How to Boil Conch in the Shell

By: Christina Kalinowski

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Conch are quite the delicacy. Pronounced "konk," these exquisite sea snails have a delicate and sweet flavor like that of clams. Conch in the shell can be difficult to but locate but can often be found fresh frozen in Chinese or Italian marketplaces or specialty fish stores. If you’re lucky enough to find conch in the shell, treat yourself to a classic boiled preparation.

Step 1

Lightly scrub and rinse off the conch shells with cold water. If you're using frozen conch, thaw them first.

Step 2

Fill a pot with salted water or vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and add the conch to the pot. Simmer the conch for 3 to 5 minutes and remove from heat, letting them cool briefly in the liquid.

Step 3

Remove the conch from the pot and serve them with small forks or toothpicks to fish the meat out of the shells. Pair conch with sauces for dipping, such as melted herb butter or a simple Asian-inspired sauce with a soy sauce base.