can you eat pistol shrimp

Can You Eat Pistol Shrimp? A Detailed Guide on This Unique Seafood

Pistol shrimp, also known as snapping shrimp, are a fascinating type of crustacean found in oceans and estuaries around the world. With their disproportionately large snapping claw, pistol shrimp produce one of the loudest sounds in the ocean – a snap that can reach an astounding 210 decibels!

But beyond being incredible marine creatures, are pistol shrimp good to eat? Can you eat these snappers, and if so, how do they taste and what’s the best way to cook them?

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into pistol shrimp as seafood, looking at whether they’re edible, how to source and prepare them, as well as some delicious recipes to try. Let’s get cracking!

Are Pistol Shrimp Edible?

The short answer is yes – pistol shrimp are perfectly edible and can make for delicious, sweet seafood when prepared properly.

There are over 600 species of pistol shrimp, and most of them are suitable for human consumption. The most commonly eaten species include the brownbanded pistol shrimp (Alpheus angulosus), the rugose pistol shrimp (Alpheus rugimanus) and the snapping shrimp (Alpheus heterochaelis).

Pistol shrimp have meaty tails similar to other shrimp, lobster and crayfish. Their edible tails make up around one third to one half of their total body size. The rest of their body isn’t typically eaten, but the tails are packed with sweet, succulent meat.

Some key facts about eating pistol shrimp:

• They have a mild, sweet and buttery flavor, somewhat similar to lobster or crab. The meat is delicate, making them great for seafood stews, tacos, ceviches and more.

• Pistol shrimp don’t keep for long after catching, so they’re best eaten fresh. Frozen tails can be used within 3 months.

• They’re low in fat, high in protein and packed with important minerals like selenium, phosphorus and magnesium.

• Their small size means you need a lot of pistol shrimp to make a meal. Expect around 7-10 tails per serving.

• You can eat them whole, but their tails are the tastiest part. The heads and shells are edible, but not as enjoyable.

Where to Get Pistol Shrimp for Eating

If you want to eat pistol shrimp, you’ll need to source them live or freshly caught. Here are some of the best places to find pistol shrimp for food:

• Local fish markets – Check Asian and Hispanic markets in coastal areas. Pistol shrimp are common bycatch from shrimp trawlers.

• Seafood wholesalers – Commercial suppliers may be able to order large quantities of pistol shrimp.

• Fishing – Use small nets and traps to catch pistol shrimp yourself in estuaries.

• Aquaculture – Some pistol shrimp farms exist, but supply is limited. This is the most sustainable choice.

No matter where you source them, make sure they are fresh and lively when buying pistol shrimp to eat. Their tails should curl tightly when cooked if truly fresh.

Preparing and Cooking Pistol Shrimp

Before cooking pistol shrimp, you’ll need to clean and prep them:

• Rinse under cold running water and pat dry. Pistol shrimp live in sandy burrows so may be gritty.

• Pull off the head by twisting it sharply. The body and tail can then be easily peeled away.

• Use a sharp knife to slice along the belly and remove the digestive tract. Rinse again.

• The tails can be cooked peeled with the shell on or off, depending on your recipe.

Some of the best cooking methods for pistol shrimp include:

• Sauteeing – Cook briefly in hot oil or butter for 2-3 minutes until pink. Season with spices like Cajun seasoning.

• Grilling – Skewer peeled tails and grill for just 1-2 minutes per side. Brush with garlic-herb butter.

• Boiling – Boil in salted water for 1-2 minutes until pink. Use in shrimp boils or seafood pasta.

• Baking – Coat in breadcrumbs and bake at 400°F for 8-12 minutes until crispy.

• Raw – Use in ceviche, poke bowls or shrimp cocktail. The tails are sweet when raw.

Delicious Pistol Shrimp Recipes to Try

Once you get your hands on fresh pistol shrimp, it’s time to put them to use in the kitchen. Here are 3 delicious recipes that highlight their sweet, lobster-like flavor:

1. Pistol Shrimp Tacos

Ingredients:

• 20 pistol shrimp, peeled
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 lime, juiced
• 8 small corn tortillas
• Guacamole, pico de gallo, shredded cabbage etc to serve

Saute pistol shrimp in oil for 2-3 minutes with Cajun seasoning. Place in warmed tortillas and top with lime juice, guacamole, pico de gallo and cabbage.

1. Pistol Shrimp Fettuccine

Ingredients:

• 30 pistol shrimp tails, peeled
• 8 oz fettuccine pasta
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Boil pasta until al dente. In a skillet, saute garlic briefly in olive oil. Add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes until pink. Toss with pasta and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.

1. Pistol Shrimp Ceviche

Ingredients:

• 24 pistol shrimp tails, peeled
• 1 red onion, diced
• 1 avocado, cubed
• Juice of 3 limes
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• Chopped cilantro, salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients besides shrimp and allow flavors to develop for 30 mins. Add shrimp and leave to “cook” in citrus juice for 5 more minutes. Serve chilled with tortilla chips.

Should You Eat Pistol Shrimp?

When prepared fresh, pistol shrimp are a delicious and sustainable seafood option that offers a sweet taste of the ocean. Their petite size means you need a large quantity, but they cook up quickly and pair perfectly in tacos, pastas, ceviches and more.

However, some concerns exist around sustainability when harvesting pistol shrimp. As they play an important role in cleaning ocean and estuary floors, care should be taken not to overfish populations. Buying farmed pistol shrimp is the most eco-friendly option.

Overall, pistol shrimp can be a fabulous addition to your seafood repetoire – just be sure to source them carefully. Armed with the right techniques, these little snappers can deliver big, beautiful flavors on your dinner table. Now get out there and make some shrimp tacos!