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pile of barnacles on a plate.

Gooseneck Barnacles Recipe (Percebes)


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Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound gooseneck barnacles
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt

  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Bring water to a boil in a 4-quart saucepan. Stir in kosher salt until dissolved, about 1 minute.
  2. Add gooseneck barnacles and simmer until cooked through and tender, about 3 minutes.
  3. Drain immediately. Chill before serving.

  4. 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