Fried Shrimp Heads
Fried shrimp heads is one dish that turns skeptics into fans with their crispy, salty, and irresistibly umami flavors.
Equipment
- paper towels, for draining the shrimp
Ingredients
- 12 shrimp heads
- 1/2 cup corn starch
- 1/2 cup potato starch
- Canola oil, or any high smoke point oil
- fine kosher salt to taste
- black pepper or white pepper to taste
Instructions
Prep the Shrimp
- Remove the horn from the shrimp heads using a sharp knife or kitchen shears. Place the heads in a medium bowl and set aside.
Coat the Shrimp
- Place the potato and corn starch mixture into a small bowl. Gently stir to incorporate them.
- Pour the starch mixture over the shrimp heads and toss gently to coat them completely.
Fry The Shrimp
- Heat your canola oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to around 375°F. The key is to fry in small batches to avoid cooling the oil too much, which leads to soggy shells.
- Once the oil has preheated, carefully lower the coated heads into it. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Season immediately with salt and pepper.
- Repeat with the remaining shrimp heads.
NOTES
- Trim the horn first. Cut off the sharp rostrum before coating so the heads are easier and safer to eat.
- Use a light starch coat. Toss the heads in a 50/50 mix of potato starch and cornstarch. A wet batter is the wrong move here because it can steam the shrimp heads and make them chewy instead of crisp.
- Fry in small batches. Heat the oil to about 375 F and do not crowd the pot, or the oil temperature will drop and the shells can go soggy.
- Cook until golden and crisp. Fry for about 2 to 3 minutes, just until the heads are crisp and lightly browned.
- Season right away. Hit them with fine kosher salt and black or white pepper as soon as they come out of the oil so the seasoning sticks.
- Serve them immediately. Drain briefly, then eat them hot while the shells are still crisp.
Nutrition
Calories: 195kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 164mg | Potassium: 297mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 47IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation. Nutrition is per serving.
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