Steamed Mantis Shrimp: A Special Weekend Lunch with Seasonal Seafood
Steamed Mantis Shrimp: A Special Weekend Lunch with Seasonal Seafood
Steamed Mantis Shrimp: Seasonal Seafood from May to August, Recommended for a Flavorful Weekend Lunch
Mantis shrimp are a delicacy, in season from spring to summer (May to August). Due to their sharp shells and spines, be careful not to injure your hands when handling them. This recipe introduces how to prepare steamed mantis shrimp, which boasts a unique appearance and a wonderfully delicate flavor.
Ingredients- Fresh Mantis Shrimp (in season)
- 1/2 cup Soju (for removing fishy odor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the mantis shrimp. Open the heavy bag and check that the mantis shrimp are lively and moving. This is the first step to ensure you have fresh seafood.
Step 2
Clean the mantis shrimp thoroughly. While some methods involve soaking them in saltwater immediately after opening the bag, here we’ll just rinse them lightly under running water to maintain freshness. Gently remove any debris from the shells.
Step 3
Place the mantis shrimp on the steamer once the steam rises. Fill the steamer with enough water and, once boiling, arrange the mantis shrimp neatly. Adding about half a cup of soju at this stage is recommended to eliminate any fishy smell and enhance the flavor. Place the mantis shrimp with their bellies facing upwards to ensure even cooking.
Step 4
Cook to perfection by adjusting the steaming time. It’s perfectly fine to add soju to the boiling water and steam the mantis shrimp from the beginning. Once the water is boiling vigorously, steam for about 10 minutes, then turn off the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the shrimp to cook through and become moist.
Step 5
Prepare for easy eating and safe enjoyment. Once removed from the steamer, let the mantis shrimp cool slightly as they will be hot. Then, use scissors to separate the meat into bite-sized pieces. The heads and hairy parts of the mantis shrimp can be sharp, so it’s crucial to wear gloves and handle them carefully for safety.
Step 6
Delicious steamed mantis shrimp is ready! The separated meat is fresh and has a wonderful, delicate flavor on its own. Enjoy it even more by dipping it in your favorite sauce, such as soy sauce or gochujang-based dipping sauce.
