Peeling and Deveining Shrimps and Prawns

Though it’s convenient to purchase pre-peeled shrimps and prawns, preparing them yourself is not difficult and well worth the effort if you use fresh seafood.

Preparation Method:

Grasp the shrimp or the prawn firmly and snap off the head, if your fish seller has not already removed it. Remove the legs and the head by pulling them back.    Slip off the tail, if desired. You may leave the tail intact for certain recipes. Use a small, sharp knife to make a shallow cut along the back edge of the shrimps or prawns, exposing the dark “vein” which is actually its digestive tract.  Scrape out the vein with the tip of your knife. This is most easily accomplished while holding the shrimp or prawn under fast-running water. Sometimes the vein is also pulled out when the head is removed.

Note: It is normal for some shrimps or prawns to have a more pronounced vein than others. If no dark vein is present, simply give the shrimp or prawn a quick rinse.