Grilled Crayfish: A Feast of Flavor

Hello friends of Paulina Cocina! Today I want to invite you to enjoy one of the many treasures of the sea, the crayfish What am I talking to you about? Crayfish are crustaceans of the prawn familywith tender meat and highly valued in haute cuisine.

In this note we are going to learn a little more about these wonderful seafood, their importance in Spanish cuisine, tips for their preparation, different ways to cook them and, as always, an easy recipe to make. grilled scampi.

About crayfish

Crawfish have a delicate flavor and tender texture that make them a delicacy highly valued in the Spanish gastronomy. Whether grilled, pan-fried or any other way, these crustaceans always delight those who try them.

These little wonders of oceanare close relatives of prawns and lobsters, but they are distinguished by their more modest size and a grayish cover. Its habitat is mainly found in cold waters of the eastern Atlantic, from Norway to northwest Africa.

Norway lobsters in Spain and their fishing

Spain is fortunate to have abundant coastal waters, which allows for rich and varied fishing, and crayfish are one of the most consumed seafood in that country.

This crustacean is fished in the northwest region of the Iberian Peninsula, where the cold, clean waters of the Atlantic provide the perfect environment for its development. In addition, they are also found in other coastal areas of Spain, such as in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands.

Other names by which they are known

These crustaceans are known by different names depending on the region. For example, in some areas of Spain, especially in Catalonia, they are called “prawns” o “crayfish“.

In other places, such as the Canary Islands, they are known as “quicos“. These regional names reflect the linguistic and cultural richness of Spain and are an example of the roots of this delicious crustacean in the local culinary tradition.

Tradition and consumption

In Spain, these crustaceans are highly valued in gastronomy and are often considered a delicacy that served only for special occasions. Banquets and celebrations often include crayfish dishes, especially during the fishing season when they are at their best.

Their consumption extends from haute cuisine restaurants to simple tapas bars, where they can be enjoyed in different preparations.

How to cook them

These crustaceans are as versatile as they are tasty, and there are several ways to prepare them to highlight their flavor:

• Grilled open: This is one of the most appreciated ways to enjoy them. The grill allows you to cook them quickly, maintaining their juiciness and enhancing their flavor. To do this, they are simply opened lengthwise to remove impurities and cooked on a hot griddle with a touch of salt and olive oil.
• to the frying pan: Another delicious option is to cook them in a pan with a little butter and garlic. This preparation gives them a touch of additional flavor, making them even tastier.

4 tips for grilling them

1. Freshness is key: Make sure you buy them fresh, slightly pink in color, with a good aroma and bright eyes.
2. Cooking time: Avoid overcooking them, as their flesh can become rubbery and lose their delicate texture.
3. Simple accompaniments: Grilled they are delicious on their own, but they can also be accompanied by a butter and lemon sauce or a Homemade Mayonnaise. to enhance its flavor.
4. Perfect pairing: They combine perfectly with a dry and fresh white wine.

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Grilled crayfish recipe

Yield: 2 servings

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 500 grams of fresh crayfish
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped fresh chives or chives to decorate

How to make grilled crayfish

1. Wash the crayfish with cold water and check that they are well thawed. With scissors, cut the clamps and legs to make them easier to handle on the griddle.
2. With a sharp knife, make a longitudinal cut at the bottom of the tail to open them and remove the intestine and impurities.
3. Heat a large griddle over medium-high heat with a splash of olive oil.
4. Place the opened crayfish on the grill with the meat facing down. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the meat is lightly browned and opaque.
5. Turn them over and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the meat is cooked through and is pearly white. Season with salt and pepper to taste and decorate with chives or fresh parsley.