Does Mantis Shrimp Taste Good? A Seafood Lover’s Guide to This Exotic Delicacy

Hey there! I’m Thomas, a seafood enthusiast and food blogger who’s always on the hunt for unique ocean delicacies. Today, I’m gonna share my fascinating journey exploring the taste and preparation of mantis shrimp – a creature that’s been catching my eye at local fish markets lately.

What in the World is a Mantis Shrimp?

Before we dive into the taste let me tell ya what these little guys actually are. Mantis shrimp are these amazing marine crustaceans that come in a rainbow of colors – we’re talking peach, blue green, and red. They’re part of the same family as crabs and lobsters, but with some pretty cool features

• Grows up to 15 inches long
• Has huge bulging eyes (like seriously huge!)
• Packs a powerful punch with their front legs (as strong as a .22 caliber bullet – no joke!)
• Lives in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide

So… How Does Mantis Shrimp Taste?

Here’s the juicy part you’ve been waiting for! After trying mantis shrimp prepared several ways, I can tell you they’re actually pretty darn tasty. The meat has:

• A sweet, delicate flavor similar to lobster
• Tender texture, especially in mid-body segments
• Subtle briny taste that reminds you of the ocean
• Light, refreshing quality that’s not too overpowering

Best Ways to Cook These Bad Boys

Through my kitchen experiments, I’ve found these cooking methods work best

1. Boiling/Steaming

   • Best for preserving natural flavors
   • Can cook with or without shell
   • Keeps meat tender and moist

2. Grilling

   • Adds awesome smoky flavor
   • Watch cooking time to avoid toughness
   • Great with simple seasonings

3. Sautéing

   • Quick and easy method
   • Maintains natural sweetness
   • Perfect for garlic butter sauce

4. Deep Frying

   • Creates crispy exterior
   • Tender inside
   • Amazing with batter or breadcrumbs

The Tricky Parts About Eating Mantis Shrimp

Look, I gotta be honest – there are some challenges with these creatures:

• They’re pretty hard to catch (they hide in muddy holes)
• Those powerful claws can be dangerous if you’re not careful
• There isn’t tons of meat on them
• Getting meat out of the shell takes some work
• They can be pricey ($15-30 per pound)

Health Stuff You Should Know

Before you run out to buy some, keep these things in mind:

• High in cholesterol (like most shellfish)
• Can cause allergic reactions if you’re sensitive to shellfish
• Need proper storage to avoid food poisoning
• Might contain toxins if caught near coral reefs

My Favorite Mantis Shrimp Recipe

Here’s a simple recipe I love that brings out their best flavor:

Garlic Butter Mantis Shrimp

What you’ll need:

• Fresh mantis shrimp
• Butter
• Garlic
• Lemongrass
• Chili (optional)
• Salt and pepper

Steps:

1. Clean the shrimp thoroughly
2. Heat butter in pan
3. Add minced garlic and lemongrass
4. Sauté shrimp until just cooked
5. Season to taste
6. Serve over rice or pasta

Where to Find Them

In North America and Europe, you’ll mostly find these at:

• Fine seafood markets
• Asian grocery stores
• Some specialty fish markets

Bottom Line – Are They Worth Trying?

In my honest opinion – YES! While they’re not the easiest seafood to prepare, mantis shrimp offer a unique and delicious eating experience. The sweet, tender meat is unlike anything else from the ocean, and when cooked right, they’re absolutely delicious.

Just remember to source them from reliable suppliers and handle with care (those claws ain’t playing around!). If you’re a seafood lover looking to try something new, give these fascinating creatures a shot. You might just discover your new favorite seafood!

Have you ever tried mantis shrimp? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!

Would you like me to explain or break down any part of the article further?