What is Fantail Shrimp? A Complete Guide to this Delicious Seafood

Fantail shrimp are a popular type of shrimp known for their distinctive fan-shaped tails With their sweet, mild flavor and tender texture, these crustaceans make a tasty addition to seafood recipes But what exactly are fantail shrimp, and what is the best way to cook and enjoy them? This complete guide will tell you everything you need to know about fantail shrimp.

Fantail shrimp, also called butterfly shrimp get their name from the shape of their tails which spread out like a fan. Their scientific name is Hymenopenaeus Orientalis and they belong to the same family as other shrimp such as tiger shrimp and rock shrimp.

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, fantail shrimp are now farm-raised in many parts of the world including Southeast Asia, India, and Ecuador. Commercial fisheries catch wild fantail shrimp across their natural habitat.

These small- to medium-sized shrimp measure around 3-5 inches long. They have an elongated body that tapers towards the tail. The shell color ranges from light pink to deeper reddish-pink.

While not as large as prawns or tiger shrimp, fantail shrimp have a distinct sweet and mild taste. Their meat is tender and delicate. When cooked properly, the tail fan remains crispy providing a lovely crunch.

Fantail shrimp are low in calories and fat yet packed with protein. They also contain important nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, zinc, and astaxanthin which is a naturally occurring antioxidant.

With their versatility, nutrition profile and delicious flavor, it’s easy to see why fantail shrimp are so popular globally!

Buying and Storing Fantail Shrimp

When buying fantail shrimp, look for specimens that have a healthy appearance. The shells should look shiny with a bright color. The meat inside should be semi-translucent and there should be no blackened spots or foul odor.

For optimum freshness and flavor, it’s best to buy fantail shrimp the same day you plan to cook them. But they will keep for a day or two if stored properly in the refrigerator.

Here are some tips for storing fantail shrimp:

• Place the shrimp in a bowl and cover loosely with plastic wrap or a damp paper towel. This prevents them from drying out.

• Put the bowl in the coldest part of the refrigerator, which is usually the back.

• Cook within 1-2 days for best texture and taste.

• Do not freeze thawed shrimp. Freeze only unthawed shrimp in a single layer to prevent sticking.

• For long term freezing, wrap shrimp tightly in freezer bags or airtight containers. They will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer.

Proper storage preserves the quality and flavor of fantail shrimp. It reduces chances of spoilage so you can enjoy their sweet taste.

How to Cook Fantail Shrimp

The good news about fantail shrimp is that they work well in a variety of dishes. Their mild taste absorbs the flavors of sauces and seasonings easily. Here are some of the best ways to cook them:

Pan Frying

This simple, quick cooking method really lets the shrimp flavor shine. Coat the shrimp lightly in flour, corn starch or tempura batter. Heat up a skillet with oil or butter. When hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and fry for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, garlic, lemon juice or cajun spices.

Grilling

Fantail shrimp are perfect for grilling. Skewer the shrimp or place them in a grilling basket. Brush with olive oil and your choice of herbs, chili powder, paprika or cajun seasoning. Grill for just 2-3 minutes per side. The smoky flavor pairs so well with the sweet shrimp.

Sautéing

For an easy weeknight dinner, sauté fantail shrimp in olive oil or butter with garlic and herbs. Cook for 2-4 minutes until opaque. Season with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon. Serve the shrimp over pasta, rice or salad greens.

Baking

For a low-fuss meal, bake fantail shrimp in the oven. Toss them with olive oil, minced garlic, paprika and pepper. Spread out on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 5 minutes until cooked through. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Deep Frying

Crispy deep-fried shrimp is a tasty appetizer or main dish. For best results, coat the shrimp in a light tempura batter. Deep fry at 350-375°F for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Sprinkle with sea salt or dip in your choice of sauce.

Stir Frying

In a hot wok or skillet, stir fry fantail shrimp with sliced veggies like bell peppers, snap peas and bean sprouts. Add your favorite stir fry sauce and cook for just a couple minutes until the shrimp are opaque. Serve over steamed rice.

As you can see, cooking fantail shrimp is fast and easy. Just avoid overcooking them so they stay moist and tender.

Fantastic Fantail Shrimp Recipes to Try

Here are some appetizing recipes that showcase fantail shrimp:

Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Sauté the shrimp with plenty of minced garlic. Toss with linguine or spaghetti, olive oil, lemon juice, parsley and parmesan.

Coconut Shrimp Curry

Cook the shrimp in an aromatic Thai red or green curry sauce made with coconut milk. Serve over jasmine rice.

Shrimp Ceviche

Marinate raw shrimp in lime juice, chopped onions, tomatoes, cilantro and chili peppers for a refreshing ceviche.

Shrimp Tacos

Season fried shrimp with a spicy rub and fill soft tortillas along with crunchy cabbage, avocado and tangy salsa.

Shrimp Salad

Chill cooked shrimp and toss with crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, sliced almonds and a lemon vinaigrette.

Shrimp Scampi

Sauté shrimp with garlic, white wine, lemon, parsley and butter. Spoon over angel hair pasta.

Shrimp Banh Mi

Stuff a crusty Vietnamese baguette with fried shrimp, pickled carrots, cucumber, cilantro and Sriracha mayo.

Cajun Shrimp Boil

Spice up shell-on shrimp with Cajun seasoning and boil with sausage, corn and potatoes for a hearty meal.

The options are endless when cooking with fantail shrimp! From quick weeknight dinners to impressive entertaining fare, these recipes will satisfy any craving.

Health Benefits of Eating Fantail Shrimp

Aside from being delicious, fantail shrimp offer many nutritional perks. Here are some of the top health benefits of eating fantail shrimp:

• High in protein: Fantail shrimp provide about 18-20 grams of protein per 3 ounce serving. Protein supports muscle growth and keeps you feeling full.

• Low in calories: With only 80-100 calories in a 3 ounce portion, shrimp packs a nutritious punch without lots of calories.

• Rich in selenium: Fantail shrimp contain nearly 50% of your daily selenium needs per serving. This mineral boosts immunity and acts as an antioxidant.

• Source of vitamin B12: Vital for nerve function and energy levels, shrimp supply a sizable dose of vitamin B12.

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Shrimp contain omega-3s which are linked to heart health, brain function and reduced inflammation.

• Astaxanthin: This naturally occurring compound in shrimp has been shown to have antioxidant effects that may protect against oxidative damage.

• Bone health: The zinc in shrimp supports bone health and development.

For a lean protein that delivers essential nutrients, fantail shrimp are a smart choice. Enjoy them as part of a balanced, healthy diet.

Purchasing Sustainable Fantail Shrimp

With global shrimp consumption on the rise, it’s important to source fantail shrimp sustainably. Here’s what to look for when buying:

• MSC certified: The Marine Stewardship Council’s blue eco-label identifies seafood from responsible, sustainable fisheries.

• Aquaculture certified: Opt for farmed shrimp certified by groups like the Aquaculture Stewardship Council. This indicates responsible farming practices.

• Domestic sources: Buying U.S. farmed or wild-caught shrimp reduces the environmental impact of transportation.

• Seasonality: Ask your seller where the shrimp come from and buy seasonal varieties from closer regions.

• Traceability: Look for shrimp that is traceable back to the source fishery or farm.

While wild-caught shrimp may seem preferable, well-managed shrimp farms help protect wild populations and ecosystems. Follow these tips to enjoy sustainable fantail shrimp.

Fantail Shrimp Taste Delicious

With their delicate texture, mild sweetness and versatility in the kitchen, it’s easy to see why fantail shrimp are a cherished seafood ingredient across cuisines. When buying