How to Peel and Devein Shrimp: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Peel and Devein Shrimp: A Step-by-Step Guide

This step-by-step guide will show you how to peel and devein shrimp with a fork/knife/hand and even, toothpick. Is it better to leave the tails on or off?

Have you ever wondered what that dark vein is? Should the shells be saved? (Yes!) Find out everything you need to know about these subjects and more.

How to Peel and Devein Shrimp

Deveining shrimp or prawns may be considered superfluous by the majority of people, particularly in Africa.

Take a look at our Okporo (Dried Prawn & Shrimp) for example…

Who has the time to get rid of the veins? On the other hand, certain recipes specifically ask for peeled and deveined shrimp or prawns, thus removing the veins is essential.

Here are some things you should be aware of on How to Peel and Devein Shrimp

“What is the black line on the shrimp’s back?”

The Sand/ Blood Vein, a black line observed at the back of the shrimp/prawn, is an indirect term for the Venal Nerve of the shrimp/prawn.

Sand, as you are well aware, is an absolute no-no for your food.

• “What is the line at the stomach region of the shrimp?”

The line in the stomach region, however, is not a vein, but rather the shrimp’s intestinal tract. This is where you’d find food remnants from the shrimp’s previous life, as well as sand and poop…

If the shrimp hasn’t been fed in a few days, it will be white. It’s filled with digested remnants and poop if it’s black.

• “Is it really compulsory to devein shrimp?”

Although deveining shrimp is not required, it is highly recommended, especially for larger shrimp and prawns, which typically include more residues and waste products.

Unlike the human anatomy, where the intestines are separated, the shrimp belly has a single tract that serves as both the large and small intestine, thus you’re likely to find remnants from what the shrimp eats, such as sand and muck.

I enjoy deveining any prawn or shrimp (the larger ones) I intend to use for aesthetic reasons. Not only does this improve the appearance, but it also improves the functionality.

• Where can I get it? Where to buy

In Nigeria, you can buy deveined shrimp fresh or frozen from frozen food stores or local markets.

However, using the DIY approach is much less expensive, so keep reading to learn how to devein shrimp at home.

How to devein Shrimp/Prawn at home ~ Two Easy Ways

• The first step: is to take out the head. The shells of the Prawn / Shrimp are then peeled away. You have the option of removing or leaving the tail intact.
• Step 2: To devein, cut a slit through the middle of the back using a sharp knife to expose the dark vein. Remove the vein.

Make an incision in the middle of the shrimp/prawn and remove the vein that is positioned there as well.

What to Do with the Shells That Aren’t Used? the Leftover Shells

Shrimp shells make excellent seafood stock because they retain most of the shrimp’s taste. Keep the shells frozen until you’re ready to use them.

Then, boil them for around 20 minutes to generate a quick seafood stock that may be substituted for water in seafood recipes.

Ways to Cook Shrimp ~ Now That You’ve Deveined the Shrimp, Try Them in These Recipes!

Let’s get down to the business of eating the shrimp! Here are some of our favorite shrimp cooking methods and recipes.

Please share your own thoughts on How to Peel and Devein Shrimp in the comments >>>

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Enjoy.