If you choose fresh shrimp, the flesh should be translucent white and the shell should be light grey. Be sure the shrimp is not leaking liquid. [1] X Research source Frozen shrimp comes either precooked or uncooked. These cooking methods are for uncooked shrimp.
Shrimp can be peeled either before or after cooking. Many find it easier to peel cooked shrimp. Cooking with the shells on also helps preserve the flavor. To peel shrimp, grasp the legs and tear them off. Open the shell along the inner curve of the body and remove it. [2] X Expert Source Ed KuohaChef Expert Interview. 9 November 2021. Shrimp shells can be used to make shrimp stock.
Use a sharp paring knife to cut a slit along the outer curve of the shrimp’s body. [4] X Expert Source Ed KuohaChef Expert Interview. 9 November 2021. The cut will reveal a dark brown or black vein, the shrimp’s digestive tract. Use your fingers, a fork or the paring knife to lift it out of the shrimp and discard it. [5] X Research source The vein is not unhealthy to eat, but many people prefer not to. [6] X Research source
Shrimp can be boiled with their peels on or after they have been peeled.
If you didn’t peel your shrimp before cooking them, you can either serve them with the peel on and allow people to peel their own shrimp, or peel the shrimp yourself when they’re finished cooking and serve them that way.
Peel the shrimp if you would like to cook them without the shells. Leave the shells on if you prefer to peel them after they are cooked.
Metal or wooden skewers are both fine to use. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes before threading the shrimp onto them. This will prevent the skewers from burning. Consider threading the skewers with onion slices, green and red pepper slices, and other vegetables with the shrimp.
