Can you eat hammerhead sharks?
In this brief article, we will answer the question, “Can eat hammerhead sharks?” with an in-depth analysis of the taste of hammerhead sharks, the nutritional content of hammerhead sharks, some cooking tips of hammerhead sharks, the benefits and some disadvantages of hammerhead sharks have also been discussed.
Can you eat hammerhead sharks?
Yes, we can eat hammerhead sharks. Besides using hammerhead sharks as a meat source, their fins, skin and teeth are also utilized. Hammerhead sharks can be categorized as sport fish. There is no disadvantage of eating hammerhead shark but it must be eaten in low quantities as a high level of mercury is present in it.
Taste of hammerhead shark
The meat of hammerhead sharks gives a terrible taste. The reason behind this is because hammerhead sharks urinate through their skin. Although hammerhead sharks are meaty and mild, before eating it requires to be soaked as these hammerhead sharks urinate through their skin.
The nutritional content of hammerhead shark
The meat of hammerhead sharks contains multiple nutrients. Following are some nutrients that can be obtained from eating hammerhead sharks
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Copper
- Manganese
- Zinc
- Selenium
- Phosphorus
- Sodium
How to cook hammerhead shark
Following are some steps that must be followed while cooking hammerhead shark
- Cleaning and slicing shark meat: In case shark meat is not handled properly, it can be ruined as the meat of hammerhead sharks tends to spoil quickly. Hammerhead shark meat with moist, translucent flesh is chosen. It is also made sure it isn’t flaky.
- Soak the meat in milk for 4 hours: Shark meat is submerged in milk after setting it in a refrigerator safe dish. The purpose of soaking is to remove the smell of ammonia. Does not matter what type of milk you use. Most people use any type of cow’s milk or buttermilk, but alternatives like soy milk or even lemon juice do well in a pinch.
- Trimming the dark meat and skin by using a paring knife: Areas around the skin provide the dark meat. This dark meat has a very unpleasant taste and it includes bloodlines. As shark skin is not the requirement of most recipes, it can be removed as well.
- Cutting the shark into steaks between 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5.1 cm) thick: By using a knife, the hammerhead shark is sliced and is divided into small pieces. We must avoid cutting the shark into too thick or too thin. Shark meat can easily be dried during cooking as it is lean.
So in order to prevent this dryness, the shark is maintained after slicing. Although steaks are a common way to cook and eat sharks, you can also chop the steaks up into smaller pieces, such as when making kebabs or a ceviche.
Different recipes using hammerhead sharks
Following are some recipes in which hammerhead sharks can be used as an ingredient.
- Grilled Gulf Shark: Milk is poured over shark steaks after placing them in a shallow dish. It is refrigerated for the whole night. On medium-high heat, the grill is prepared. After removing the shark steaks from the pan, they are dry heated.
Steaks are seasoned with lemon juice and sea salt. Steaks are grilled until the meat is firmed and these are turned once. Fish must retain white colour throughout the procedure.
- Fried Shark Fillet: Sliced fish is marinated with soy sauce, ginger and white pepper for about five minutes. Whisk flour, water and egg are mixed in a large bowl. These are mixed until it becomes semi-thick and achieves a smooth consistency.
The back of the spoon is used to flatten lumps. Marinated fish is added to the prepared batter. Heat cooking oil and deep-fry battered fish in batches, until golden brown. Drain excess oil on kitchen paper towels or tempura paper before serving.
Advantages of hammerhead sharks
Following are some advantages of hammerhead sharks:
- Flat elongated heads: As hammerhead sharks have flat, elongated heads so they have more range of ampullae of Lorenzini. These are basically sensors that help sharks to sense both the electrical impulses of animals and magnetic sensations.
- Better vision: Hammerhead sharks have better vision as compared to other sharks that do not have a view directly in front or behind them. And hammerheads can trap stingrays against the ocean floor in order to make a meal of their bat-like relatives.
Disadvantages of hammerhead sharks
- The meat of hammerhead sharks tastes very unpleasant.
- Hammerhead sharks can sometimes attack humans.
Other FAQs about Fish that you may be interested in.
Conclusion
In this brief article, we have answered the question, “Can eat hammerhead sharks?” with an in-depth analysis of the taste of hammerhead sharks, the nutritional content of hammerhead sharks, some cooking tips of hammerhead sharks, the benefits and some disadvantages of hammerhead sharks have also been discussed.
