There are 2 categories of shellfish: crustaceans (crab & lobster etc:) & mollusks, (clams & mussels etc:) & cephalopods (squid & octopus etc:) Here are 9 types of shellfish everyone should know.
SHRIMP
Scientific name: Caridea
They're easy to clean, beyond versatile & ready to devour in minutes. They're healthy as they're low fat & protein rich.
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CRAB
Scientific name: Brachyura
Once you get past their tough exteriors, you'll be rewarded with soft, tender meat. Its meatiest parts are usually the legs and claws.
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LOBSTER
Scientific name: Nephropidae
Famous for its melt-in-your-mouth texture. Most of the succulent meat is in the tails, legs & claws.
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MUSSELS
Scientific name: Mytilus edulis
Mussels are famously easy to prepare, since their shells open when they're fully cooked. Steam them in a flavorful broth or sauce & enjoy!
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CLAMS
Scientific name: Bivalvia
Clams are a lot like oysters in terms of texture, but have a uniquely sweet, rich flavor. They're often steamed or served raw.
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SCALLOPS
Scientific name: Pectinidae
Scallops are arguably the most tender & succulent of all the bivalves, making them a go-to protein for fancy dinners.
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OYSTERS
Scientific name: Ostreidae
Oysters, the most divisive bivalves, have a sticky, almost gooey texture & a brinier, saltier flavor than clams & mussels.
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SQUID
Scientific name: Teuthida
Squid & octopuses are related, but squid have a more streamlined structure. Their mild flavor & soft texture make them a popular choice.
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OCTOPUS
Scientific name: Octopoda
They're juicy & tender without being overwhelmingly fishy in flavor. Octopus is great fried, boiled, raw or grilled.