Shrimp cheeks have become a popular snack item in recent years You may have seen bags of crispy shrimp cheeks for sale and wondered – what exactly are shrimp cheeks? Where do they come from on a shrimp’s body? And most importantly, what do they taste like?
In this guide, we’ll explore what shrimp cheeks are, how they are prepared, their flavor profile, and some delicious ways to eat them Whether you’re a seasoned seafood lover or new to these snacks, read on to get the full low-down on shrimp cheeks!
Anatomy of a Shrimp Cheek
First, let’s understand what part of the shrimp we are eating when we snack on shrimp cheeks. Shrimp cheeks come from the head region of shrimp, specifically the area covering the mouth.
Each shrimp has two cheek sections, one on the right and one on the left side of the mouth The cheeks are essentially small flavorful muscles that allow the shrimp to move its mouthparts
The cheeks are located right below the shrimp’s eyes and antennae. They are soft and plump compartments of meat. Shrimp cheeks are sometimes referred to as shrimp jowls by seafood enthusiasts.
How Are Shrimp Cheeks Prepared?
Shrimp cheeks sold as snacks are removed from the heads of fresh shrimp. They are separated from any internal organs of the head.
The cheeks may be brined or marinated to impart extra flavor. Then they are coated in a light tempura-style batter before being deep fried or oven baked to achieve a wonderfully crispy texture.
The frying helps bring out the rich umami essence of the shrimp, while keeping the interior moist and succulent. The result is a crispy outside encasing a soft, shrimpy center – seafood snack bliss!
Flavor Profile of Shrimp Cheeks
So what do shrimp cheeks actually taste like? Well, their flavor is often described as:
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Briny and seafood-like – shrimp cheeks pack a concentrated shrimp essence.
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Sweet and delicate – shrimp cheeks have a naturally sweet nuance.
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Umami and rich – the mouth-filling savoriness of shrimp cheeks is highly addictive.
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Crispy and crunchy – the batter coating gives them a satisfying texture.
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Succulent and moist – shrimp cheeks stay tender when cooked right.
In terms of intensity, shrimp cheek flavor is more subtle compared to something like a shrimp head. But they offer plenty of shrimpy decadence in a bite-sized package.
Shrimp Cheek Flavored Snacks
When buying shrimp cheek snacks, you’ll often find exciting seasoned flavors beyond the classic original. Some popular shrimp cheek flavors include:
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Spicy – seasoned with chili, paprika, cayenne.
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Black pepper – cracked black pepper adds vibrancy.
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Salted egg yolk – creamy, umami salted egg flavors.
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Japanese umami – shiitake, kombu, bonito.
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Thai – chili, garlic, lemongrass, galangal.
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Korean – gochujang, sesame, garlic.
So look out for these gourmet flavors to enjoy shrimp cheeks with an extra kick!
Nutrition Facts of Shrimp Cheeks
Compared to the whole shrimp body, cheeks are lower in fat since they don’t contain the higher fat digestive organs. They are mostly just pure protein and pack 9g of protein per one ounce serving.
Shrimp cheeks also provide minerals like zinc, copper, selenium along with some B-vitamins. The batter coating adds some extra carbs to the nutritional value. But overall, shrimp cheeks make for a lean, protein-rich snack.
How to Eat Shrimp Cheeks
There are so many delicious ways to enjoy shrimp cheeks! Here are some of my favorite recipes and serving ideas:
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On their own – Shrimp cheeks are fantastic on their own as a crispy, satisfying snack.
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With dips – Ketchup, mayo, aioli, sweet chili sauce all pair wonderfully.
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Over rice – Scatter crispy cheeks over rice for a meal.
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In noodles – Toss shrimp cheek pieces through noodles or fried rice.
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As bar snacks – Shrimp cheeks make a fun sharing snack with beers or cocktails.
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In tacos – Add some crunch to your tacos with crispy shrimp cheeks.
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On pizza – Use as a protein-packed topping for your next pizza night.
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In salads – Toast some cheeks to add a crispy topping to your salad.
So get creative with how you eat shrimp cheeks! Their versatility makes them perfect for snacking anytime.
Where to Buy Shrimp Cheeks
If you want to get your hands on some shrimp cheeks, here are some places to find them:
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Asian grocery stores – Chinese, Japanese, Korean markets.
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Seafood markets and fishmongers.
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Specialty snack shops.
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Online retailers like Amazon.
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Large supermarkets may have them in the freezer or snack section.
I recommend looking for shrimp cheeks sourced from wild caught shrimp for the best flavor and texture. And check the ingredients to avoid varieties loaded with artificial flavors.
Shrimp Cheek Facts
Here are some extra fun facts about shrimp cheeks worth knowing:
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Shrimp cheeks are considered a delicacy in Japan – they are called ebino hompo.
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Cheeks make up about 5-10% of a shrimp’s total weight.
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Fish like seabass and snapper also have edible cheek meat.
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Shrimp only yield one cheek each, unlike fish that have two.
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Cheeks are one of the most prized parts of a shrimp along with the head.
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They have a higher concentration of natural umami flavor compared to shrimp bodies.
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Costco Item Review Crispy Shrimp Cheeks Original Taste Test
What is a shrimp cheek?
On the other hand, shrimp cheek is simply the lower part of the shrimp’s head (each shrimp yields one “cheek”), without any of the internal organs like the brain and roe which are high in cholesterol. Now, even without these unhealthy bits, shrimp cheeks are still packed with that shrimpy/umami flavour that many people enjoy.
What is the difference between prawn and shrimp?
Shrimp and prawns have plenty of similarities, but they are not the same animal. Their differences involve their biology. Shrimp bodies are encased in a sort of accordion shell, with a membrane between the segments. Prawns have a shell where each segment overlaps the one below it. There are no big differences between them when it comes to their nutritional value; they are both a good source of protein, and relatively low in calories.
Do shrimp cheeks go well with food?
Image by Joshua Lee. In fact, Monori says that its shrimp cheeks go very well with food. 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.
What happens if 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”. You can spoon them directly into your mouth or simply scatter them over your rice for an extra dose of umami. Image by Joshua Lee.