With their punching raptorial claws and colorful bodies, mantis shrimp are popular marine animals in home reef tanks. However, mantis shrimp are also edible and enjoyed as seafood in several parts of the world. So do people really eat mantis shrimp? Let’s take a deep dive into the culinary world of this feisty crustacean.
Before examining mantis shrimp as food, let’s start with a quick overview of what they are.
Mantis shrimp, also called stomatopods, are marine crustaceans that live in tropical and sub-tropical waters worldwide. There are over 450 mantis shrimp species identified so far.
These shrimp get their name from the raptorial front legs that resemble the grasping arms of a praying mantis Mantis shrimp use these legs to smash and spear prey with incredible speed and force
In terms of appearance, mantis shrimp have elongated bodies up to 15 inches long. They come in a rainbow of colors like vibrant greens, electric blues, and deep burgundies. Some species are brilliantly patterned as well.
While most mantis shrimp live in cavities on the seafloor, a handful of species burrow into the sediment. All are aggressive predators that play an important role in their ecosystems.
Now let’s look at mantis shrimp through the lens of seafood and culinary appeal
Do People Eat Mantis Shrimp?
Yes, mantis shrimp are eaten by humans in several parts of the world, especially in Asia and certain Mediterranean regions. However, they are not a mainstream seafood item in most Western cuisines.
The mantis shrimp’s reputation is somewhat split between being seen as a tasty delicacy and a rarely eaten nuisance. Here are some key points on the “edibility spectrum” of mantis shrimp:
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Highly prized seafood in parts of Asia – Japan, Thailand, Indonesia etc. Eaten boiled, grilled etc. Considered a delicacy when very fresh.
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Eaten in some Mediterranean regions – Italy, Greece, Turkey. Used in dishes like bouillabaisse. Valued for sweet lobster-like flavor.
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Low popularity or avoided in much of Europe, Americas. Considered too small and tricky to eat. Lack mainstream appeal.
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Caught accidentally by fishermen seeking more lucrative catches like shrimp. Often tossed back or used as bait.
How Do You Catch and Prepare Mantis Shrimp?
Getting from the ocean to the dinner plate takes a bit more work with mantis shrimp than typical seafood. Here is the harvesting and prep process:
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Mantis shrimp are caught via traps, nets, or as bycatch from shrimping. They lack large enough populations for major commercial fishing.
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Once caught, their hard shell and spiked raptorial claws require labor-intensive processing by hand to remove.
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The edible tail meat is usually boiled, steamed or grilled. The small size yields only a bite or two of flesh per shrimp.
So mantis shrimp require more effort to catch and prepare compared to large shrimp or crab. This factors into their niche status – they simply aren’t efficient mainstream seafood. But for devoted fans, the reward of sweet tender meat is worth the extra work.
What Does Mantis Shrimp Taste Like?
The flavor of mantis shrimp has been described as delicate, sweet and similar to lobster or crab. The tender texture is part of the appeal.
When perfectly fresh, mantis shrimp offer a subtle sweetness paired with the quintessential briny ocean flavor. Overcooking or using frozen shrimp can make the meat rubbery.
Food experts emphasize eating mantis shrimp extremely fresh. Their small size means the flesh can spoil quickly without proper rapid chilling. Freshness brings out the sublime flavors that earn mantis shrimp gourmet status in Asia.
Nutritional Value of Mantis Shrimp
Beyond the tasty flavor, mantis shrimp offer excellent nutrition. They provide high-quality protein with essential amino acids.
Some key nutrients found in a 3 ounce cooked portion of mantis shrimp:
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Protein – 16 grams, 32% DV. Contains muscle-building amino acids.
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Selenium – 56 mcg, 102% DV. Boosts thyroid function and immunity.
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Vitamin B12 – 2 mcg, 33% DV. Essential for nerve tissue and red blood cells.
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Phosphorus – 285 mg, 28% DV. Supports bone health and metabolism.
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Copper – 0.2 mg, 22% DV. Required for iron absorption and nerve conduction.
So mantis shrimp pack a big nutritional punch in a small package. They deliver ample protein along with key minerals like selenium, phosphorus and copper.
Are There Any Risks to Eating Mantis Shrimp?
There are no major health risks linked to eating mantis shrimp. However, their potential to cause minor injuries merits caution:
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The sharp, spiked front claws can inflict painful cuts if handled live or whole. Cooked meat is safe.
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Eating undercooked or raw mantis shrimp poses a minor risk of infection or parasites. Always cook thoroughly.
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People with shellfish allergies may react to mantis shrimp since it is closely related to shrimp.
Just use care when handling whole mantis shrimp. Cook thoroughly and take normal seafood allergy precautions. The meat itself is safe and nutritious to eat when prepared properly.
How to Cook Mantis Shrimp
When cooking mantis shrimp, quick methods are best to preserve moisture and flavor. Popular cooking methods include:
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Boiling – Drop live shrimp into boiling salted water just until opaque, 2-3 minutes. Retains moisture well.
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Steaming – Place shrimp in a steamer basket. Steam for 4-5 minutes until flesh turns opaque.
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Grilling – Toss shelled shrimp in oil and grill over high heat for 1-2 minutes per side. Gets nice char.
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Sautéing – Cook shelled shrimp on high heat in olive oil for 1-2 minutes per side. Stay close to prevent overcooking.
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Frying – Coat in starch and deep fry briefly at 375°F until crispy exterior with tender inner flesh.
The small size of mantis shrimp means they cook rapidly. Quick cooking helps maintain the delicate texture that balances their sweet brininess.
Global Cuisines Featuring Mantis Shrimp
Let’s survey some favorite mantis shrimp dishes around the world:
Thailand – Boiled mantis shrimp called kung krathong are eaten whole as a popular snack with chili sauce. Mantis shrimp also appear in curries.
Japan – Live shrimp called shako are a premium sushi topping. Also served as tempura. Highly sought for quality and freshness.
Italy – Mantis shrimp called canocchie are used in seafood risottos, pastas, and cioppino-style stews.
Indonesia – Very popular grilled, skewerd and served with sambal chili paste. Also used in omelets.
Philippines – Tatampal or alupihang dagat are fried, made into fritters or simmered in coconut milk.
So while mantis shrimp lack mainstream seafood status in the West, they are prized culinarily in many parts of Asia and the Mediterranean.
Is Mantis Shrimp Worth Eating?
Whether mantis shrimp is “worth” eating depends on personal tastes and context.
Pros
- Delicate sweet lobster-like flavor
- Tender texture when fresh
- Nutritious and high in protein
Cons
- Very small edible portion
- Labor intensive prep
- Not efficient as mass seafood
For lovers of unique seafood, mantis shrimp are a tasty treat and can be part of gourmet dishes. But they require more work than typical shrimp or crab. Catching and cooking mantis shrimp takes commitment to their unusual merits.
