Description
Crayfish, which is used as seasoning in Nigerian cooking. Let me provide you with some information about it. Crayfish adds a very traditional flavor to the dishes it’s used in, such as Nigerian soups, fufu meals, and concoction rice. Here’s how you can make your own dried crayfish or dried shrimps at home:
- Ingredients:
- Shrimps (frozen or fresh)
- Note: Shrimps are usually sold in the frozen section of supermarkets. If you live in a coastal town, you may be able to buy fresh ones from fishermen.
- Procedure:
- If using frozen shrimps, keep them on your kitchen counter to defrost (this takes a few minutes). Do not use a microwave oven for defrosting.
- Rinse the shrimps with cool water and set them aside to drain.
- Preheat your oven to top and down heating (bake) at 250°C (480°F or Gas Mark 9). Adjust the settings if needed.
- Place the shrimps (or prawns, if that’s what you’re using) on your oven racks.
- Bake for 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as the drying time may vary based on your oven’s capacity.
- After 25 minutes, the shrimps will be almost dry. Dab some vegetable oil (or any other tasteless and odorless cooking oil) on the almost dry shrimps.
- Cover the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Adjust the time if your oven doesn’t have a fan.
- Result:
- You’ll have delicious dried crayfish or dried shrimps that you can use as seasoning in various Nigerian dishes!
