Where to Find and Buy Mantis Shrimp for Cooking and Eating

Mantis shrimp, also known as squilla or prawns, are a unique and delicious type of crustacean worth seeking out. But with their growing popularity, you may be wondering – where can I buy mantis shrimp to cook at home? Though not always easy to find, they are available from certain specialty stores and fish markets. Read on for tips on where to source these tasty claws!

What are Mantis Shrimp?

Before we dive into where to buy them, let’s look at exactly what mantis shrimp are.

• Mantis shrimp belong to the crustacean family, along with shrimp, lobsters, and crabs There are over 450 species.

• They are marine animals found in tropical and subtropical coastal waters around the world.

• Given their name due to resembling a praying mantis in shape, they have large, raptorial front legs to grasp prey.

• Ranging from 3 to 12 inches long, they have club-like front appendages packing a powerful punch. Their strike is one of the fastest in the animal kingdom!

• Mantis shrimp boast eye-catching colors like vibrant greens, reds, oranges, and blues. Some species glow in the dark!

• While related to shrimp and lobsters, they have their own unique sweet, briny, tender taste and meaty texture when cooked.

Where to Buy Mantis Shrimp

Now that you know a bit about these colorful crustaceans. let’s explore some of the best places to buy them

Local Fish Markets

Your first stop in the hunt for mantis shrimp should be local fish markets and mongers, especially those serving Asian communities. Good seafood markets will have daily deliveries and a wide, rotating selection. The key is frequenting shops with high turnover to find the freshest catches. You may find mantis shrimp at the following types of specialty fish stores:

• Asian supermarkets with live seafood tanks – Popular picks are Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino, and Thai grocery stores. Check the tanks for unfamiliar, lively shrimp-like creatures.

• Seafood markets in port cities – Shops near major fishing ports and docks often have first pick of the daily catch.

• Premium fishmongers – Upscale seafood purveyors and fish markets in major metros frequently carry hard-to-find seafood like mantis shrimp.

• Wet markets – These vibrant open-air markets with fresh meats, seafood and produce are common in Asian cities. Vendors may have mantis shrimp for sale.

• Local fishermen – If you live in a coastal town, local fishing boats may be willing to sell you mantis shrimp directly.

Online Seafood Retailers

If striking out at local fish markets, your next option is to look for mantis shrimp from online seafood retailers that ship nationwide:

• Vietnamese Foods Online – This specialty grocer sells frozen mantis shrimp wild-caught from Vietnam. They come head-on or peeled.

• Seattle Fish Company – The site has live mantis shrimp available for overnight shipping. They also sell frozen.

• Redistribution Foods International – Restaurant supplier offering frozen mantis shrimp tails online.

• Trawler Direct – Sources sustainable seafood, including frozen mantis shrimp when available.

• Fulton Fish Market – The famous NYC market’s online shop carries fresh and frozen mantis shrimp depending on season.

Asian Supermarkets

If you don’t live near a specialty fish market, many larger Asian grocery store chains may carry frozen mantis shrimp:

• H Mart – This Korean market chain stocks an array of frozen seafood. Check for mantis shrimp in the freezer case.

• 99 Ranch Market – With an extensive seafood selection, this Chinese grocer may have mantis shrimp at some locations.

• Hong Kong Supermarket – Some outposts of this Chinese chain feature frozen mantis shrimp. Call ahead to check availability.

• Seafood City – Large Filipino grocery stores like this are worth checking for frozen mantis shrimp.

• Vietnamese, Thai and other local Asian markets – Don’t overlook smaller local Asian grocers, which sometimes have surprise seafood finds.

Restaurant Suppliers

For bulk quantities, try restaurant and food service suppliers:

• Sysco – This major restaurant supplier sometimes stocks frozen mantis shrimp depending on location.

• US Foods – Similar to Sysco, this food service company may offer frozen mantis shrimp seasonally.

• Local restaurant suppliers – Check with independent restaurant supply companies in your area. They may special order mantis shrimp.

Online Forums

Another tactic is to keep an eye out on community boards and forums for leads:

• Reddit groups – Join your city or state’s subreddit and ask about specialty markets that stock mantis shrimp. Locals may have tips.

• Chowhound – Post on these food boards asking for mantis shrimp sources near you. Fellow chowhounds often have unique market intel.

• Facebook Groups – Join regional food and cooking groups and inquire about mantis shrimp availability. Someone may have a lead.

• Nextdoor – Ask neighbors directly by posting on hyperlocal Nextdoor groups to crowdsource sources.

Fishing

If all else fails, you may need to go straight to the source and fish for mantis shrimp yourself! Some options:

• Shore fishing – Use baited traps from coastal piers and jetties where mantis shrimp dwell.

• Wading – Wade into shallow warm waters with small nets to try to catch mantis shrimp.

• Snorkeling – Spot mantis shrimp beds while snorkeling over coral reefs and rocky areas. Capture by hand or net.

• Scuba diving – Dive down further to hunt for mantis shrimp around rock crevices and ocean floor holes where they hide.

• Hiring a fishing boat – Book a boat trip with local anglers experienced at finding and catching mantis shrimp.

When and How to Buy Mantis Shrimp

Follow these tips to select the best mantis shrimp:

• Live – Choose active shrimp with intact limbs and bright colors. Make sure they are alert and strong.

• Fresh – Whole mantis shrimp should look glossy and firm with no darkening or dried areas. Eyes should be clear.

• Frozen – Opt for frozen-at-sea shrimp with minimal damage. Shells should not show signs of drying or yellowing.

• Cooked – Precooked shrimp should be glistening and plump. Reject any with dry, cracked meat.

• Shelf Life – Buy live shrimp the same day as eating. Unfrozen fresh shrimp keeps 2 days max. Frozen shrimp lasts 4 months in the freezer.

• Quantity – Allow at least 1/3 to 1/2 pound per person when buying raw mantis shrimp. Their meat weight is about 35-40% of the total raw amount.

Storing Mantids Shrimp

Once home, handle mantis shrimp carefully:

• Keep live shrimp in a bucket or chiller with ice packs changed regularly. Use within the same day.

• Place fresh shrimp in the coldest part of the fridge in a bowl on ice. Use within 1-2 days.

• Bag frozen shrimp securely to prevent freezer burn. Freeze up to 4 months at 0°F. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

• Cooked shrimp keeps in the fridge 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Cooking and Eating Mantis Shrimp

Now comes the fun part – cooking and eating your prized mantis shrimp! Here are some serving ideas:

• Grill or saute in butter, olive oil or coconut oil – add salt, lemon and herbs

• Stir fry with vegetables and serve over rice

• Steam or boil briefly, then dip in spicy sauce

• Roast in oven basted with garlic-herb butter

• Saute and toss with pasta, tomatoes, white wine and Parmesan

• Skewer for shrimp kabobs seasoned with chili powder

• Bread and fry for crunchy shrimp tacos topped with lime crema

• Make shrimp cocktail with poached or grilled shrimp

• Bake into empanadas, pot pies or casseroles

• Prepare ceviche or lettuce wraps with poached shrimp

• Mix into seafood stew, bisque, jambalaya or paella

With their sweet, succulent meat and stunning colors, mantis shrimp are a seafood splurge worth tracking down. We hope these tips help you find and taste these amazing crustaceans. Let us know if you spot them at any unexpected locations!