Fresh-Frozen Mantis Shrimp

Mantis shrimp split open to show the prize inside: a thick band of deep orange roe running the full length of the body, framed by firm translucent flesh. The segmented shells are a warm amber-brown.

Mantis shrimp roe is one of the great coastal delicacies — dense, rich and faintly sweet, closer to crab roe than to anything else. Steam them whole for a few minutes and eat with a dip of soy and ginger, or flash-fry with garlic and chilli.

• Split mantis shrimp showing dense orange roe
• Rich, faintly sweet roe running the full body
• Firm translucent flesh, warm amber shells
• Best steamed briefly or flash-fried with chilli

Origin: coastal waters. Keep frozen at -18°C or below. Cook thoroughly before eating.