Listen up seafood lovers! Today I’m gonna spill the tea about something that might sound a bit weird to some of ya’ll – deep fried shrimp heads!
You know how most folks just toss those heads away? Well, lemme tell you – they’re missing out on some seriously tasty stuff! As someone who’s been cooking seafood for years, I can’t wait to share why these crunchy little morsels deserve a spot on your plate.
Why You Should Give Fried Shrimp Heads a Try
Let’s get real – shrimp heads might look a bit intimidating at first. But trust me when I say they’re packed with amazing flavors and benefits:
- Super flavorful: They’ve got this rich, umami taste that’s totally different from the tail meat
- Great texture: When fried right, you get this awesome combo of crispy outside and creamy inside
- Packed with nutrients: These babies are loaded with:
- Protein
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Chitin (good for your gut!)
- Antioxidants
- Essential vitamins and minerals
How to Prepare Deep Fried Shrimp Heads
Here’s my foolproof method for making these crispy treats
-
Prep the heads:
- Twist heads off the bodies
- Remove any visible veins
- Give ’em a good rinse
- Pat super dry with paper towels
-
Season them up:
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper
- Optional: coat lightly with cornstarch or flour
-
Frying time:
- Heat oil to 350-375°F
- Fry for 2-3 minutes till golden brown
- Drain on paper towels
- Season again while hot if ya want
Tips for First-Timers
If you’re new to eating shrimp heads, here’s how to get started:
- Start with the meaty end first
- Crunch through slowly to get used to the texture
- Don’t be shy – use your fingers!
- Keep napkins handy (it can get messy!)
- Try dipping in your fave sauces like:
- Sriracha mayo
- Sweet chili sauce
- Lemon aioli
Creative Ways to Serve
Wanna get fancy with your fried shrimp heads? Try these ideas:
- Sprinkle over salads for extra crunch
- Add to your party snack platter
- Top seafood soups or chowders
- Make fancy appetizers
- Use as garnish for seafood dishes
Health Considerations
While these tasty treats are generally safe to eat, keep in mind:
- Shellfish allergies: Obviously, skip these if you’re allergic to shrimp
- Cholesterol: They’re pretty high in cholesterol, so maybe don’t go too crazy
- Kids: Might wanna chop them up smaller for the little ones
Why It’s Actually Good for the Environment
Here’s something cool – eating shrimp heads is actually pretty sustainable! Instead of throwing away perfectly good food, you’re using the whole shrimp. Less waste = better for our planet!
The Cultural Side
Ya know what’s interesting? In many Asian countries, eating shrimp heads isn’t weird at all – it’s totally normal and even considered a delicacy! In Japan, they call ’em “ebi no atama” and love serving them with beer. Pretty cool, right?
Final Thoughts
Look, I get it – deep fried shrimp heads might sound a bit out there if you’ve never tried them. But don’t knock it till you try it! They’re crispy, flavorful, and actually pretty good for you when eaten in moderation.
So next time you’re cooking up some shrimp, maybe think twice before tossing those heads in the trash. Give ’em a fry and you might just discover your new favorite seafood snack!
Remember, the key is getting them super crispy and giving them a chance. Who knows? You might end up loving them as much as I do!
Have you ever tried deep fried shrimp heads? What did you think? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your experiences! ✨
Pro tip: Keep a bag of shrimp heads in your freezer to make amazing seafood stock later! Nothing goes to waste in my kitchen!
Fry the whole thing
The easiest way to enjoy the heads and tails of a shrimp is to deep fry the entire thing, and then eat the entire thing. According to Chichi Wang of Serious Eats, fried shrimp heads are a symphony of contrasts:
The crispy and crunchy exterior gives way to the rich, juicy innards, creating an enticing bite. Wang’s recipe for Chinese-Style Deep-Fried Salty Shrimp may seem a little intimidating, but shrimp are small and fry fast, and the cornstarch creates a wonderful coating for your seasonings of choice to cling to. Once their fried and seasoned, eat them whole, no peeling needed.
There’s flavor in those shells
The biggest issue most people run into when trying to branch out into head-to-tail shrimp cuisine is one of texture. Even when deep fried—which we’ll get to in a moment—the feeling of chitin and tomalley (hepatopancreas) can take a little getting used to.
If you want to ease yourself into the world of no-waste, whole-shrimp enjoyment, you can start by using the shells, tails, and heads to make an umami-packed shrimpy stock. Just grab any leftover shells you have (I keep a bag in the freezer), cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and let cook for 15 minutes, tasting every once in a while, until your stock is packed with shrimp flavor.
If your tails came from a batch of seasoned shrimp—say a Cajun boil or scampi—you can expect a little bit of that flavor to come through, but the predominate notes will be deeply savory and a little funky. You know, shrimpy. Use your shrimp stock to make risotto (or plain rice), a seafood stew, or anything else you’d usually use a stock for.
Do you eat the shrimp heads? How about the shell if its deep fried? #saltandpepper #friedshrimp
FAQ
Do you eat the tail of deep fried shrimp?
Yes, shrimp tails are edible, though it’s a matter of personal preference and cultural norms, with some people enjoying the added texture and flavor, especially when fried or charred.
Is it okay to eat fried shrimp shells?
So, yes, shrimp shells are edible and, based on recent scientific research, may also provide health benefits, like lowering cholesterol and improving cartilage and joint health.
Is the head of the shrimp good for you?
Collagen: The connective tissue in shrimp heads contains collagen, known for promoting skin elasticity and supporting joint health.
Are shrimp heads deep fried?
In some cultures, shrimp heads are deep-fried or sautéed and served as a snack or appetizer. The heads are typically removed from the body and cleaned before cooking, and the resulting dish is often described as rich, savory, and umami.
Can you eat shrimp head?
Shrimp head often looks like a thing to whack with a broom or something even harder. But can you eat shrimp heads? Yes, you can eat shrimp head! In fact, several people believe it’s the nicest part of the shrimp. Even though the way it’s generally done is by sucking the fluid out of the head other than consuming the whole thing, shell and all.
Should you eat whole shrimp?
Ease yourself into the world of no-waste, whole-shrimp enjoyment. When it comes to eating animals, most white Americans seem to favor muscle and flesh over innards, heads, tails, tendons, and anything that isn’t, well, muscle and flesh. That’s too bad, because those are some of the best bits with the most flavor, particularly in the case of shrimp.
Do you need to deep fry shrimp?
The tinier the shrimp head, the reduced barrier between the outer crust and the inner goods. You bite down its fluid center discharges, and you munch on it, the shell, antennae, and all else. This is an easy recipe, the only caveat standing that you are required to deep-fry the shrimp. But it’s certainly not a difficulty.
Are fried shrimp heads a symphony of contrasts?
The easiest way to enjoy the heads and tails of a shrimp is to deep fry the entire thing, and then eat the entire thing. According to Chichi Wang of Serious Eats, fried shrimp heads are a symphony of contrasts: What do you think so far? Be the first to post a comment.
Should you cook shrimp with the head on?
Some might choose shrimp with the head on as it can bring more relish into the dish when cooking. But even if you possess a headless shrimp, you can still receive some zest from the shrimp’s shell. That is why many people choose to cook shrimp with the skin still on.