The Secret to Perfectly Clean and Delicious Escargot: Don’t Boil Them, Soak Them!

There’s nothing like a hot pot of boiled snails to warm you up and satisfy your taste buds. However, before you cook them, it’s important to clean them thoroughly as they tend to carry a lot of dirt, slime, mud, and even parasites. Here are some effective methods to clean and cook snails, ensuring they’re not only delicious but also safe to eat.

Effective Ways to Clean Snails

Soak in Rice Water

A traditional and popular method is to soak snails in rice water for about 1-2 hours. This will cause the snails to expel any mud and slime from their shells. After soaking, simply rinse them with clean water, and they’ll be ready for cooking.

Use a Metal Basin

If you have a metal basin, bucket, or even a pot, you can use it to soak the snails. Fill it with water and add metal objects like knives, spoons, forks, and chopsticks. The snails will react to the metal, causing them to expel mud and slime within a few hours.

Soak in Vinegar or Lemon Water

Prepare a basin of water and add either vinegar or lemon juice. Soak the snails in this mixture for about 1-2 hours. The acidity will make the snails open their mouths and release any slime and mud.

Spicy Trick: Soak with Chili

For an instant reaction, try this trick: soak the snails in water and add a few slices of chili peppers. The spiciness will cause the snails to open up and expel any mud they’re carrying.

Cooking Snails: A Delicious and Safe Approach

Snails can carry parasites, so it’s crucial to cook them thoroughly. Here’s a simple method:

Place the snails in a pot, and add a few leaves of lemongrass, some stalks of lemongrass, and a bowl of water. You don’t need to add too much water, as snails will release water during cooking. However, having some extra water will give you flavorful snail broth to enjoy.

Some people like to add a tablespoon or two of fermented rice (mẻ) to enhance the aroma and reduce any fishy smell. Cover the pot and place it on the stove over medium heat. Once the snails start boiling, open the lid and give them a good stir. You’ll know they’re ready when you see their shells starting to detach.

This usually takes about 2-3 minutes after boiling. You can cook them for an additional minute to ensure they’re thoroughly cooked and to get rid of any parasites. Be careful not to overcook them, as this will make the snails tough and chewy.

Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious and safe snail feast!