| Name (Japanese) | Mantis shrimp (Shako / シャコ / 蝦蛄) |
| Overall Rating |
Flavor: ★★★★☆ Texture: ★★☆☆☆ Popularity: ★★☆☆☆ |
| Reference Price |
Value: ★★★☆☆ Price range: $20~$40/lb |
| Best Season | Spring to early summer (April–June) |
| Did You Know? | Well caught in Tokyo Bay, it became a key ingredient in Edomae sushi. |
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Overview |
Official Name: Shako (シャコ) Kanji Name: 蝦蛄 (Shako) English Name: Mantis shrimp Scientific Name: Oratosquilla oratoria Classification: • Kingdom: Animalia • Phylum: Arthropoda • Class: Malacostraca • Order: Stomatopoda • Family: Squillidae • Genus: Oratosquilla • Species: O. oratoria Average Size: 12–18 cm Key Features: Long segmented body; powerful claws; delicate, sweet flavor when cooked |
| 2. Habitat & Distribution |
Found in coastal waters of the Pacific. Common around Japan, China, and Korea. Lives in burrows within sandy or muddy seabeds. |
| 3. Seasonality |
Best season is spring to early summer. Peak flavor between April and June, when meat is plump and sweet. |
| 4. Sushi Ingredient Profile |
Common Uses: Nigiri (cooked), occasionally used in chirashi or pressed sushi Flavor: Sweet, slightly briny, rich Texture: Firm yet delicate, fibrous Fat Content: Moderate; flavor enhanced by boiling |
| 5. Preparation & Craftsmanship |
Traditionally boiled before use in sushi. Often peeled and carefully arranged atop nigiri rice. Requires skillful handling due to many small shells and segments. |
| 6. Recommended Pairings |
Sushi Rice: Slightly stronger seasoning to balance sweetness Condiments: Wasabi, light soy sauce Drinks: Dry sake, crisp beer, green tea |
| 7. Nutritional Information |
Good source of protein and minerals. Low in fat, rich in calcium and phosphorus. Supports muscle and bone health. |
| 8. Trivia & Cultural Notes |
Shako has been a classic Edo-style sushi topping since the Edo period. It was once a luxury neta before refrigeration expanded the variety of fish available. Still valued for its distinctive taste and nostalgic appeal in traditional sushi shops. |
| 9. Recommended Sushi Styles |
• Shako nigiri (boiled and peeled) • Shako pressed sushi (oshizushi) • Shako served with light soy glaze • Shako chirashi topping |
