How to Clean Shrimp

1. Rinse the Shrimp

Rinse the shrimp under cold running water to remove any surface grit or debris.

2. Peel the Shell

• Hold the shrimp firmly by the tail.

• Starting from the underside, gently pull off the legs.

• Slip your fingers under the shell where the legs were and peel it away, working from the bottom up.

• You can leave the tail tip on for presentation or remove it, depending on your recipe.

3. Devein the Shrimp

• Use a paring knife or shrimp deveiner to make a shallow cut along the shrimp’s back (the outer curve).

• Look for a dark vein (it's the digestive tract) and gently lift it out with the knife tip or rinse it away under running water.

• If you see a vein on the underside (not common, but possible), you can remove that as well.

4. Rinse and Set Aside

Give the cleaned shrimp a final rinse and place them in a clean bowl, ready to cook.

Tips:

• Keep shrimp cold while working to maintain freshness.

• Save the shells in a separate bag or container to make a flavorful seafood stock.