The tail of a shrimp is the thin, translucent appendage that extends from the end of the shrimp’s abdomen. While shrimp are almost always sold and served without the tails attached, the tails are fully edible and many people choose to consume them. So should you eat shrimp tails or toss them aside? There are pros and cons to consider when determining if shrimp tails are right for you.
Quick Answers
- Shrimp tails are edible and contain nutritional value, but have a chewing texture some find unappealing.
- Eating the tails adds extra protein, vitamins, and minerals to your diet from parts of the shrimp that would otherwise be discarded.
- The tails contain more flavorful fats and oils than shrimp meat. Some enjoy sucking the juices from the shrimp tails.
- Smaller shrimp tails tend to be more palatable, while larger tails can be tough and fibrous.
- If you dislike the texture, it’s fine to remove the shrimp tails before eating. There’s no requirement to eat tails.
Nutritional Profile of Shrimp Tails
Though small, shrimp tails contain a respectable amount of nutrients. Each tail contains about:
- 2-4 calories
- 0.5 grams of protein
- 0.1 grams of fat
- Vitamin B12, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids
Per ounce, shrimp tails have a higher fat content than the shrimp meat itself. The tail fat provides a richer taste and more insoluble nutrients.
Some of the key nutrients found in shrimp tails include:
Protein
Shrimp tails contain a moderate amount of high-quality animal protein. Protein provides essential amino acids for building and repairing body tissues. Consuming the tails allows you to extract more protein content from the shrimp.
Vitamin B12
Also called cobalamin, Vitamin B12 supports red blood cell formation and neurological function. Shrimp are one of the richest food sources of natural vitamin B12.
Selenium
This antioxidant mineral is needed for thyroid hormone metabolism, DNA production, and protecting cells from damage. Selenium can help reduce inflammation.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Shrimp tails contain omega-3s such as EPA and DHA that are beneficial for heart health, brain function, and fetal development. These healthy fats also have anti-inflammatory properties.
So in terms of nutrition, shrimp tails offer a nice boost over just eating the shrimp meat alone. You get more protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants by consuming the tails.
Shrimp Tail Texture
The biggest drawback and complaint about shrimp tails is their unusual, crunchy texture. Shrimp tails have a tougher, more rubbery, fibrous texture than the meat.
Chewing through the tail takes more effort and the texture can feel unpleasant or unappetizing to some. The tail shell doesn’t fully dissolve while eating.
This fibrous, crunching texture is off-putting for many. But it’s a matter of personal preference whether you find it tolerable or not.
It’s true smaller shrimp tails tend to be less fibrous. Jumbo shrimp tails and prawn tails are quite large, thick and chewy. Younger, smaller shrimp have thinner, more delicate tails.
Some methods like batter frying, sautéing, or simmering in soup can help soften the texture of larger tails. But they’ll still retain some crunch.
If you strongly dislike the chewing sensation, it’s perfectly fine to remove the tails. You can twist off the tails before cooking or eating.
But if you don’t mind the extra chewing effort, you’ll gain additional nutrition by consuming the tails.
Shrimp Tail Flavor
In addition to texture, the shrimp tail has a more concentrated flavor than the body meat. The fats and oils impart a richer, more savory taste.
Some shrimp tail enthusiasts even suck directly on the tail to extract all the flavorful juices.
The tail meat doesn’t necessarily taste stronger than the rest of the shrimp. But the fats provide a deeper mouthfeel and lingering taste.
Think of it like a pork rib. The meat on the bone has extra flavor from the marrow and connective tissue. Shrimp tails have bonuses from the oils.
So if you want an intensified shrimp experience, eating the tails is one way to achieve that. The flavor compounds are more dense and pronounced.
This can enhance dishes where the shrimp tails are included intact during cooking. Soups, stocks, rice dishes, and shrimp boils are all candidates where that extra flavor can be infused.
Preparing & Cooking Shrimp Tails
If you choose to keep tails on during cooking, here are some preparation tips:
Smaller Tails
Consider leaving smaller tails intact, as they’ll be less chewy. Save larger tails for dishes where they’ll simmer or absorb flavors.
Butterflying
You can butterfly or slit the shrimp down the back to allow better penetration of sauce or marinade flavors under the shell.
Sautéing & Grilling
Dry heat methods like grilling, broiling, sautéing, or stir-frying will yield tender, but still crispy shrimp tails. The high heat firms and seals the meat.
Breading & Frying
Batter frying will create a crunchy exterior while steaming the interior. Great for shrimp poppers or shrimp tacos.
Simmering
Gently simmering shrimp tails in liquids like soup, sauce, or stew will slowly soften and integrate the flavors.
Skewering
Thread shrimp tightly on skewers to prevent curling when grilled or broiled.
So while the texture requires adjustment, cooking methods can maximize flavors and make the tails more enjoyable.
Should You Eat Shrimp Tails?
Here is a summary of the pros and cons to help decide if shrimp tails are right for you:
Pros of Eating Shrimp Tails
- Extracts more protein, vitamins, minerals from the shrimp
- Provides more healthy fats and omega-3s
- Intensifies shrimp flavor in dishes
- Creates a fun crunchy texture contrast
- Satisfying to suck flavorful juices from tails
Cons of Eating Shrimp Tails
- Fibrous, crunchy texture is unpleasant to some
- Requires more chewing effort
- Can feel like you’re eating plastic
- Large tails are extremely tough and chewy
- Raw tails have a slippery mouthfeel
Conclusion
Shrimp tails certainly don’t have to be eaten if you are bothered by the texture. But they offer additional nutrition and flavor for those who don’t mind the crunch.
Smaller shrimp tails tend to be more palatable. Cooking methods like frying, simmering in sauces, or skewer grilling can improve texture.
While not everyone enjoys the additional chewing effort, shrimp tails provide a bonus that allows you to get the most out of this seafood. If you want extra protein, healthy fats, and shrimp essence, the tails can deliver.
So consider giving them a try to determine your own preference. You may discover you enjoy the unique experience shrimp tails provide.
