Hey there! I’m super excited to share my complete guide on cooking mantis shrimp As someone who’s cooked these fascinating creatures countless times, I gotta tell ya – they’re not as intimidating as they look! Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make perfect mantis shrimp at home.
What Are Mantis Shrimp?
Before we jump into cooking, lemme tell you something interesting – these guys aren’t actually shrimp! They’re special crustaceans known as “thumb splitters” or “prawn killers” (scary names, I know!). But don’t worry, once cooked, they’re absolutely delicious with a sweet, lobster-like flavor that’s totally worth the effort
Buying Guide: Getting the Best Mantis Shrimp
Here’s what I always look for when shopping
-
Freshness signs:
- Clear, bulging eyes
- Firm, intact shells without cracks
- Mild ocean smell (run away if it’s super fishy!)
- Active movement if buying live ones
-
Where to buy:
- Asian markets
- Specialty seafood shops
- Some fish markets
Pro tip: Plan for about 4-6 ounces per person. Trust me, people always want seconds!
Preparation Steps
Thawing (if frozen)
-
Refrigerator method (best choice):
- Place in fridge for 24-36 hours
- Keep in original packaging
-
Quick method:
- Submerge in cold water
- Change water every 30 mins
- Never use microwave (seriously, just don’t!)
Cleaning
- Put on thick gloves (these little guys are strong!)
- Cut along bottom shell with kitchen shears
- Remove digestive tract
- Rinse under cold water
- Pat dry with paper towels
5 Awesome Ways to Cook Mantis Shrimp
1. Steaming (My Favorite Method!)
- Time: 5-7 minutes
- Steps:
- Bring water to boil in steamer
- Place shrimp in single layer
- Steam until shells turn bright orange
- Serve with your fave dipping sauce
2. Grilling
- Time: 3-4 minutes per side
- Steps:
- Brush with oil
- Season with salt and pepper
- Grill on medium-high heat
- Watch for orange shell color change
3. Stir-Frying
- Time: 2-3 minutes
- Steps:
- Heat wok until smoking hot
- Add oil and aromatics
- Toss shrimp quickly
- Add sauce at end
4. Deep Frying
- Time: 2-3 minutes
- Steps:
- Heat oil to 350°F
- Dip in batter if desired
- Fry until golden
- Drain on paper towels
5. Poaching
- Time: 3-5 minutes
- Steps:
- Use seasoned broth
- Keep liquid at gentle simmer
- Cook until meat turns opaque
- Remove immediately
Tasty Sauce Pairings
Ya can’t have mantis shrimp without awesome sauces! Here are my top picks:
- Garlic butter sauce
- Chili-lime vinaigrette
- Ginger-soy dipping sauce
- Sweet chili sauce
- Chipotle crema
Storage Tips
-
Fridge storage:
- Cooked: 2-3 days max
- Raw: 1-2 days only
- Keep in airtight container
-
Freezer storage:
- Up to 3 months
- Wrap well to prevent freezer burn
- Label with date
Common Cooking Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking (makes ’em tough and rubbery)
- Not cleaning properly
- Using too high heat
- Forgetting to wear gloves when handling raw
- Thawing at room temperature
Recipe Ideas to Try
-
Mantis Shrimp Tacos
- Grilled shrimp
- Cabbage slaw
- Avocado
- Chipotle sauce
-
Garlic Linguine with Mantis Shrimp
- Fresh pasta
- Lots of garlic
- White wine sauce
- Fresh herbs
-
Asian-Style Fried Rice
- Day-old rice
- Scrambled eggs
- Veggies
- Sesame oil
Final Thoughts
Cooking mantis shrimp might seem tricky at first, but it’s actually pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. The key is not to overthink it – just keep it simple and let their natural sweetness shine through.
Remember, practice makes perfect! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cooking methods and seasonings until you find your favorite way to prepare these tasty crustaceans.
Can you eat mantis shrimp raw?
While these shrimp can definitely be eaten raw, it is essential to exercise caution.
Their meat is tender and sweet, similar to lobster, making it suitable for sashimi or ceviche. However, consuming raw mantis shrimp carries some risks.
These crustaceans may harbor parasites or bacteria, so it is advisable to freeze them at -20°C (-4°F) for a few days to kill any potential pathogens. This is advisable with most crustaceans and types of fish, whether they’re freshly caught or purchased frozen from a local supermarket.
Additionally, ensure that the shrimp is super fresh and sourced from clean waters.
If you decide to try it raw, enjoy this delicacy with soy sauce, wasabi or other accompaniments!
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!
Mantis Shrimp Recipe: Salt And Pepper Style
FAQ
Is a mantis shrimp good to eat?
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.
How do you cook mantis shrimp?
That’s all the prep needed for most cooking methods. Mantis shrimp shine with quick, hot cooking methods to bring out their inherent sweetness: Grilling – Toss shrimp in olive oil and spices. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side over high heat. Sauteing – Heat oil in a pan over high heat. Cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until opaque.
Can you stir fry mantis shrimp?
Stir-fry the mantis shrimp: For a flavorful and stir-fried dish, heat a small amount of oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Add the mantis shrimp and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the shells turn pink and the meat is opaque. You can also add vegetables and seasonings of your choice to create a delicious stir-fry. Can You Cook Mantis Shrimp?
How to cook Vietnamese mantis shrimp?
There are several ways to cook Vietnamese Mantis Shrimp, each bringing out its unique flavors and textures. Here are some popular cooking methods: Grilling: Grilling the Mantis Shrimp over an open flame imparts a smoky flavor and caramelizes the meat, creating a delicious charred crust.
How to eat fresh 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.
How do you marinate mantis shrimp before cooking?
Marinate the mantis shrimp: To enhance the flavor of the mantis shrimp, consider marinating it before cooking. You can use a simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Let the mantis shrimp marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. 4.
What is a mantis shrimp?
In fact, they were mantis shrimp, a marine crustacean named for its resemblance to the praying mantis. Mantis shrimp show up as a sushi topping, are boiled whole, and eaten out of the shell, and appear in various Mediterranean cuisines (in Italy, they are Canocchie ). I tossed a couple of the suckers into a pot of boiling water.