As a seafood lover and adventurous home cook, I’m always seeking out new and interesting types of seafood to try. Recently, I came across mantis shrimp at my local fish market and was intrigued. These alien-looking crustaceans with large, powerful claws aren’t commonly seen on American dinner plates, so I did some digging to find out more.
In this article, I’ll share everything I learned about eating mantis shrimp: where they come from, what they taste like, how to cook them properly, and whether they’re safe to eat. Read on for the complete guide to this unique seafood!
What Exactly Are Mantis Shrimp?
Mantis shrimp are a type of marine crustacean that get their name from their resemblance to a praying mantis. There are over 450 species found in shallow, tropical and subtropical waters around the world.
They have an elongated segmented body large bulbous eyes, and two raptorial front claws. These claws are incredibly powerful and can strike with the speed of a .22 caliber bullet! They use these claws to attack prey and defend themselves.
Are Mantis Shrimp Edible for Humans?
While not commonly eaten in many western countries, mantis shrimp are consumed and even considered a delicacy in certain Asian and African regions. Places where they are regularly eaten include Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Southern China.
So yes, mantis shrimp are perfectly edible for humans when handled and prepared properly! Their meat is sweet and resembles lobster or shrimp.
Taste, Texture, and Flavor Profile
The meat of the mantis shrimp has a mild, sweet flavor and a tender texture. It’s often described as tasting like a cross between shrimp and lobster or shrimp and scallops.
When cooked, the flesh is white, a little chewy, and somewhat flaky. It has a subtle briny seafood taste. The tail meat is the sweetest part.
The flavor is versatile enough that it can adapt well to a variety of seasonings and cuisines. It takes to spicy flavors especially well.
Ways to Cook Mantis Shrimp
There are several great options for cooking mantis shrimp
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Boiling or steaming: This is the quickest and simplest preparation. Bring water or broth to a boil, add shrimp, and cook briefly just until opaque, 2-3 minutes.
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Grilling: Mantis shrimp work well for grilling, skewers, or the barbecue. Brush with oil and cook 2-4 minutes per side.
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Sautéing or stir frying: Toss shelled shrimp in a hot pan with oil or butter and sauté for 2-3 minutes until just cooked through.
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Breading/frying: Bread shelled shrimp with panko or flour and shallow or deep fry until crispy and golden brown.
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Baked: Place seasoned shrimp on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 5-7 minutes.
No matter your cooking method, be very careful not to overcook mantis shrimp as they can become rubbery quickly. Just cook until opaque and warmed through.
Helpful Preparation and Handling Tips
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Separate the tail from the head before cooking, as the hard head and claws become inedible when cooked.
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Butterfly or slit shells before cooking to ensure heat penetrates insides.
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Peel away the thin shell after cooking when eating.
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Be extremely cautious when handling live shrimp—watch out for those lightning fast claws!
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When raw, mantis shrimp meat needs to be consumed fresh or frozen right away for parasite safety.
Amazing Mantis Shrimp Recipes to Try
Once you get your hands on some fresh mantis shrimp, there are limitless delicious ways to eat them. Here are some of my favorite mantis shrimp recipes to try:
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Cajun grilled shrimp skewers with spicy Cajun seasoning
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Coconut curry mantis shrimp stir fry with basil and veggies
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Crispy fried mantis shrimp tacos with sriracha mayo
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Steamed mantis shrimp with garlic butter dipping sauce
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Spicy mantis shrimp tempura with Japanese dipping sauces
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Lemongrass and ginger mantis shrimp soup
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Mantis shrimp ceviche ‘cooked’ in citrus juice
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Thai mantis shrimp salad with mango and mint
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Grilled mantis shrimp bánh mì sandwich
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Baked mac and cheese with crispy mantis shrimp on top
Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with your own recipes! The sweet brininess of mantis shrimp pairs well with lots of global flavors.
Are Mantis Shrimp Safe to Eat?
Yes, mantis shrimp are totally safe to eat when properly handled. There are a few safety guidelines to follow:
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Ensure they are very fresh – eat raw or cooked immediately. Discard any with off odors.
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Separate the edible tail from the inedible head before eating.
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Cook fully to an internal temperature of 145°F to destroy any potential parasites or bacteria. Do not eat raw.
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Take care to avoid puncture wounds from the sharp pointed claws when handling live shrimp.
As long as these rules are followed, mantis shrimp are a nutritious and tasty seafood option! For adventurous seafood eaters, they offer an exciting new culinary experience.
How to Eat Mantis Shrimp?
Can you eat mantis shrimp raw?
This is particularly prevalent in Japanese cuisine, where the mantis shrimp is consumed either raw or cooked as sashimi or as a sushi topper. If you intend to serve the mantis shrimp whole, you can break open the shell along the belly to easily access its deliciousness. Read on to learn more about this critter! What is Mantis Shrimp?
Can one eat raw shrimps?
While raw shrimp or shrimp sashimi can be consumed safely, raw shrimp is considered a high-risk food because it can harbour harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and various Vibrio bacteria. Although some people consider the seafood used in ceviche raw, it is actually cooked by immersing it in an acid rather than using heat. The acid from the citrus can reduce harmful bacteria but it is not as effective as using heat. The safest approach would be to consume only cooked shrimp from a reliable source. The US Food and Drug Administration(FDA) advises that pregnant women, those with weakened immunity, older adults, and young children are at higher risk of foodborne illness and its consequences and should avoid all raw seafood.
Are mantis shrimp good?
If the reviews of reputable food bloggers and chefs of Asian cuisine are believed, mantis shrimp are delectable. The mouthwatering taste is sufficient compensation, even though they can need some pressure and skilled handling to reach the inner core.
Where can you eat mantis shrimp?
In the Mediterranean countries, the mantis shrimp Squilla mantis is a common seafood, especially on the Adriatic coasts ( canocchia) and the Gulf of Cádiz ( galera ). In the Philippines, the mantis shrimp is known as tatampal, hipong-dapa, pitik-pitik, or alupihang-dagat, and is cooked and eaten like any other shrimp.