These head on citrus shrimp are an easy to make meal that is ready in 30 minutes and tastes amazing. Made with whole shrimp, white wine and lemons this is the perfect meal for those on the go and need a quick meal.
When you want to make an easy dish that is guaranteed to generate conversation then these head on citrus shrimp are the perfect meal. They are so easy to make and seeing shrimp with their heads still on is always a way to break the ice. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it doesn’t take much effort and they don’t leave a lot of waste. This is the perfect recipe for anyone with just a little bit of time that wants something delicious to eat.
Table of Contents
In this recipe
There isn’t a lot in the recipe which is why making this becomes a snap. Also, there is not a lot that is needed for preparation which is a favorite of mine.
Shrimp: shrimp with their heads and shells on are perfect for this recipe. However, you can use shelled and deveined shrimp if you want.
Lemon: both the whole lemon and the zest will be used for this recipe. You can use the zest of the lemons before quartering them.
White wine: a good dry white wine is great for this recipe and my go to is a Pinot Gris as it goes well with shellfish.
Do head on shrimp taste different?
Yes, there is a difference in taste when it comes to eating shrimp with the heads still on. The first being that you can eat shrimp head after it has been cooked. One thing I will warn you of is to watch out for the antennae and other pointy parts of the head. While it is edible I like to break them off because they will hurt if they poke you in the roof of your mouth or your cheeks. If you have ever seen anyone eat crawfish before you can do the same thing with the shrimp and it adds a different to the shrimp versus the ones without heads.
How do I cook head on shrimp?
When cooking shrimp with their heads still on you will cook them with the shells on as well. They will cook in the same amount of time that deveined and shelled shrimp. Also how to tell that shrimp is cooked correctly is still the same. If the shrimp make a “C” shape they are cooked correctly, if they make an “O” shape then they are overcooked. The biggest difference with cooked whole shrimp is that you don’t remove the shell afterwards. You will eat the shrimp with the shell on as it will stick to the body. It is completely edible this way as well.
What can I serve with head on citrus shrimp?
Here is a list of some sides and ways to serve the shrimp:
- On a bed of pasta with the wine and butter poaching liquid sauce
- With asparagus and risotto
- On top of a salad with a light vinaigrette
- As a chilled appetizer
- On southern style grits
- With coconut rice
- Chilled with sliced oranges and avocado
Looking for other shrimp recipes?
Head On Citrus Shrimp
Equipment
- Casserole dish or oven safe pan
Ingredients
- 2½ pounds shrimp head on
- ¾ cup white wine
- 4 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 lemons cut into wedges
- ¼ cup shallots chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F, 220°C or gas mark 7.
- In a cast iron casserole dish or oven safe pan heat olive oil over medium heat. Add paprika and pepper and cook for 30 seconds, Add the shallots and cook until softened and start turning translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and salt and cook for another 30 seconds.¼ cup shallots, 1 tablespoon garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon ground pepper, 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Add the white wine and butter, stirring until the butter has melted.¾ cup white wine, 4 tablespoons butter
- Add the shrimp, lemon zest, and lemon wedges.2½ pounds shrimp, 2 lemons, 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Cover and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, top with a little parsley (optional), and serve.
Notes
Store in an airtight container and refrigerate. Consume within 3 days.
Nutrition
This is such an easy recipe to make and is always a hit with my friends.