If you’ve received shrimp from Sitka Seafood Market and noticed small red-orange eggs tucked under their tails, you’ve come across something special: shrimp roe.
Shrimp roe is a delicacy in many cuisines. It’s packed with umami flavor and rich in nutrients, yet many people discard it simply because they’re unfamiliar with how to use it.
What Is Shrimp Roe?
Shrimp roe refers to the small, edible eggs attached to the shell of female shrimp. Unlike the roe from fish or sea urchins, shrimp roe has a mild, briny flavor and a slightly crunchy texture when cooked.
Why Do Some Shrimp Have Roe?
About half of the shrimp caught in Alaska's winter shrimp harvest will have eggs tucked beneath their tails. This is due to the shrimp's natural cycle — females spawn in late summer and carry their eggs throughout the winter until they hatch in the spring, making winter the prime season to enjoy shrimp with roe.
Is It Sustainable to Harvest Shrimp with Roe?
Even though these shrimp are harvested while carrying eggs, the fishery remains sustainable thanks to careful management. Strict regulations, including harvest limits and closures, ensure enough shrimp remain in the water to reproduce and maintain healthy populations.
Why is Roe Special?
Shrimp roe is:
- A Natural Indicator of Wild Shrimp: Farmed shrimp are often harvested before reaching maturity, so seeing roe is a sign that your shrimp is wild and naturally grown.
- Rich in Flavor: The roe adds a delicate, oceanic depth to dishes.
- Nutrient-Dense: Packed with omega-3s, protein, and antioxidants, shrimp roe is both tasty and nutritious.
How to Handle & Shell Shrimp with Roe
Since your shrimp arrives headless but still in the shell, here’s how to handle it while keeping the roe intact:
Step 1: Collect the Roe
- The roe is attached to the underside of the shrimp’s shell, near the legs.
- If you plan to cook the shrimp with the roe attached, simply leave it as is.
- If you’d like to use the roe separately, peel the shrimp over a bowl to catch the eggs for later use.
💡 Pro Tip from Sitka Seafood Market (full guide here): To easily peel raw shrimp, pinch near the legs and gently pull the shell away from the body. If peeling cooked shrimp, the shell should slide off more easily. For more info on spot shrimp, watch here.
Step 2: Store Roe Properly
- Keep shrimp cold: Store in the refrigerator and use within 1-2 days for the best texture and flavor.
- Freeze for later use: Roe can be frozen separately or with the shrimp.
How to Cook with Shrimp Roe
Rather than discarding the roe, check out these quick tips from culinary director, Grace Parisi:
- Grill or Sauté with the Shrimp – Keeping the roe attached enhances the natural umami flavor.
- Enhance Soups & Broths – Roe can dissolve into a rich seafood stock or be whisked into miso soup for added depth.
- Add to Pasta & Risotto – A spoonful of roe stirred into a seafood pasta or creamy risotto creates a luxurious, briny finish.
- Use as a Garnish – Lightly sautéed roe adds a pop of flavor to sushi, crudo, or even scrambled eggs.
💡 Additional Tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use shrimp roe similarly to how you’d use tobiko (flying fish roe) in Japanese cuisine. Lightly cure it with a bit of salt and lemon juice for a bright, briny topping on seafood dishes.
Shrimp Recipes to Try
Looking for delicious ways to enjoy your shrimp and roe? Try these Sitka Seafood Market recipes:
- Spot Shrimp Bisque – A creamy, seafood-rich bisque where shrimp roe can add extra depth.
- Spot Shrimp Risotto – The roe will beautifully melt into the creamy rice for extra richness.
- Smoky Peel and Eat Shrimp a la Plancha – Keep the roe intact for an enhanced seafood experience.
Shrimp roe is a flavorful and nutritious part of wild shrimp — not just a byproduct! Whether you cook it with your shrimp or use it separately, it adds a delicate brininess to seafood dishes.
By sourcing your shrimp from Sitka Seafood Market, you’re getting wild, sustainably harvested seafood with full traceability — so every part of your shrimp, even the roe, is worth savoring.
