Cooked Mantis Shrimp: A Delicious and Nutritious Seafood Delight

Mantis shrimp, also known as “prawn killers,” are a type of crustacean that are highly prized for their sweet and succulent meat. These creatures are found in the warm waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and are a popular seafood delicacy in many parts of the world. In this article, we will explore the nutritional benefits of cooked mantis shrimp, as well as some delicious recipes that you can try at home.

What is Mantis Shrimp?

Mantis shrimp are a type of marine crustacean that belong to the order Stomatopoda. They are found in the warm waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and are known for their striking colors and powerful claws. Mantis shrimp are also known for their incredible eyesight, which is considered to be the most complex in the animal kingdom.

Nutritional Benefits of Mantis Shrimp

Cooked mantis shrimp is a great source of protein, with a 3-ounce serving containing around 15 grams of protein. It is also low in fat and calories, making it a great choice for those who are watching their weight. Mantis shrimp is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, iron, and selenium.

How to Cook Mantis Shrimp

There are many ways to cook mantis shrimp, but one of the most popular methods is to steam them. To do this, you will need a steamer basket and a pot with a lid. Here’s how to do it:

1. Fill the pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a boil.
2. Place the steamer basket on top of the pot.
3. Add the mantis shrimp to the steamer basket.
4. Cover the pot with the lid and steam the shrimp for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
5. Remove the shrimp from the steamer basket and serve immediately.

Delicious Mantis Shrimp Recipes

Here are some delicious mantis shrimp recipes that you can try at home:

Mantis Shrimp Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 pound mantis shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
3. Add the garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
4. Add the mantis shrimp and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
5. Add the bell peppers and onion and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Pour the sauce over the shrimp and vegetables and stir-fry for another minute or two, until the sauce has thickened.
7. Serve hot with rice.

Mantis Shrimp Cakes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound mantis shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Place the mantis shrimp in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
3. In a large bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, parsley, salt, and pepper.
4. Form the mixture into small cakes, about 2 inches in diameter.
5. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Add the shrimp cakes and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown.
7. Transfer the shrimp cakes to a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
8. Serve hot with tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Conclusion

Cooked mantis shrimp is a delicious and nutritious seafood that is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer it steamed, stir-fried, or in a cake, mantis shrimp is a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. So why not give it a try and see for yourself why this seafood delicacy is so highly prized around the world?

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