Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 pound gooseneck barnacles
- 8 cups water
- 1 1/2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil in a 4-quart saucepan. Stir in kosher salt until dissolved, about 1 minute.
- Add gooseneck barnacles and simmer until cooked through and tender, about 3 minutes.
- Drain immediately. Chill before serving.
- Arrange on platter with lemon wedges.
Notes
Chef's Tips & Tricks
- Don't overcook: Three minutes is your magic number. Any longer and you'll have expensive rubber.
- Buying guide: Look for barnacles that feel heavy for their size and smell like fresh ocean air. Avoid any with a strong fishy odor.
- Eating technique: Twist off the outer shell to reveal the tender neck meat inside. The dark skin peels away easily – think of it like shrimp.
- Storage: Best used within 24 hours of purchase. Store in the refrigerator covered with a damp towel.
- Salt matters: Use coarse kosher salt, not table salt. The larger crystals dissolve more evenly and won't oversalt your water.
- Serving suggestion: These are perfect as a starter with a crisp white wine or as part of a larger seafood spread.
- Cook Time: 2
- Category: Easy Recipes
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Mediterranean