Wendeng Sea Shrimp

Wendeng Sea Shrimp

　　The coastal waters near Wendeng serve as a major migratory route and spawning ground for various species of migratory shrimp traveling between north and south. The extensive shallow tidal flats also provide ideal natural conditions for the aquaculture of sea shrimp. Both the catching of wild sea shrimp and their artificial farming are important components of Wendeng’s marine economy.

　　Prawns: Prawns have snow-white, tender flesh and a delicious, rich flavor. They are one of China’s most renowned seafood delicacies. Dishes such as “Braised Prawns” and “Braised Prawns in Soy Sauce,” which feature prawns as the main ingredient, are popular and celebrated dishes in Shandong cuisine. Their vibrant color and exquisite taste have long been widely praised.

　　Hawk’s Claw Shrimp: A medium-sized, economically valuable edible shrimp, hawk’s claw shrimp can be eaten fresh—fried, steamed, or made into stir-fried shrimp meat—and when dried, they are premium raw material for making dried shrimp (haixia). Well-known brands of dried shrimp such as “Qinmi,” “Yaomi,” and “Longxu Jin diao” are all made from dried hawk’s claw shrimp.

　　Mitten Shrimp: Due to their thin shells, small size, and tender meat, mitten shrimp are suitable for processing into shrimp skin and shrimp paste. They help support bone and teeth development in children and provide good calcium supplementation and health benefits for the elderly. The historically famous “Zhaidao Shrimp” was made from Chinese mitten shrimp. Because of its very limited production, it is considered quite precious.

　　Shrimp Hopper (Squilla). Shrimp hoppers are a type of nearshore shrimp commonly found along the coast, preferring habitats such as shallow muddy-sandy areas or crevices in reefs. Spring is their spawning season and also the best time to enjoy them. In late spring and early summer, shrimp hoppers are especially popular in seafood markets. Their flavor offers a unique umami that lies somewhere between lobster and crab. Steaming or boiling is the preferred cooking method. Wendeng has relatively abundant wild shrimp hopper resources, available fresh from May through October each year. They are an economical and delicious seafood choice.

　　Spineless White Shrimp. Spineless white shrimp are distributed along the coasts of China, with the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea being the primary production areas. They are an important economic shrimp species in Wendeng and can be caught from April to October each year. In recent years, the artificial farming of spineless white shrimp in Wendeng has been increasing steadily. These shrimp have tender flesh and a delicious taste, and are mostly consumed fresh. Local hotels in Wendeng often use them in dishes such as stir-fried shrimp meat and shrimp dumplings. In addition to being eaten fresh, spineless white shrimp can also be processed into dried shrimp. When dried, they turn golden yellow, hence earning the name “Golden Hook Dried Shrimp.” Their eggs can be made into shrimp roe, another high-quality dried seafood product.