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Shrimp is devoid of the characteristic strong, fishy flavor that seafood generally has, so we understand if some people label it as being tasteless. But in reality, that is not the case.
Shrimp isn’t completely tasteless. It actually has a subtle and mild flavor. Shrimp can be sweet, earthy, salty, or even bland depending on the breed or brand. This particular flavor makes shrimp a diverse protein choice for meals since there are many ways to make it taste better.
If you’re one of those people who find shrimp to be tasteless, this article is just for you. It can be a game-changer in your meals if you make it right. We’ll give you a detailed overview of what shrimp tastes like and the techniques to elevate its flavor.
Shrimp’s Subtle Flavour
Let’s discuss what shrimp tastes like first. Because it doesn’t have the distinguishable, fishy flavor expected from seafood, some might say that this shellfish is tasteless. In reality, you have to have a real knack for flavors to realize the shrimp’s potential.
There are various kinds of shrimp available to add to your meals. Each has its distinct flavor, all of which are mostly mild. The different flavors make each shrimp suitable for particular dishes. Here’s a rundown of the most popular shrimp kinds and what you should expect them to taste like:
- Brown rock shrimp: Their texture is similar to that of a lobster while the flavor is sweet and briny.
- Brown shrimp: They have a firm texture with mineral, murky and tangy flavor. A bromophenol-rich diet makes them taste ocean- or umami-like.
- Pink shrimp: They’re delicate but have a mild and sweet flavor, earning them the title of being the tastiest shrimp. Each shrimp possesses more meat than usual.
- White Shrimp: They have a tender texture with a sweet flavor.
- Royal red Shrimp: It has a rich, buttery flavor.
How Can I Make My Shrimp Taste Better
If you still think shrimp is tasteless and bland, there’s a high chance you might need to up your cooking technique. This shellfish absorbs flavors really well; paired with its mild flavor, you have a delectable protein at your hand.
Here are some tips to make your shrimp taste better:
- It’s a great idea to always start by mixing salt and baking soda with your shrimp and resting it in the fridge. The brine helps the shrimp stay moist while the baking soda guarantees a crispy, firm texture.
- Poaching the shrimp with some vegetables and herbs gives you tender, flavorful shrimp.
- Cook the shrimp with the shell on because it’s excellent at capturing flavors.
- Enhance the shrimp’s flavor using herbs and spices. Some great choices are basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, cayenne pepper, white pepper, black pepper, chili flakes or powder, etc.
- Be careful to never overcook or undercook the shrimp. Stay mindful of shrimp’s short cooking time, so you always make succulent, tender, and flavorful shrimp.
Conclusion
It’s easy to fool yourself into thinking that shrimp is tasteless because of its mild flavor. This attribute makes them excellent flavor trappers. There are various kinds of shrimp, with distinct flavor profiles. Cook them using the right method and flavor and you’ll have yourself a flavorful meal at hand!
