Can You Eat Starfish?

One of the rewards of visiting local markets is discovering new, and sometimes strange, delicacies. Whether it’s field mice, duck embryos, or horse innards, the first time I saw a starfish-shaped meal on a stick the first query in my mind was – can you eat starfish?

Referred to as the sea star, starfish cling to the coral reefs, lie under the sea, and for most are considered magical sea creatures reserved for viewing. Closely related to sand dollars and sea urchins, edible starfish is technically not a fish. These star-shaped marine creatures have numerous protruding arms where the five arms variety being the most common. 

Can You Eat Starfish?

Turns out you can. Starfish are beautiful sea creatures that are considered a delicacy in some parts of the world. With a hard outer shell, it’s no wonder many people wonder ‘can you eat starfish’ at first sight. While it might not seem tempting, starfish is perfectly safe to eat and is typically consumed as street food in different regions of Asia, particularly China and Japan.

Most people do not see this animal as edible because it has rough skin, and it does not contain a lot of meat.  Moreover, starfish is not a common dish served in restaurants or sold in supermarkets, making it difficult to believe that people eat it and pay a high price for this delicacy.  For this reason, it is only natural for people to question whether you can eat starfish.

Only the meat portion of a starfish is edible. The exterior of a starfish is poisonous and should not be eaten. Many people only eat starfish when prepared by a chef or experienced street vendor. 

How to Cook Starfish?

Wondering how to cook starfish to impress your friends? There are three methods:

1. Grilled Starfish – Grilling starfish is easy. To do so, wash the starfish thoroughly and then pat it dry. Place the starfish on a grill and cook until the skin turns golden brown. Remove the starfish from the grill and serve. 
2. Boiling the fish – Put the entire starfish in salted boiling water and then place it in cold water for 15 seconds. Remove the starfish from the water and put it on a hard surface, belly side up. Break the legs and eat the cooked flesh inside. 
3. Deep-fried starfish– Fried starfish can be served as an appetizer for a dinner party with a difference. Deep fried and served on a stick, starfish is popular street food in China. Once the starfish is removed from hot oil, drain it using tissue and season it with salt and pepper. 

What do Starfish Taste Like?

Describing the taste of starfish is a bit challenging. The creamy texture and bitter taste have many equating the taste to sea urchin, with some even going as far as saying it has a taste similar to ground beef or toothpaste. 

The aroma has been described as that of a river crab. With the varied tastes and aromas, it might be advisable to combine the starfish with a sauce. 

Are Eating Starfish Healthy?

Edible starfish are purported to have numerous nutritional properties that are beneficial for human health. Typically, 2.5 ounces of starfish comprises of 22 grams protein and doesn’t contain sugars or carbohydrates, meaning starfish can be eaten on a keto diet if that’s your eating regime. 

Though the price of starfish is relatively high for a healthy food meal, some research outlines possible health benefits such as: 

• Boosting immunity and fighting against the aging process
• Supporting human growth and development
• Helps to recover from fatigue
• Develops brain memory
• Strengthen the body’s response and helps it recover quickly. 
• Balances blood sugar levels
• Increases moisture of the skin and helps it become more elastic. 

And according to this BBC article, scientists believe the starfish could hold the key to finding a new treatment for inflammatory conditions such as asthma, hay fever, and arthritis.

What part of a starfish is edible?

The meat inside a starfish’s leg is the only edible part.  Is imperative to remember that the outsides of a starfish such as its hard skin, feet, or shell are not edible. These parts of a starfish can be poisonous when consumed.

Given that limited information is available on starfish, you should purchase this delicacy from experience sellers and cooks. Purchase starfish from reputable sellers and ensure that you cook it properly. Remember that starfish is partly poisonous and the shell must be avoided at all costs.

Can You Eat Starfish Raw?

No. Eating raw starfish can lead to food poisoning. 

Is Eating Starfish Legal?

As consuming and cooking starfish is not a widespread delicacy, eating a starfish is generally only legal in areas where it is common to harvest this animal, such as in China and Japan. It is illegal to remove starfish from rocks in America. In this region, you can only remove starfish if you have a fishing license.

It is, therefore, best to research the regulations in your local area.