How to Clean Shrimp
Get the low-down on shrimp and become a pro on peeling, deveining, and prepping shrimp for any recipe or occasion.
Shrimp come in a variety of prepared states (shell on or off; heads and tails on or off; cooked or raw). For optimum flavor, your best bet is to buy them raw, headless, and with the tail and shell left on. Peeling away the shell and removing the “vein,” or digestive tract isn’t difficult, but doing it correctly helps keep the shrimp intact.
1) Grab the legs with your fingertips and peel back the shell up to the tail.
2) Use the tip of a paring knife to cut a ¼"-deep slit down the back.
3) Remove the “vein” with the tip of the knife, then rinse shrimp in cold water.
Check out our video for step-by-step instructions on peeling & deveining shrimp—you'll be a pro in no time!
Product Recommendations
Interested in cooking? Need some supplies?
Check out some of the tools we like. All products featured on Cuisine at Home are independently selected by our editors; we may earn an affiliate commission from qualifying purchases through our links.
Amazonbasics Enameled Covered Dutch 4 3 Quart
Frito Lay Times Variety Pack 40Count
Healthworks Cacao Nibs Organic Pound
Inevifit Accurate Multifunction Stainless Batteries