Though you do not usually serve shrimp eyes on their own, but attached to whole fried or cooked shrimp, you can cook and serve them as an appetizer or as a topping for sushi and rice dishes. Shrimp eyes are high in omega-3 fatty acids as well as vitamin B12 and iron, just like the body of the shrimp. However, it is fairly difficult to find shrimp eyes sold on their own, so you will probably have to buy whole shrimp to obtain the eyes. You can cook the rest of the shrimp as desired, and serve it with the shrimp eyes, using the shells as stock for soups.
Broiling
Step 1
Preheat the broiler to 500 F.
Step 2
Place the shrimp eyes in a heatproof ramekin.
Step 3
Cover the ramekin with aluminum foil.
Step 4
Broil the shrimp eyes for 6 to 7 minutes. Serve the shrimp eyes hot or allow them to cool in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes if desired.
Baking
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 375 F.
Step 2
Place the shrimp eyes in a heatproof ramekin or small baking dish.
Step 3
Place the ramekin or baking dish on a cookie sheet and place the cookie sheet in the oven on the middle rack.
Step 4
Bake the shrimp eyes for 12 to 14 minutes. Serve them immediately while hot or allow them to cool in the refrigerator.
Sautéing
Step 1
Add 1 tsp. vegetable oil to a medium sauté pan. Heat the sauté pan over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
Step 2
Put the shrimp eyes in the sauté pan and cook them for two to three minutes, stirring them regularly.
Step 3
Transfer the shrimp eyes to a small serving bowl and serve while warm or let them cool in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes.
Tips and Warnings
- Serve cooked shrimp eyes with fresh lemon or lime wedges for adding flavor and color. Replace the vegetable oil with light olive oil when using the saute method for a healthier dish. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook the shrimp eyes for an extra minute.
- Avoid eating farmed shrimp from Thailand, Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Peru and India if possible. Farmed shrimp from these countries are often treated with a strong antibiotic that could have potential side effects for consumers, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
Things You'll Need
- 3/4 cup shrimp eyes
- Heatproof ramekin
- Aluminum foil
- Small baking dish, optional
- Cookie sheet
- 1 tsp. vegetable oil
- Medium sauté pan
- Small serving bowl
References
- "Fish: The Complete Guide to Buying and Cooking"; Mark Bittman; 1999
- "Fish and Shellfish"; James Peterson; 1996
- TheBostonChannel.com: How Safe Is Your Shrimp Dinner?
Member Comments