Preparing and Eating Shrimp

Most often, both cooked and uncooked shrimp come already prepared with the heads removed. What are left on each shrimp are the legs, the vein, and the shell. Depending on your shrimp recipe, the legs, vein, and shell may need to be removed prior to cooking, and definitely prior to eating.

When you order from Gorton's Fresh Seafood , you'll receive shrimp that are fully prepared for you. For your convenience, you can order shrimp either cooked or uncooked.

Peeling Shrimp

To peel (or remove the shell from) cooked or uncooked shrimp, turn the shrimp "leg side up." Here you will find an opening in the shrimp's shell. Using your thumb, peel back one side of the shrimp's shell. Quite often, the entire shell can be removed with one motion including the legs. However, if the shell tears, simply peel the remainder off with a similar motion from the other side of the shrimp. Pluck away any remaining legs.

Deveining Shrimp

Many culinary stores sell deveining tools; however, it is just as easy to devein shrimp with a paring knife. After the shrimp has been peeled, look for the dark, thin line that runs down the back of the shrimp. Using a pairing knife, make a shallow cut along one side of the vein. Using the tip of the knife, run down the length of the vein to remove it.

Cooking Shrimp

Boiling or steaming shrimp require that the legs and shell remain on to prevent drying. Most other shrimp recipes require that the shrimp be peeled and deveined prior to cooking.

Shrimp recipes are boundless! There are shrimp recipes for boiled shrimp, broiled shrimp, grilled shrimp, shrimp stew, shrimp kabobs, shrimp cakes, coconut shrimp, shrimp scampi, and many, many more. Visit our shrimp recipe collection for ideas.