Shrimp is a familiar dish in every household, not only delicious but also nutritious, especially in calcium. Among them, wild shrimp is considered superior due to its firm, sweet, and distinctive flavor – something that farmed shrimp can hardly match.
However, not everyone knows how to distinguish between these two types of shrimp. The good news is that identifying wild and farmed shrimp is actually quite simple. Just pick up a few tips from an experienced seller, and you can easily apply them without worrying about mistakes.
How to distinguish between farmed and wild shrimp:
When shopping, many people tend to buy shrimp impulsively, buying from any seller without considering the source. However, it’s essential to know that wild shrimp is usually significantly more expensive than farmed shrimp due to its superior meat quality and higher nutritional value.
Because of this price difference, some dishonest sellers may try to pass off farmed shrimp as wild to make a profit. To avoid being cheated when buying shrimp, you should learn a few simple identification tips below to choose the right quality shrimp and ensure your family’s safety.
1. Observe the shape and color
Farmed shrimp usually have a darker shell, softer meat, and less firmness. When cooked, they tend to have a blander taste, lacking the natural sweetness.
Wild shrimp have lighter-colored shells, slender bodies, and firmer, chewier meat. When eaten, you’ll notice a distinct, pronounced sweetness.
2. Check for freshness
To ensure you’re getting high-quality wild shrimp, opt for live shrimp or those that are extremely fresh. Fresh shrimp typically display the following characteristics:
They swim flexibly, and their shells are hard, smooth, and brightly colored.
The meat inside is firm and adheres closely to the shell, without any detachment.
Their legs are intact and not broken or blackened.
On the other hand, avoid buying shrimp if you notice any of the following signs:
The shrimp’s shell has turned dull white, and its body is stiff or broken.
The shrimp’s eyes are cloudy, and there is mucus flowing from its head.
The shrimp’s legs have turned black, are uneven in size, and its head easily detaches from the body.
3. For pre-boiled or boat-caught shrimp
If you’re buying pre-boiled shrimp, straighten the shrimp and examine the shell under light:
If the shell and meat joints are separated with noticeable gaps, the shrimp is likely not fresh and may have been boiled a long time ago or frozen for an extended period.
Suggested delicious shrimp dishes that are easy to make and go well with rice
Shrimp is a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be prepared in numerous mouthwatering ways, catering to all tastes. If you’re looking to refresh your daily menu, here are three tantalizing shrimp dishes you can easily whip up.
1. Shrimp with Glass Noodles – Light and Appetizing
If you’re tired of the usual fried or steamed shrimp dishes, shrimp with glass noodles offers a delightful alternative. This dish is not only scrumptious but also perfect for either breakfast or dinner.
Preparation:
Step 1: Clean the shrimp, removing the shells, heads, and back veins.
Step 2: Sauté chopped onion, ginger, white onion heads, and garlic in a pan, then add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink.
Step 3: Use a clay pot, layering the glass noodles at the bottom, followed by shrimp and mushrooms. Season with salt, pepper, soy sauce, and a dash of cooking wine, and simmer for about 5-7 minutes. Enjoy once the noodles are soft and cooked.
2. Sweet and Sour Shrimp – Tangy and Appetizing
Sweet and sour shrimp is a perennial favorite, and for a good reason. The combination of tangy tamarind and the natural sweetness of shrimp makes this dish irresistible.
Preparation:
Step 1: Clean and prepare the shrimp, along with ingredients like spring onions, shallots, and garlic.
Step 2: Soak the tamarind in warm water for about 15 minutes, then strain the mixture. For every 5 tablespoons of tamarind water, add 3 tablespoons of sugar, a pinch of salt, seasoning powder, fish sauce, and pepper, stirring well.
Step 3: Fry the shrimp until just cooked to retain their tenderness.
Step 4: Sauté the garlic and shallots, add the shrimp, then pour in the tamarind mixture. Simmer on low heat until the sauce thickens, and then serve.
3. Shrimp in Clay Pot – Hearty and Homely
Shrimp in clay pot is a classic Vietnamese dish, often gracing the dinner tables of many families. The harmonious blend of salty and sweet flavors, complemented by the creamy shrimp fat, ensures this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.
Preparation:
Step 1: Clean the shrimp, removing the heads, antennae, legs, and back veins.
Step 2: In a bowl, mix shrimp fat with lemon juice, fish sauce, sugar, and cooking oil. Place the bowl in a steamer and stir the mixture until well combined.
Step 3: Fry the shrimp until golden on both sides, then mix with the fat mixture, chopped garlic, seasoning powder, sugar, and pepper.
Step 4: Transfer the mixture to a clay pot, add coconut water, and simmer for about 20 minutes until the sauce thickens. This dish is now ready to be savored.
With just shrimp as the primary ingredient, you can create a myriad of delectable dishes to delight your family. If you need more shrimp-centric recipes, like steamed shrimp with lemongrass or fried shrimp with bread crumbs, or even a week-long menu featuring shrimp, I’d be delighted to help!
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