How to Tell the Difference Between Farmed and Wild-Caught Shrimp at the Market
Many people tend to buy shrimp based on impulse when shopping at the market without knowing how to distinguish between farmed and wild-caught shrimp. This can easily lead to purchasing mistakes, as wild-caught shrimp are usually more expensive, and some unscrupulous sellers may mix farmed shrimp and market them as wild-caught for profit.
Therefore, mastering the following differentiation tips will help you choose the right type of shrimp, avoid scams, and ensure the health and well-being of your family.
First, pay close attention to the shrimp’s shape and color. Farmed shrimp typically have darker shells, softer meat, and lack firmness. When cooked, they tend to lack the natural sweetness of wild-caught shrimp. In contrast, wild-caught shrimp have bright, shiny shells, firm bodies, and a distinctive sweet taste when cooked.
To select fresh and delicious shrimp, look for those that are still alive, swimming vigorously, and jumping quickly. Fresh shrimp usually have hard, bright, and evenly colored shells, with firm bodies, intact legs, and meat that clings tightly to the shell. These signs indicate that the shrimp were recently caught and remain highly fresh.
Avoid purchasing shrimp displaying abnormal signs, such as shells turning dull white, cloudy or pinkish eyes, stiff and rigid bodies, detached heads, or mucus oozing from the abdominal area. Blackened legs are also a telltale sign of spoiled shrimp—avoid buying them, no matter how cheap they are.
In cases where you opt for pre-boiled shrimp, which are usually processed immediately after being caught, carefully examine the tail section. Straighten the shrimp, expose it to light, and inspect the joints between the shell and the meat. If the gaps between the joints are wide, it indicates over-boiling or prolonged freezing, compromising the shrimp’s initial freshness.
Suggested Delicious and Easy-to-Make Shrimp Recipes
Shrimp are not only nutrient-rich but also incredibly versatile in cooking. If you’re unsure what to cook with shrimp, try these three simple recipes. They are not only easy to prepare but also suitable for all family members.
1. Garlic Butter Shrimp – Irresistibly Creamy and Aromatic
Garlic butter shrimp is a tantalizing dish with a creamy texture from the butter and a fragrant aroma from the fried garlic. The savory and sweet taste of shrimp will surely captivate your family’s taste buds.
Recipe:
Step 1: Prepare 500g of tiger shrimp by removing the legs and antennae, then rinse thoroughly. Place the shrimp in a pan and pan-fry until both sides are cooked, then set aside.
Step 2: In a separate pan, melt 5 tablespoons of vegetable butter and fry 1 clove of minced garlic until fragrant. Season with half a spoon each of salt, sugar, and pepper, stirring evenly. You can also add chopped parsley and chili according to your preference.
Step 3: Once the sauce thickens, turn off the heat and pour the sauce over the fried shrimp. This dish goes well with either bread or hot rice.
2. Coconut Steamed Shrimp – Sweet and Refreshing
Coconut steamed shrimp is a gentle and easy-to-enjoy dish suitable for both children and the elderly. The subtle coconut fragrance blends beautifully with the natural sweetness of the shrimp, creating a refreshing meal for hot days.
Recipe:
Step 1: Prepare 400g of shrimp by removing the antennae, legs, and black vein, then rinse thoroughly.
Step 2: Pour the fresh coconut water from 1 coconut into a pot, adding 1 crushed shallot and a little seasoning. Bring it to a boil.
Step 3: When the coconut water boils, add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes until they turn red.
Step 4: Present the shrimp on the coconut’s mouth or a plate, serving it while still hot to savor the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
3. Soy Sauce Steamed Shrimp – Unique and Flavorful
If you’re looking for an Asian-style shrimp dish, soy sauce-steamed shrimp is a must-try. This dish is full of flavor, with the aroma of fried onions, mushrooms, and soy sauce, making it a perfect side dish with white rice.
Recipe:
Step 1: Prepare the shrimp by removing the back vein and rinsing thoroughly. Let them drain.
Step 2: Fry some minced shallots in a pan, then add sliced shiitake mushrooms and stir-fry. Include soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar, stirring until boiling before turning off the heat.
Step 3: Make a slit on the back of the shrimp and use a small spoon to fill the slit with the fried mixture. Place the shrimp on a plate and steam for about 10 minutes. When the shrimp turn a bright shade of orange, they’re ready to be served.
