Whole Shrimp (Head-On)

Whole shrimp keep the head and shell on. Asian markets and fishmongers carry them.

Updated Oct 22, 2026. Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

Asian and Latin grocers stock frozen head-on shrimp in boxes and bags. Coastal fish markets sell them fresh in season. Online seafood shops ship them frozen on dry ice.

Professional insight

Seafood buyers favor frozen whole shrimp over thawed ones on ice. Heads spoil fast once thawed.

Black spots on heads mean age or poor handling.
Heads should stay firmly attached to the body.
Any ammonia smell means the batch is spoiling.
Ask the counter if their fresh shrimp were frozen.

Check the label

Says head-on or whole, not headless or peeled.
Count per pound or kilo is printed, such as 16/20.
Ingredient list says shrimp only, or shrimp and water.
No sodium tripolyphosphate or added sulfites unless you accept them.
Country of origin and wild or farmed is stated.
Frozen-on or best-before date is visible.
Freezing style is given: IQF or block frozen.

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Sizing

Whole shrimp counts are per pound with heads on
Count per lb	Typical use
U10 to U15	Grilling, plating whole
16/20 to 21/25	Salt and pepper shrimp, boils
26/30 to 31/40	Stir fries, curries
41/50 and up	Soups, stock, fritters

Heads add weight. At the same count, whole shrimp give less meat than headless. Names like jumbo are not standard.

Storage

Keep frozen shrimp frozen until the day you cook.
Thaw in the fridge or under cold running water.
Cook thawed whole shrimp the same day.
Never refreeze shrimp that were already thawed.
Freeze leftover heads and shells for stock.

Common uses

Salt and pepper shrimp, fried shell and all.
Grilled whole with garlic and chili.
Seafood boils with corn and potatoes.
Rich stock from the heads for bisque or paella.

Common questions

Why buy shrimp with heads on?: The heads add deep flavor to sauces and stock. Many cooks also find whole shrimp juicier.
Is fresh better than frozen?: Not usually. Most counter shrimp were frozen at sea and thawed in store.
Can I eat the head?: Many cuisines suck the juices from cooked heads. Fried small shrimp can be eaten whole.