does mantis shrimp taste good

Uncovering the Mysterious Flavor of Mantis Shrimp

As a seafood lover and amateur chef I’m always seeking out unique ingredients to experiment with in the kitchen. Recently I became fascinated with the mantis shrimp after spotting it at my local fish market. Driven by curiosity about this exotic crustacean, I decided to find out – does mantis shrimp actually taste good?

What Exactly is a Mantis Shrimp?

For starters, mantis shrimp are marine creatures that belong to the crustacean family, along with crabs, lobsters and shrimp. There are over 450 mantis shrimp species spanning vibrant colors like peach, blue, green and red.

These shrimp have a distinctive appearance, with large bulging eyes, a flattened tail and powerful raptorial front legs used to strike prey. Growing up to 15 inches long, they inhabit tropical and subtropical waters worldwide.

While small, mantis shrimp pack a mighty punch with their clublike front limbs. They can deliver lightning-fast underwater blows rivaling a .22 caliber bullet! Now that’s an intense shrimp.

Is Mantis Shrimp Edible for Humans?

Next question – can you actually eat mantis shrimp? Well, humans do consume them in several Asian and South Pacific countries. However, mantis shrimp are not a mainstream seafood in most parts of the world.

The biggest impediments to widespread consumption are:

• Difficulty catching – Mantis shrimp burrow in muddy holes, making them a challenge to harvest.
• Dangerous claws – Those powerful front legs can inflict painful gashes if handled incorrectly.
• Small size – Not much edible meat on these petite crustaceans.
• Preparation labor – Their hard shells require work to extract the delicate meat.

So mantis shrimp don’t offer the convenient, plentiful meat of shrimp or crab. But fans of esoteric seafood may find them worth the effort. Let’s look closer at the taste.

Unveiling the Flavor Profile of Mantis Shrimp

So what does mantis shrimp actually taste like? Well, they offer a sweet, delicate flavor somewhat resembling lobster or shrimp. The meat is tender, especially from mid-body segments. With their subtle brininess, mantis shrimp provide a refreshing taste of the sea.

Effective cooking methods include:

• Boiling/Steaming – Helps gently coax flavor from the shrimp. Shell on or shelled.

• Grilling – Brings out bolder, smokier notes but can toughen meat if overcooked.

• Sautéing – Quick cooking to retain moisture and highlight natural sweetness.

• Deep frying – Crispy exterior with tender interior. Works well with batter/breadcrumbs.

For ideal texture, take care not to overcook mantis shrimp, as the meat can become rubbery. Complements to bring out their sweetness include garlic, ginger, lemongrass, chilies and citrus.

Potential Downsides to Eating Mantis Shrimp

While flavorsome, be aware mantis shrimp also pose some cautions:

• High cholesterol – Like other shellfish, mantis shrimp are high in dietary cholesterol. Those with heart disease should enjoy in moderation.

• Food poisoning risk – Improper storage can lead to bacteria growth and foodborne illnesses. Refrigerate thoroughly.

• Allergies – Shellfish allergies may preclude enjoying mantis shrimp. Beware potential reactions.

• Hidden toxins – Mantis shrimp inhabit coral reefs where ciguatera toxin accumulates. Toxins can concentrate in their tissues.

So provided you don’t have shellfish allergies and source high-quality mantis shrimp, they make an interesting meal. Let’s explore how to procure and prepare mantis shrimp.

Acquiring Your Own Mantis Shrimp

In North America and Europe, mantis shrimp are a specialty product found at fine seafood markets or Asian grocers. Prices range from $15-30 per pound. For the intrepid, you can try trapping or netting your own mantis shrimp if local regulations allow.

Key tips for purchasing include:

• Seek plump shrimp with undamaged shells and healthy coloration. Avoid blackened/damaged spots.

• Frozen mantis shrimp are commonly available and offer similar quality to fresh.

• For live shrimp, choose vigorous, energetic ones avoiding sluggish or dead specimens.

• Clean thoroughly to remove grit between shell segments. Remove poisonous spines under tail.

Let’s explore some tasty ways to prepare your shrimp bounty!

Mouthwatering Mantis Shrimp Recipes to Try

Once you’ve acquired some fresh mantis shrimp, here are some delectable recipe ideas:

• Garlic butter mantis shrimp – Sautéed shrimp in rich, garlic butter sauce over pasta or rice.

• Coconut curry mantis shrimp – Simmered in an aromatic coconut milk curry with vegetables.

• Mantis shrimp ceviche – “Cooked” in citrus juice, with avocado and bell peppers.

• Crispy battered mantis shrimp – With tempura batter or panko breadcrumbs. Serve with dipping sauce.

• Mantis shrimp tacos – Diced shrimp seasoned with lime, cilantro and chili powder, in soft tortillas.

• Mantis shrimp salad – Chilled boiled shrimp over mixed greens, mango and mint.

The options are endless for these exotic crustaceans! Adjust cooking times for softer or firmer textures.

Satisfying Your Curiosity About Mantis Shrimp

For seafood fans seeking a novel ingredient, mantis shrimp offer a sweet indulgence from the ocean depths. Their delicate flavor and meaty texture make for a surprisingly appetizing meal. Just take care to source high-quality shrimp and mitigate potential downsides.