Head on shrimp offers a uniquely flavorful and satisfying experience that’s truly different from the usual shrimp dishes. With the heads left on, these shrimp deliver richer, more concentrated flavors, making them a standout dish for seafood lovers.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Head On Shrimp
To truly savor head on shrimp, it’s essential to prepare them correctly. Here are some handy tips and tricks to make sure your shrimp come out perfectly:
Grill with Care: If you’re grilling, consider placing the shrimp in a grill basket. This prevents them from slipping through the grates and makes flipping them easier.
Devein and Clean Properly: The shrimp heads often have a vein running through them, which you can remove before cooking. You can use a small knife or skewer to carefully clean them.
Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly, and overcooking will make them tough. Be sure to cook them just until the flesh is opaque and firm.
Infuse the Shells with Flavor: When cooking with the shells on, be sure to flavor them by marinating them or making a flavorful broth or butter sauce to coat them with. The shells will infuse flavor into the shrimp.
Use the Heads for Stock: Don’t throw away the shrimp heads! They make an excellent base for a seafood stock or broth. The heads are full of flavor, and using them in your cooking can enhance other dishes like soups, risottos, or pasta sauces.
Variations of Head On Shrimp
Head on shrimp is a versatile ingredient that can be adapted to various styles of cooking. Here are some fun variations to try:
Shrimp and Grits: A southern classic where head on shrimp is served over creamy grits. The shrimp’s natural juices and flavors will make this dish irresistibly delicious.
Garlic Butter Head On Shrimp: A classic that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Sauté the shrimp in a garlic butter sauce with a touch of lemon juice and fresh parsley for a delicious, rich dish.
Cajun-Style Head On Shrimp: Season the shrimp with Cajun spices like paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and thyme. You can sauté or grill them for a spicier, bolder flavor.
Grilled Head On Shrimp Skewers: Marinate the shrimp in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before threading them onto skewers. Grill them until they’re perfectly charred for a smoky, savory flavor.
Head On Shrimp Boil: Perfect for large gatherings, a seafood boil is a flavorful way to enjoy head on shrimp along with corn, potatoes, sausage, and other seafood, all seasoned with Old Bay and Cajun spices.
How to Serve Head On Shrimp
Head on shrimp can be served in many ways depending on the dish you choose to make. Here are some ideas for presenting your shrimp:
- As a Main Dish: Serve them as the main course with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. You can create a beautiful presentation by arranging the shrimp on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
- On Pasta: Toss your shrimp in a creamy pasta sauce or garlic butter sauce for a seafood pasta dish. The shrimp’s rich flavor will complement a wide variety of pasta shapes, from spaghetti to fettuccine.
- As Part of a Seafood Platter: Serve a variety of seafood including clams, mussels, lobster, and head on shrimp. Add dipping sauces like garlic butter, cocktail sauce, or a spicy aioli for an extra punch of flavor.
- In a Soup or Stew: Head on shrimp can be used to enrich seafood soups or stews. Their heads provide a deeper broth flavor, which enhances the overall taste of the soup.
How to Store Leftover Head On Shrimp
If you have leftover head on shrimp, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their flavor and freshness.
Shrimp Stock: If you’ve used the heads for making a seafood stock, store the stock in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Refrigeration: Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. Be sure to discard the heads if you don’t want to keep them for making stock.
Freezing: If you want to store the shrimp for a longer period, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze. Shrimp can be kept in the freezer for up to 6 months. Just make sure to remove the air from the bag to avoid freezer burn.
Recipe FAQs
Can you eat the head of the shrimp?
Yes! The shrimp head contains flavorful juices that many seafood lovers enjoy. You can suck out the flavorful liquid, or some people use the heads to make a rich, umami-filled broth.
How do I clean head on shrimp?
Cleaning head on shrimp is simple. First, remove the legs and peel back the shells. Use a skewer or knife to remove the dark vein running along the back of the shrimp. If you prefer, you can also remove the head at this stage, but leaving it on gives a more intense flavor.
What is the difference between head on and peeled shrimp?
Head on shrimp have the head and shell intact, whereas peeled shrimp have had their shells and heads removed. The head on variety tends to be more flavorful because the shells and heads hold the shrimp’s natural juices.
How long does it take to cook head on shrimp?
The cooking time will depend on the size and method of cooking. Generally, head on shrimp cook in about 3-5 minutes on medium heat. Always be cautious not to overcook them, as shrimp can become tough when cooked for too long.
Head on Shrimp
Head on shrimp offers a uniquely flavorful and satisfying experience that’s truly different from the usual shrimp dishes. With the heads left on, these shrimp deliver richer, more concentrated flavors, making them a standout dish for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lbs whole shrimp, large
- 8 tablespoons butter, unsalted
- 4 garlic cloves, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 lemons, quartered
- salt and pepper, or to taste
- 1 pinch dried red chili flakes
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Heat a large pan on medium high heat. Add wine and simmer until reduce by half for 1-2 minutes.
- Add butter, garlic, salt and pepper. Stir to combine and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add whole shrimp and lemons. Toss to coat with the butter mixture.
- Transfer pan to the preheated oven and roast for about 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and pink.
- Toss 1-2 times during the cook time. Finally, broil for 2-3 minutes on high or until charred.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and red chili flakes.
- Enjoy immediately.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 582Total Fat 28gSaturated Fat 16gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 659mgSodium 2765mgCarbohydrates 10gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 66g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Check my other shrimp recipes:
Head on shrimp is a wonderful ingredient that can elevate any seafood dish. With this recipe, you’ll be able to make the most of these flavorful shrimp, whether you’re grilling, sautéing, or making a savory broth. The tips and variations in this post will help you experiment with different cooking styles and flavor profiles, making sure that each time you cook head on shrimp, you’ll create something extraordinary.
