Nutritional Value and Delicious Recipes of Crayfish

From June to August each year, it is the perfect season to indulge in crayfish, which are highly favored for their plump and juicy meat. However, some people claim that crayfish are unclean and unhealthy if consumed frequently, but this is not entirely true. Crayfish possess significant nutritional value, albeit largely unknown to many. So, what are the nutritional benefits of crayfish meat? It contains protein, astaxanthin, and various mineral elements such as magnesium and phosphorus, which promote bone development.

Nutritional Value of Crayfish

Crayfish are rich in protein and astaxanthin, along with a myriad of minerals including potassium, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, cadmium, magnesium, and vitamins like E and B, niacin, protocatechuic acid, chondroitin sulfate, mucopolysaccharides, collagenase, trypsin, leucine aminopeptidase, carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and xanthophyll. These microelements contribute to its overall nutritional profile.

Health Benefits and Functions of Crayfish

1. Cardiovascular Protection: Crayfish are abundant in minerals, particularly magnesium, which plays a crucial role in regulating heart activity. It safeguards the cardiovascular system by reducing cholesterol levels in the blood, preventing arteriosclerosis, and dilating coronary arteries, thereby aiding in the prevention of hypertension and myocardial infarction. However, it's advisable to limit the intake of cholesterol-rich crayfish roe to maintain good health.

2. Nutrient Supplementation: Crayfish are a rich source of protein, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, all of which are essential nutrients for the human body. Regular consumption can replenish these nutrients, maintain normal physiological functions, and promote overall health.

3. Growth Promotion: The high protein content in crayfish is a primary component of white blood cells and antibodies, essential for maintaining immune function. A moderate intake can enhance the activity and development of nerves, blood vessels, and brain cells. Additionally, the abundant calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus promote bone synthesis, contributing to physical growth and development.

Delicious Crayfish Recipes

1. Spicy Crayfish

Ingredients: 1000g crayfish, 10 cloves of garlic, 2 spring onions, 3 slices of ginger
Seasonings: 1 bowl of white wine, 1 bowl of white vinegar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sugar, 100g dried chilies, 50g Sichuan peppercorns, 1 tsp chicken bouillon, 2 tbsp sesame oil, salt to taste

Instructions: Soak crayfish in water with coarse salt to remove impurities. Rinse and soak in vinegar or wine to sterilize. Heat oil and fry Sichuan peppercorns, dried chilies, spring onions, garlic, and ginger. Add crayfish, salt, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir-fry briefly before adding a little water and cooking until the sauce thickens. Boil over high heat until crayfish are cooked, then simmer with chicken bouillon before turning off the heat. In a separate pan, heat sesame oil and briefly stir-fry the crayfish to enhance flavor.

2. Steamed Crayfish with Garlic

Ingredients: 500g crayfish, 300g garlic, 5 tsp salt, 3 tbsp cooked oil

Instructions: Clean crayfish thoroughly, preferably with a toothbrush. Split them lengthwise. Crush garlic into a paste and spread evenly over the crayfish. Season with salt and drizzle with heated oil. Steam in a boiling pot for 20-30 minutes.

3. Crayfish in Stone Pot

Ingredients: 1000g crayfish, 10g red pepper
Seasonings: 5g salt, 5g MSG, 6g spicy sauce, 80g salad oil, 200g broth, 5g ginger and garlic each, 1g fresh perilla, 2g chopped green onion

Instructions: Remove crayfish heads and loosen the middle tail fin