Mantis shrimp

Mantis shrimp

　　Mantis shrimp, also known as squilla or by other names such as fortune shrimp or guitar shrimp, are nicknamed "squirt shrimp" because they eject a colorless liquid from their abdomen when caught. The peak season for mantis shrimp runs from October to April of the following year, during which time they are not only plump but also have sweet and succulent meat.

Cooking methods: one is to steam or boil the shrimp, then peel and eat the meat with sauces or condiments like soy sauce or vinegar; another is to marinate the shrimp with ginger, wine, and salt, then deep-fry in oil to make spicy salt mantis shrimp; a third method favored by people in Chaoshan is to marinate the shrimp with salt, ginger, and soy sauce, then peel and eat the raw meat, which is said to promote blood circulation, stimulate saliva production, enhance vitality, nourish kidneys, and support stomach health.

Selection: The best mantis shrimp are those with a “long neck.” There are segments below the head of the shrimp; the more segments there are, the more meat the shrimp will have.

Distinguishing male from female: Female mantis shrimp have thicker meat than males. The most obvious difference is that females have three milky white horizontal lines near the head and neck on the belly. The roe of female mantis shrimp extends continuously from the head to the tail and is very delicious, while males do not have this feature.