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Many recipes call for shrimp, but before you can skewer them, boil them for your favorite cocktail sauce, or use them in a stir fry, they require a few minutes of preparation. The process is almost the same whether you have fresh shrimp or frozen.
Steps
Preparing Frozen Shrimp
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1Buy shrimp that has not been peeled or deveined.
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2Inspect the packaging prior to your purchase. Look for ice on the shrimp or a break in the bag. If you see ice on the shrimp, it's likely the shrimp have been thawed and refrozen. Select a different bag to buy.Advertisement
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3Defrost the shrimp. Remove the shrimp from the bag and refrigerate overnight in a bowl of cold water.[1]
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4Soak the shrimp in salt water to replenish their freshness once they are thawed and before you clean them.[2]
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5Remove the shell to the shrimp by holding it with a few fingers of one hand and pull off its legs using the fingers of your other hand.[3]
- Peel back the shell and remove by using your thumbs, and remove. The head will come off too.
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6Remove the tail at this point, if you wish, by holding the body of the shrimp and pulling the tail. The shell will also come off.
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7Devein by making a cut down the back of the shrimp using a small utility or paring knife. You will see the vein.[4]
- Pull the vein out using your knife and rinse the shrimp. You can also use something small like a toothpick to remove the vein.
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8Place the shrimp in a fresh bowl of water to keep them fresh while you clean the rest of the shrimp you will be using.
Community Q&A
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QuestionWhat is the difference between shrimp and prawns?
Community AnswerThey are the same, it's mainly just a different name from country to country. -
QuestionShould I eat the legs of shrimp?
Community AnswerThey're OK to eat, but not that tasty; plus, they're hard. -
QuestionIf I am baking my shrimp in the oven, do I have to remove the shell?
Community AnswerI wouldn't think so. Leaving them in the shell keeps them moist, and the shell itself has a ton of flavor that cooks into the shrimp.
Things You'll Need
- Bowl of cold water
- Bowl of salt water
- Paring or utility knife
- Toothpick (optional)
References
- ↑ https://www.finecooking.com/article/a-quick-way-to-thaw-shrimp
- ↑ https://www.cookinglight.com/cooking-101/techniques/secret-juicy-shrimp
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-peel-amp-devein-shrimp-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-217120
- ↑ https://www.finecooking.com/article/how-to-peel-and-devein-shrimp
- ↑ https://www.seriouseats.com/2015/08/how-to-pick-shrimp-varieties-freshness-guide.html
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/selecting-and-serving-fresh-and-frozen-seafood-safely
- ↑ https://www.stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/18320
- ↑ https://www.stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/18321
About This Article
If your shrimp is frozen, thaw them by placing them in a bowl of cold water and refrigerating them overnight. After they’re thawed, replenish their freshness by soaking them in salt water. Next, remove the shell by grabbing the shrimp’s legs with one hand and shell with the other hand, then pulling off the legs. Then, remove the tail by holding the body and pulling on the tail. Devein the shrimp by slicing down the back of the shrimp until you see the vein, then removing it with a toothpick. To learn how to make sure your shrimp is good quality, keep reading!
