Chang Ying Tou - Crispy Fried Shrimp Heads

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) shrimp heads 1 pound (450g) shrimp heads
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 0g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper.
2. 2.
   Rinse the shrimp heads thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel.
3. 3.
   Toss the shrimp heads in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok to 350°F (180°C).
5. 5.
   Carefully drop the coated shrimp heads into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
6. 6.
   Remove the fried shrimp heads from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
7. 7.
   Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy fried shrimp heads while they are still hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shrimp heads — Make sure to rinse the shrimp heads thoroughly to remove any impurities before coating them in the batter.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of five-spice powder to the flour mixture.
• Serve the crispy fried shrimp heads with a side of tangy soy dipping sauce for an added burst of flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier version, sprinkle some chili powder or cayenne pepper over the fried shrimp heads before serving.
• Experiment with different sizes of shrimp heads to find your preferred level of crunchiness.
• To ensure maximum crispiness, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the shrimp heads.

Serving advice

Serve the Chang Ying Tou as an appetizer or as part of a seafood feast. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing twist.

Presentation advice

Arrange the crispy fried shrimp heads on a platter, creating a visually appealing display. Consider serving them in a bamboo steamer or on a bed of lettuce leaves for an elegant touch.