Mantis Shrimp Cakes

Mantis shrimp cakes are a delicious seafood appetizer, bringing to the table the delicate and sophisticated flavor of these crustaceans. Here is how to prepare them:

Ingredients

• 300 g of cleaned mantis shrimp
• 2 eggs
• 100 ml of fresh cream
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley to taste
• Garlic (1 clove, optional)
• Breadcrumbs (if necessary to thicken)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Butter for greasing the molds

Preparation

1. Take the cleaned mantis shrimp, if you have whole mantis shrimp, you need to shell them and clean them by removing the carapace and intestine. Boil them for a few minutes in salted boiling water, then drain and let them cool.

2. In the meantime, beat the eggs in a bowl with the fresh cream. Add salt, pepper, and chopped parsley until you have a homogeneous mixture.

3. Cut the mantis shrimp into small pieces or, if you prefer a more uniform consistency, briefly blend them with a mixer.

4. Fold the mantis shrimp into the egg and cream mixture. If you like, you can add a finely chopped garlic clove to give more flavor. If the mixture is too liquid, adjust the consistency with some breadcrumbs.

5. Butter the cake molds and fill them with the mixture.

6. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 20-25 minutes or until the cakes are golden brown and well cooked.

7. Let them cool down before gently unmolding them.

Serve the mantis shrimp cakes possibly accompanied by a fresh seasonal salad or a lemon mayonnaise-based sauce to enhance their flavor.

Curiosity

Mantis shrimp, also known as squilla, are a type of crustacean highly valued in Italian cuisine, especially in coastal areas. They can be prepared in various ways, but the cakes are an excellent idea for an elegant presentation and a gentle flavor that will surely please your guests.

Enjoy your meal!