Listen up seafood lovers! Ever wondered about those tiny yet incredibly tasty morsels called shrimp cheeks? Well, I’m here to spill all the juicy details about this hidden gem that’s been making waves in the culinary world. As a food blogger who’s tried pretty much everything under the sun, I gotta tell ya – shrimp cheeks are something special!
What Exactly Are Shrimp Cheeks?
Let me break it down for you in simple terms. Shrimp cheeks are these small, super-flavorful bits of meat found in the head area of shrimp, specifically right below their eyes. Think of them as the shrimp’s “facial muscles” – they’re actually working muscles that help these little creatures eat and breathe!
Here’s what makes them special
- Located in the cephalothorax (fancy word for head-chest area)
- Each shrimp has one cheek
- They’re small but packed with flavor
- Pure muscle tissue that’s tender and succulent
Why Are They So Darn Tasty?
I’ll tell you why – these little nuggets are like flavor bombs! Unlike regular shrimp meat, cheeks have this intense, concentrated taste that’s:
- Sweeter than normal shrimp meat
- Rich in umami flavor
- More tender than other parts
- Naturally briny and delicate
How to Find These Little Treasures
Finding shrimp cheeks ain’t rocket science, but you’ll need:
- Large shrimp (bigger = easier to spot cheeks)
- A careful hand
- Basic knowledge of where to look
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Get yourself some jumbo or colossal shrimp
- Remove the head from the body
- Look for small, oval-shaped meat pockets below the eyes
- Carefully extract using a small spoon or knife tip
Popular Ways to Enjoy Shrimp Cheeks
Ya know what’s cool? These little guys are super versatile! Here’s how people are eating them
As Snacks:
- Crispy fried with various seasonings
- Tempura-style
- Plain salted
In Dishes:
- Tossed in pasta
- Added to salads
- Mixed into fried rice
- Topped on pizzas
- Stuffed in tacos
Where Can You Buy Them?
Looking to get your hands on some shrimp cheeks? Check out
- Asian grocery stores
- Specialty seafood markets
- Some upscale supermarkets
- Online retailers
- Fresh fish markets
Nutritional Benefits
These tasty morsels aren’t just yummy – they’re good for ya too! Here’s what you’re getting:
- High protein content
- Low in fat
- Rich in minerals (zinc, copper, selenium)
- Contains B-vitamins
- Approximately 9g protein per ounce
Tips for Cooking Shrimp Cheeks
Here’s what I’ve learned from working with these delicate morsels:
-
Don’t overcook them! Quick cooking methods work best:
- Light frying
- Quick steaming
- Brief grilling
- Raw (sashimi-style if super fresh)
-
Popular seasonings:
- Simple salt and pepper
- Asian-inspired spices
- Garlic and herbs
- Chili-based seasonings
Cultural Significance
Something interesting – shrimp cheeks are considered quite the delicacy in many Asian countries. In Japan, they’re called “ebino hompo” and are treated with major respect in their cuisine. Pretty cool, right?
My Personal Take
I gotta tell ya, when I first tried shrimp cheeks, I was like “Where have you been all my life?” They’re seriously underrated here in the West, but I’m seeing more and more foodies catching on. If you’re into seafood and haven’t tried them yet, you’re missing out big time!
Storage Tips
If you manage to get your hands on some fresh shrimp cheeks:
- Keep refrigerated if using within 1-2 days
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months
- Store in airtight container
- Keep away from strong-smelling foods
Final Thoughts
Shrimp cheeks might be small, but they pack a serious punch in the flavor department. Whether you’re a seafood newbie or a seasoned pro, these little morsels are worth seeking out. They’re versatile, nutritious, and honestly just plain delicious!
Remember – don’t toss those shrimp heads next time! Those cheeks are culinary gold waiting to be discovered. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Have you tried shrimp cheeks before? What’s your favorite way to eat them? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences with this amazing seafood delicacy!
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- Sea Temple Crispy Shrimp Cheeks Pack …
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About this Items:
Enjoy these yummy umami, crispy, crunchy, salty and savoury bite sized treats. Different from the rest, these crispy shrimp cheeks are a perfect snack. Share this unique treat with family and friends.
- Umami Taste
- Made from Prawn Cheeks
- Produced In Thailand
- 125g
Costco Item Review Crispy Shrimp Cheeks Original Taste Test
FAQ
What part of a shrimp do you not eat?
The part of a shrimp that is often not eaten is the “vein” or digestive tract, which runs along the back of the shrimp. While technically edible if the shrimp is cooked, it’s often removed due to the presence of waste matter and for aesthetic reasons.
What are the turds in shrimp?
The black line on the top of a shrimp is its digestive tract, so yes, that’s poop you can see. It’s safe to eat, but in general people tend to prefer their shrimp deveined, i.e. with the digestive tract removed, because the tract can have a bitter taste and a sandy texture.
What are the very tiny shrimp called?
Dwarf shrimp are the most prominent and also the most popular among them. They have found their way into the aquaria and into the hearts of their keepers in almost all the world. With over 290 species, shrimp of the genus Caridina are one of the most diverse groups within the Atyidae family.
What are the parts of a shrimp?
From the tail to the head: telson, abdomen (6 segments), pleopods (swimming legs), carapace, pereiopods (walking legs), maxillipeds (feeding legs), eye and antennae.
What is a shrimp cheek?
Shrimp cheek is the lower part of the shrimp’s head, specifically the area that yields one ‘cheek’ per shrimp. Unlike other parts of the shrimp head, shrimp cheeks do not contain internal organs like the brain and roe, which are high in cholesterol. Despite this, shrimp cheeks are still packed with that shrimpy/umami flavor that many people enjoy.
How can you use shrimp cheeks as a topping?
These snacks can be served as toppings on food. Add them to your salmon bowl to up the seafood quotient or perhaps scatter them over your salad to give it a savoury kick. In fact, Monori says that its shrimp cheeks go very well with food.
What is the main flavor of the Crispy Shrimp Cheek?
The Crispy Shrimp Cheek (Grilled Seaweed) had a slight taste of grilled seaweed. To be honest, we felt that the flavour was a bit too mild for us, but some might like it because it doesn’t overpower the shrimpy flavour.
What happens when you eat shrimp cheeks?
A very common experience when eating shrimp cheeks is that once you have gone through the entire pack, you might find yourself with a lot of leftover “legs”.
What does crispy shrimp cheek (grilled seaweed) taste like?
The Crispy Shrimp Cheek (Grilled Seaweed) had a slight taste of grilled seaweed. While the flavor was a bit too mild for some, others might enjoy it as it doesn’t overpower the shrimpy flavor.
Are shrimp cheeks available in Singapore?
But we’ll get to that in a bit. Currently, onlytwo snack brands in Singapore offer shrimp cheeks though there are many others overseas, especially in Thailand.