally eat mantis shrimp! While they’re not super common on American dinner plates, these little guys are considered delicacies in many Asian countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Southern China. They taste amazing – kinda like a mix between lobster and regular shrimp!
What’s a Mantis Shrimp Anyway?
Before we jump into the eating part, let’s talk about what these creatures actually are:
- They’re marine crustaceans (not actual shrimp!) found in tropical and subtropical waters
- Got their name cuz they look like praying mantises
- Have crazy powerful claws that can strike as fast as a .22 caliber bullet (no joke!)
- There are over 450 different species
- Got these weird huge bulbous eyes that make them look like tiny aliens
The Taste Test: What Do They Actually Taste Like?
I gotta tell you, mantis shrimp meat is pretty awesome:
- Sweet and mild flavor
- Tender, slightly chewy texture
- White, flaky meat when cooked
- Subtle briny taste (but not too fishy)
- The tail meat is the sweetest part (my personal favorite!)
Cooking Methods That Won’t Mess It Up
Here’s how you can cook these bad boys:
-
Boiling/Steaming (2-3 minutes)
- Quickest method
- Great for beginners
- Just cook until opaque
-
Grilling (2-4 mins per side)
- Perfect for summer BBQs
- Brush with oil first
- Great smoky flavor
-
Stir-frying (2-3 minutes)
- Super quick
- Great with Asian flavors
- Don’t overcook!
-
Deep-frying
- Crispy and delicious
- Great with butter cereal coating
- Popular in Asian restaurants
Pro Tips for Handling and Prep
Listen up! Here are some important tips I learned the hard way:
- ALWAYS separate the tail from the head before cooking
- Watch out for those killer claws when handling live ones
- Butterfly the shells before cooking for better heat penetration
- Don’t overcook – they get rubbery real quick
- Eat them fresh or freeze immediately
Safety First!
Before you run off to cook some mantis shrimp, here’s what you need to know about safety:
- Cook them thoroughly (internal temp of 145°F)
- Don’t eat them raw unless you’re super confident about the source
- Fresh is best – if it smells funny, don’t risk it
- Be careful of those claws – they can actually hurt you!
My Favorite Recipe: Crispy Butter Cereal Mantis Shrimp
Here’s a recipe that’ll blow your mind:
Ingredients:
- Fresh mantis shrimp
- Tapioca flour
- Butter
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Lemongrass
- Chilies
- Cereal or oatmeal
- Sesame seeds
- Curry leaves
- Salt and pepper
Steps:
- Coat shrimp in tapioca flour
- Deep fry until golden
- In the same pan, fry butter, ginger, garlic, and lemongrass
- Add chilies, cereal, sesame seeds, and curry leaves
- Toss the fried shrimp back in
- Season to taste
Where to Find Them
Finding mantis shrimp might be tricky in the US but try
- Asian seafood markets
- Specialty fish markets
- Some Mediterranean restaurants
- Coastal seafood shops
The Bottom Line
Look, mantis shrimp might look weird, but don’t let that stop you from trying them! They’re safe, delicious, and super versatile. Just remember to handle them carefully and cook them properly. Trust me, once you try them, you might just discover your new favorite seafood!
Note: If you’re pregnant, have a weak immune system, or are in any high-risk group, maybe stick to fully cooked mantis shrimp just to be safe.
#seafood #cooking #mantisshrimp #foodie #cooking101
Can mantis shrimp hurt you?
Yes, mantis shrimps can indeed hurt people!
Their striking force has earned them the nickname “thumb splitters,” as they can cause painful gashes if handled carelessly by humans.
These marine crustaceans have powerful raptorial claws that they use to capture prey. Their powerful claws can cause serious injury if not handled properly, their claws can cause painful wounds.
How to cook mantis shrimp?
Eating fresh mantis shrimp can be a delightful experience, especially if you appreciate seafood.
Whether you choose to grill them with olive oil and herbs, stir fry them with garlic and ginger, deep fry them with a light batter, or steam them gently with white wine and lemon, the key is to preserve their delicate taste.
For the adventurous, thinly sliced mantis shrimp can be enjoyed as sashimi, paired with soy sauce, wasabi and pickled ginger.
Just remember to handle them carefully when removing the shell, as their sharp claws can cause injury.
Check our recipe next!
Feeding my Mantis Shrimp sand fleas!!
FAQ
Are mantis shrimp good for eating?
Mantis prawns are very hard to find in the United States (I hear it’s because they need to be cooked alive) but they are absolutely delicious and I would recommend them to any adventurous eater. Next time you are in Asia, you MUST try them.
Can a mantis shrimp break bullet proof glass?
Yes, according to “nationalgeographic.com”, it stated”The club of a mantis shrimp can easily break quarter-inch glass, and the shell of a crab.
How much does a mantis shrimp cost?
| Item # | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 005932 | Peacock Mantis Shrimp, Small: over 2-2.5″, Indo Pacific * Restriction On Guarantee | $139.99 |
| 003756 | Peacock Mantis Shrimp, Medium: over 2.5-4.5″, Indo Pacific * Restriction On Guarantee | $149.99 |
| 005934 | Peacock Mantis Shrimp, Large: over 4.5-6.5″, Indo Pacific * Restriction On Guarantee | $179.99 |
Can you eat a mantis shrimp?
Yes, you can eat a mantis shrimp, and it’s revered as a delicacy in many cultures around the globe. This exotic seafood tantalizes not only with its unique flavor but also with its intriguing preparation methods. In Japanese cuisine, the mantis shrimp known as Oratosquilla oratoria is particularly celebrated.
Are mantis shrimp edible?
The answer to this question is both yes and no. Mantis shrimp are technically edible, but they are not famous as a food source for humans. This is because they are tough to catch and prepare, and their small size means that there is not a lot of meat to eat.
Are mantis shrimp dangerous?
In addition, mantis shrimp have a powerful spike on their claws that can cause serious injury if not handled properly. As a result, most people choose to avoid eating mantis shrimp. However, in some parts of the world, such as Thailand, mantis shrimp are considered a delicacy. Just be careful of those claws if you are brave enough to try them!
How to cook mantis shrimp?
Steaming and boiling are two popular methods for cooking mantis shrimp, especially when you want to preserve their delicate flavor and texture. When steaming, you can add some aromatics like garlic, ginger, and lemon to the pot for added flavor.
Why are mantis shrimp so popular?
This dual identity highlights the complex relationships between food, culture, and socioeconomic status. Mantis shrimp are found in warm, shallow waters around the world, from the Caribbean to Southeast Asia. Some species are more abundant than others, making them easier to source and more sought after by culinary enthusiasts.
Are mantis shrimp a superfood?
In fact, they’re often considered a “superfood” due to their high levels of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Here are some of the key nutritional benefits of mantis shrimp: Mantis shrimp are an excellent source of protein, containing up to 30 grams per 100 grams of meat.