Good Eats Season 9 Episode 20 Shell Game IV

In the season 9 episode 20 of Good Eats, titled "Shell Game IV," host Alton Brown explores unique and innovative ways to cook with one of his favorite ingredients - shellfish. Through humor-filled deep dives into the science behind various shellfish, Brown provides viewers with practical advice on how to make the most of one's seafood cooking experience.

The episode is structured around four different shellfish, each of which Brown explains both the biology and culinary features. First up is scallops, which Brown instructs viewers to buy first-hand instead of processed to ensure freshness and taste. He then demonstrates the scallop's versatility by suggesting three different ways to cook it - pan-seared, roast, and poached.

Next, Brown tackles clams, focusing on the "clam steam" cooking technique. Through lively demonstrations, viewers learn how to cook clams to perfection with various aromatics, vegetables, and seasonings. Brown also provides creative ideas for using leftover clam juice in cocktails and sauces.

After clams, Brown turns his attention to mussels, which he calls "ocean popcorn." He emphasizes the many ways different cultures enjoy this tasty shellfish and suggests a simple approach to cooking them - simmered in white wine with garlic, shallots, and other herbs for a delectable flavor profile.

Last but not least, Brown introduces the viewers to his coveted jumbo blue crab. He takes viewers on a journey through the history and ecology behind the American blue crab and shares some fun anecdotes about how he learned to properly break one down. Throughout the segment, Brown shows viewers how to prepare each part of the crab for different dishes, such as crab cakes and pastas.

Throughout "Shell Game IV," Brown employs his usual wit and engaging teaching style to illustrate the best ways to cook with shellfish. The episode also includes useful tips, such as how to tell if shellfish is fresh and how to properly clean and store it. Overall, "Shell Game IV" is another educational and entertaining installment in the Good Eats series that's sure to inspire viewers to be more creative in their seafood cooking endeavors.