Prawn head butter is a rare delicacy that many seafood aficionados rave about This creamy, rich treat comes from an unlikely source – the head of giant freshwater prawns While the prawn body has minimal meat, the real treasure lies within the head. The yellow-orange blob found inside is what makes these prawns so special. Referred to as “butter” for its texture, this part of the prawn has a sweet, shrimp-like flavor that is absolutely addictive. Let’s explore the origins, preparation, taste and health benefits of this unique ingredient.
Where Does Prawn Head Butter Come From?
Prawn head butter originates from giant freshwater prawns called Macrobrachium rosenbergii that are found in Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia These large prawns are considered prestigious fare and a symbol of indulgence in Thailand. While the bodies don’t contain much meat, the unexpected treasure is found inside the head.
This butter-like yellow-orange blob tucked inside the head is referred to as the hepatopancreas or tomalley. It’s essentially the crustacean version of liver and pancreas The idea of using the heads and innards of lobsters, shrimp and crawfish to make rich, seafood-flavored butter has been around for ages However, prawn head butter stands out for its exceptionally decadent taste.
How Is This Rare Delicacy Prepared?
Making prawn head butter takes time and care. First, the heads and shells are cooked in butter and spices until fragrant. White wine is added and allowed to simmer for a few minutes. Then water is added and simmered until all the flavors are extracted.
Next, the mixture is strained through a fine mesh to remove any impurities. More butter is whisked in until the liquid becomes a smooth, creamy consistency. The resulting velvety butter bursting with intense prawn essence is worth the effort for fans. It can be enjoyed spread on bread, spooned over steamed rice or seafood, or simply savored on its own.
The One-of-a-Kind Flavor and Texture
Those who have tasted prawn head butter say the flavor and texture is unlike anything else. It melts on the tongue with a rich, velvety smoothness. The taste has been described as sweet and shrimp-like with a slightly bitter finish.
The unique flavor comes from the digestive organs concentrated in the head. This gives the butter a more intense taste than what you would get from just the meat. The creamy texture also sets it apart from regular prawn meat with a pleasant, lingering aftertaste. It’s easy to see why prawn head butter is saved for special occasions in Thailand.
Health Benefits of This Nutritious Butter
Aside from being decadently delicious, prawn head butter contains a nutritious lineup of vitamins and minerals. It is an excellent source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, choline, antioxidants, iron, calcium, zinc and more. These nutrients provide health benefits like:
- Lowering cholesterol and improving heart health
- Reducing inflammation
- Supporting bone, teeth, muscle and immune system health
- Enhancing cognitive function and memory
- Protecting cells from damage
So while it may sound unusual, prawn head butter offers a very well-rounded nutritional package. It can be a smart, flavorful way to get important nutrients into your diet.
Where to Find This Rare Treat
Currently, the best places to find prawn head butter are in Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia. High-end restaurants may offer it, but your best bet is looking for it at local outdoor markets that sell fresh seafood. When buying whole freshwater prawns, make sure the heads are still intact so you can extract the precious butter.
There are also some specialty online seafood purveyors that ship fresh prawn head butter globally for those wanting to try it. When buying it already prepared, look for a smooth, creamy butter with an intense yellow-orange color. Make sure it comes refrigerated or frozen to maintain freshness.
Serving Ideas for Prawn Head Butter
If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on some prawn head butter, there are many delicious ways to eat it:
- Spread it on crackers or bread as an appetizer
- Use it to make compound butter blends along with herbs, citrus, etc.
- Whip it into mashed potatoes or rice
- Fold it into pasta or seafood dishes
- Add a spoonful to bisques or chowders for extra richness
- Sear scallops, shrimp or fish in browned butter
- Use it in baked goods or frostings for a savory twist
The possibilities are endless for this versatile and exotic butter. A little goes a long way, so use it as a special finishing touch to let the unique flavors shine.
A Rare Treat Worth Searching For
Prawn head butter deserves its reputation as an extraordinary delicacy among seasoned foodies. The combination of a silky texture and complex crustacean flavor is unmatched. While it takes effort to source and make, this exotic butter can be an amazing experience for adventurous eaters. Consider adding it to your seafood bucket list if you enjoy culinary treasures from around the globe.
How To – butterfly prawns
FAQ
What is the yellow stuff in prawn heads?
What is head butter made of?
What does prawn head contain?
Are prawn heads good to eat?
How do you make prawn butter?
Break open the heads of the prawns and scoop out the contents. Mix the prawn brains with plenty of butter in a pan and melt but don’t overcook or the butter will separate. Add lemon juice and remove. You can pour the prawn butter over any seafood and you won’t regret it. A very easy way to use all the flavour of the prawn.
What is the difference between prawn and shrimp?
Shrimp and prawns have plenty of similarities, but they are not the same animal. Their differences involve their biology. Shrimp bodies are encased in a sort of accordion shell, with a membrane between the segments. Prawns have a shell where each segment overlaps the one below it. There are no big differences between them when it comes to their nutritional value; they are both a good source of protein, and relatively low in calories.
What is shrimp butter?
Shrimp butter is a retro party snack recipe that’s part spread, part compound butter, and 100 percent delightful. An easy make-ahead appetizer, it’s heavenly smeared on saltines. I don’t know about you, but shrimp feels like a special occasion protein.
How do you use up prawn heads?
One way to use up the heads is to do what most of the eastern world does and that’s fry them up as an appetiser or as a side dish. Crispy fried prawn heads are delicious but quite crunchy. They take a little bit of work to eat but they are very much worth it. Take the heads and clean them well, removing the antennae.