Despite the strange name, geoduck is actually very tasty and edible. Whether you prefer to eat it raw or cooked, geoduck is an excellent seafood addition to any meal. The clams are often served on top of other seafood, but you can also try geoduck as a vegetable or soup. And unlike other sea creatures, it’s straightforward to cook.
The shell of the geoduck is known as a sticky duck, and this name comes from a Native American word that means ‘genitals.’ The syphon is about one meter tall and double as long. The cockles’ life span is over 165 years, which means geoduck is a very healthy option. So, if you’re wondering what geoduck tastes like, read on to learn more about geoduck.
What Is Geoduck?
The Geoduck is a giant clam with straightforward anatomy. The syphon or neck, which extends out of the shell, and the mantle (also known as breast), the fleshy component inside the shell, are the two essential parts to remember. Geoducks are native to the Pacific Northwest and Western Canadian coasts, and they use a little “foot” to anchor themselves to the ground and stay put for the rest of their life.
The vast saltwater clam suckles seawater several feet below ground, filters it for plankton and essential vitamins, and then squirts out the surplus through its amazing syphon. Their necks can readily lengthen from banana to baseball length depending on how relaxed they are (they’re happiest and longest underground).
Its high zinc content makes it a desirable food in many countries, which is also used in sushi. And it’s no wonder, and the deliciousness of geoduck is one of its most unique qualities. The clams can be easily found and harvested in freshwater lakes, which are incredibly hard to catch.
What’s It Tastes Like To Eat Geoduck?
The taste of geoduck meat is sweet and clean. Chef Ethan Stowell of Seattle’s Goldfinch and How to Cook a Wolf serves geoduck seasonally.
Geoducks are distinguished from other mollusks by their delicate, crisp feel. “It has that crunchy clam texture that I believe is quite unique to the geoduck when it’s fresh,” says Brandon Jew, chef, and owner of Master Jiu’s in San Francisco. “Because of how dense the trunk is, you get a specific kind of crack when you bite into it when you cut it extremely thin on the bias.”
Because geoduck is an aquatic animal, the flavor is slightly sweet and briny. The texture is crisp and meaty, with a similar texture to clams. While geoducks can be pretty chewy if not cooked well, they’re not as soft or chewy as clams, and they’re much crunchier than other shellfish but are still somewhat fishy. It’s not difficult to cook geoduck to the right texture, and the taste is definitely worth trying!
What Is The Procedure For Preparing Geoduck?
The first step is to remove the shell and separate the stomach and muscle. Once you’ve removed the skin, you’re ready to cook your geoduck. Once it’s cooked, make sure you keep the siphon in a bowl of cold water for ten minutes to avoid the clams bursting. Once it’s cool, you can slice it off using a sharp-bladed knife. You don’t want the shell, as it’s not edible.
In the United States, the giant clam is primarily consumed in the Pacific Northwest, with a few exceptions on the West Coast. Geoduck is served raw or in ceviche by Seattle chef John Sundstrom. Sushi, soup, crudo, and even pie are all dishes used. Geoduck can be used in a bright, minty salad, according to Taylor Shellfish (the largest shellfish operation in the Pacific Northwest).
Geoduck is known in Japan as mirugai (“huge clam”) and is used in sashimi and sushi. Chefs in Korea typically offer it raw, with a spicy chili sauce, or in spicy soups and stir-fries. Geoduck is served in hot pots in China, which translates to “elephant trunk” naively. A fresh geoduck at a high-end Chinese restaurant can cost up to $300.
Where Can I Get Geoduck?
The geoduck is a symbol of pride for Northwesterners. According to award-winning Seattle chef and restaurant Ethan Stowell, the taste of fresh, raw geoduck is “what every piece of seafood should be.” In addition, he stated to the publication that “Something as unique to the Pacific Northwest as geoduck ought to be treated with care. Any fine geoduck you eat originates from here, demonstrating that the Northwest is a fantastic region to cook, live, and eat.”
According to Gastro Obscura, Native American Salish tribes gave the clam the name geoduck, a derivative of gweduc, which means “dig deep” in the Lushootseed language. According to Eater, some geoduck hunters use plastic tubes that penetrate the ground to expose the clams because they are so deep. The geoduck’s popularity has spread beyond the dining scene in Washington, with the tasty mollusc serving as the official mascot of Evergreen State College in Olympia.
You may buy these shelled behemoths fresh or frozen online if you don’t reside in the Northwest or near a seafood market that sells them. If you’re traveling to China, Korea, or Japan, you might be able to find it on a restaurant menu.
Is Geoduck Safe To Eat Raw?
Geoduck is frequently consumed raw and kept chilled until ready to use. The breast is finest sliced into small pieces and served like a tartare. If you’re making chowder, the narrower half of the syphon is best chopped into lengthwise strips.
If you’re wondering what geoduck tastes like, it’s best to try it raw. Its softshell and delicate texture make it a perfect food for people who enjoy trying new things. However, if you’re unsure what you’re looking for, a savory version is the best way to enjoy this delicacy. If you’re not into sushi, you can also try it with sushi.
In A Geoduck, What Is The Liquid?
Water. Water squirts from the syphons of an adult geoduck. Color is the primary criterion for grading wild geoducks, with white neck and shell being the highest grade (1) and dark brown/black shell being the lowest (3-4). Although the meat is usually a similar creamy white color when the skin is peeled off across grades.
Because it is so large, geoduck is commonly eaten in the Pacific Northwest. It has a unique taste and texture and is commonly cooked. It’s best when boiled for 20 minutes. The meat can be separated from the shell and is usually used in sushi. You can also cook it in different ways. Aside from eating it raw, geoduck can also be cooked in many ways. For example, it can be used in salads.
Conclusion
The meat of geoduck is sweet and briny, with a firm texture. If you eat geoduck raw, you should remove the siphon so you can eat it in its entirety. It can also be served with cocktail sauce, butter, and lemon juice. A few sources of geoduck meat are sold in the wild. If you are looking for geoduck in the wild, you can find it in Puget Sound. The most popular way to eat it is to steam it whole, but you should also consider preparing it in a sushi recipe.
Unlike many other sea animals, geoduck isn’t fishy. Instead, it is described as sweet and salty and can be chewy when cooked properly. Its taste is similar to that of other clams, but it has a distinct flavor and texture that sets it apart. The best way to prepare it is to cook it as fresh as possible, and it should be cooked to a highly tender consistency. It will be sweet and salty if it’s cooked properly, with minimal sauce.