Delightful World of Mantis Shrimp: Selection, Nutrition, and Delicious Recipes
In the present day, mantis shrimp is a type of seafood that many families prefer to consume. Despite their appearance, these marine creatures are a rich source of nutrition for the body. The firm and sweet flesh of mantis shrimp has pleased numerous diners both domestically and internationally.
I. How to choose fresh and delicious mantis shrimp
Mantis shrimp is known as the national shrimp due to its delicious flavor, ease of preparation, and affordable price. Dishes made from mantis shrimp are very popular in Vietnam and suit the taste buds of all Vietnamese people. However, do you know how to choose the right mantis shrimp? Let’s refer to the following tips from KINGFISH!
Fresh mantis shrimp have slightly curved bodies, which is a natural characteristic of the species. If you encounter mantis shrimp with straight bodies that have not been processed, you should avoid buying them. These could be mantis shrimp that have been thawed multiple times or injected with harmful chemicals, causing their bodies to become stiff and floppy.
To differentiate fresh mantis shrimp, pay attention to their dark, shiny shells. If you see a slimy substance, do not buy them, as it is a sign of shrimp injected with harmful substances. Additionally, the joint between the head and body of the mantis shrimp should be carefully observed. Fresh mantis shrimp have these joints tightly attached, with their shells being firm and dark.
Nutritional value of mantis shrimp
Mantis shrimp provides abundant protein
Scientific research has shown that 100g of fresh mantis shrimp meat contains 18.4g of protein. Besides milk and eggs, mantis shrimp is one of the seafood with very high protein content.
Mantis shrimp contains a lot of vitamin B12
100g of fresh mantis shrimp meat also contains 18.4g of vitamin B12. This vitamin plays a crucial role in energy metabolism, protein synthesis, and more in the body.
Mantis shrimp is rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 is a crucial element, especially for children. Increasing omega-3 intake for children helps enhance memory and brain development. For adults, it helps reduce body fatigue and promotes healthy skin.
Mantis shrimp is an important source of calcium
Mantis shrimp provides a significant amount of calcium for the body. In 100g of mantis shrimp, there is up to 200mg of calcium. Calcium is essential for strong bone development, reducing joint inflammation, and preventing bone loss. Notably, it’s the mantis shrimp meat that provides the primary source of calcium, not the shrimp shells.
Mantis shrimp supplies selenium to the body
Every day, our bodies need a supply of selenium. Many people may not be aware of the benefits of selenium, but it is a chemical that helps prevent cancer. Supplementing with selenium also helps eliminate toxins from the body.
Preparing mantis shrimp
Not only is choosing fresh mantis shrimp important, but how you prepare them after purchase also determines the quality of your dish. With a little skill and attention to detail, you can perfectly prepare this fresh seafood.
Mantis shrimp has a distinctive fishy odor. To eliminate this issue, rinse the mantis shrimp thoroughly with salt or soak them with lemongrass. This will effectively remove the fishy smell.
The head of mantis shrimp has sharp iron-like whiskers. To ensure safety during preparation and consumption, use scissors to cut off these whiskers. Additionally, the process of removing the mantis shrimp’s intestinal thread should be carried out carefully to ensure they are entirely clean. You can peel off the shrimp’s shell and then make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp until you can access the intestinal thread.
Delicious dishes made from mantis shrimp
With its numerous nutrients, mantis shrimp is used to create a variety of delicious and familiar dishes for daily consumption. Some popular dishes include mantis shrimp in garlic butter sauce, mantis shrimp salad, salt-steamed mantis shrimp, mantis shrimp tempura, and more.
How to make mantis shrimp tempura
After purchasing mantis shrimp, you need to peel them, remove the back thread, and season them with spices. Mix tempura batter with water to create a slightly thick mixture. Dip the mantis shrimp into the tempura batter and then roll them in breadcrumbs. Fry the shrimp until they turn golden brown, and you will have mantis shrimp tempura.
How to make garlic butter mantis shrimp
Clean the mantis shrimp, remove the back thread, and cut a slit along the back. Mix softened butter with lime juice, garlic, and finely chopped cilantro. Spread this mixture onto the mantis shrimp. Place the mantis shrimp in the oven, set the temperature to 180°C, and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Arrange the cooked shrimp on a plate and enjoy.
How to make salt-steamed mantis shrimp
Clean the mantis shrimp, remove the whiskers, and rinse them. Prepare lemongrass cut into segments and thinly sliced lime. Sprinkle salt in the middle of a pot and place the lemongrass on top. Then, heat the pot on low heat for about 3 minutes to make it hot. Next, add the mantis shrimp to the pot and steam for about 5 minutes. Afterward, add a few slices of lime and 2 tablespoons of white wine, then steam for another 10 minutes and turn off the heat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this article has addressed various aspects of mantis shrimp, including how to choose them, their nutritional value, and some delicious recipes. Thank you for your continued support and stay tuned for the latest news from KINGFISH!
