The weather was nice enough to grill some prawns, which are also called large shrimp. I saw this recipe for grilled head-on prawns in one of my Bon Appétit magazines, and it looked too good not to try. Get the recipe below along with some photography tips for how I shot it!.
Shrimp with the heads still on may look a little intimidating, but they make for more flavorful dishes. The head contains lots of juicy, salty juices that season the shrimp as it cooks Follow these simple steps to clean, prep, and cook shrimp while keeping the heads intact
Why Cook Shrimp with the Heads On?
Cooking shrimp with the heads on has several advantages
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More Flavor – The head has a concentrated shrimp taste and seasons the flesh.
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Easier Peeling – The attached head gives you something to hold onto when peeling.
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Looks Cool – Shrimp with heads makes a dramatic presentation.
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Less Waste – Using the whole shrimp minimizes unused parts.
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Cooks More Evenly – The head helps conduct heat for even cooking.
Many restaurants serve head-on shrimp as they know the extra flavor is worth the work. Home cooks are catching on too.
Buying Shrimp with Heads
It’s best to buy shrimp with heads from a trusted fish market or grocery store seafood counter. Here’s what to look for:
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Firm, shiny shells without black spots
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Clear, intact eyes
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Legs and antennae attached
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Mild seafood smell
Avoid shrimp with sunken, milky eyes or an ammonia odor. Medium shrimp (31-35 count per pound) work well for leaving heads on.
Prepping Shrimp with Heads On
Preparing head-on shrimp takes a little more effort but it’s pretty simple:
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First, peel off the thin outer shell while leaving the head and last tail segment intact.
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Use a paring knife to slice along the back vein and remove it.
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Use tip of knife to poke out any intestinal matter behind the head.
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Rinse thoroughly with cold water when done.
That’s all there is to it! The shrimp are now ready to cook and eat.
Cooking Methods for Head-On Shrimp
Cooking brings out the extra flavor locked inside the heads. There are several excellent cooking methods to try:
Pan Searing
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Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and spices of choice.
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Heat oil in a skillet over high heat.
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Cook shrimp 1-2 minutes per side until opaque.
Grilling
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Toss shrimp in oil and seasoning.
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Grill over direct high heat 2-3 minutes per side.
Broiling
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Place oiled and seasoned shrimp on broiler pan.
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Broil 5-6 inches from heat source for 2-4 minutes, flipping halfway.
Baking
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Put shrimp in baking dish and coat with oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
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Bake at 375°F for 5-8 minutes until opaque.
Air Frying
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Toss shrimp with oil and breadcrumbs or seasoning.
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Air fry at 400°F for 4-6 minutes, shaking halfway.
Monitor closely so the heads don’t burn. Cook just until the flesh turns opaque.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some tasty ways to serve up shrimp with the heads on:
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Peeled as an appetizer with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges
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Mixed into seafood pasta or rice dishes
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Added to soups, stews, and chowders
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Skewered for shrimp kabobs
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Piled on top of shrimp tacos or tostadas
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Served whole with dipping sauces like sriracha mayo
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Added to shrimp and grits or jambalaya
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Tossed into seafood boils or paella
Let those tasty heads infuse the shrimp with extra ocean flavor in your next meal. Just follow these simple steps for prepping and cooking head-on shrimp. Your patience will be rewarded with juicy, full-flavored shrimp!
Recipe Notes for Grilled Head On Prawns
For some people, the idea of head-on prawns might freak them out. If that’s you, don’t worry. You can use regular shrimp instead. If you’re willing to include the head, it’s considered a delicacy. There are more tastes because the head meat and fat are cooked with the rest of the body. And, as we all know… fat equals flavor.
Get A Food Styling Kit
With garnish and food photography it’s better to start with a little and add more as you go. It’s easier to add more rather than have to backup and remove small pieces of garnish. But, we all have overdone it with the garnish sometimes. I keep this food styling kit in my home studio. It has different-sized spoons, tongs, and finger grips. It lets me remove small pieces of garnish or move things around without smearing the rest of the food on the plate when I use my fingers.
How to devein shrimp/prawns with shell and head on
How do you cook head on shrimp?
This Head On Shrimp Recipe keeps the flavors and process simple and approachable. Whole peel and eat shrimp swimming in a buttery garlic sauce. Heat large oven safe pan over medium/high. Add wine to pan, simmer for 1-2 minutes or until liquid decreases by half. Add butter, garlic, salt and pepper. Stir and sauté for 1 minute.
How do you cook whole shrimp?
Cooking whole shrimp is quick and easy. This Head On Shrimp Recipe keeps the flavors and process simple and approachable. Whole peel and eat shrimp swimming in a buttery garlic sauce. Heat large oven safe pan over medium/high. Add wine to pan, simmer for 1-2 minutes or until liquid decreases by half. Add butter, garlic, salt and pepper.
How do you season shrimp with a head on?
Seasoning shrimp with the head on is a matter of personal taste. One popular method is to marinate the shrimp with a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the shrimp and adds a delightful tanginess.
Can you cook head on shrimp with other seafood?
Yes, head on shrimp can be used in a variety of pasta dishes such as shrimp scampi, shrimp linguine, and shrimp Alfredo. The head on shrimp adds a rich and flavorful element to these dishes. Can I cook head on shrimp with other seafood?