Shrimp is one of the mainstay menus that are offered in various places to eat. It’s not a surprise, since this seafood tastes great if the shrimp are cooked and processed the right way.
Not only that, but shrimp also has a myriad of health benefits. For those of you who love processed shrimp, you will not only get food that makes your mouth hurt but is also good for your body.
But remember, to get the benefits of consuming shrimp, you must know how to process shrimp first. Here we have summarized it for you.
Shrimp is a delicious and popular seafood, but sometimes it can have an unpleasant fishy taste. This fishy flavor is off-putting for many people and can prevent them from enjoying shrimp. Luckily, there are several ways to reduce or eliminate fishy tastes when cooking shrimp.
What Causes Fishy Tastes in Shrimp?
There are a few potential causes of fishy odors and flavors in shrimp:
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Age – Older, less fresh shrimp tends to be more fishy. Shrimp starts deteriorating quickly after being caught.
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Diet – Shrimp that eat more plankton and algae have a stronger flavor. Farm-raised shrimp have milder tastes.
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Environment – Shrimp from polluted waters or shrimp farms can absorb unpleasant flavors
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Storage and Handling – Improper storage and handling causes shrimp to spoil faster and develop fishy tastes.
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Cooking Method – Overcooking shrimp also makes it more likely to taste fishy.
Tips to Reduce Fishy Tastes When Cooking Shrimp
Follow these tips to help avoid fishy shrimp when cooking:
Purchase High Quality Fresh or Frozen Shrimp
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Choose wild-caught or sustainably farmed shrimp when possible for better flavor.
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Look for firm, plump shrimp with a mild scent. Avoid any ammonia smells.
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Check expiration dates and packaging for damage.
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If buying frozen, choose individually quick frozen (IQF) shrimp.
Store and Handle Shrimp Properly
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Keep fresh shrimp chilled at 32-40°F. Use within 2 days.
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Freeze shrimp at 0°F if not using soon. Thaw in fridge, not at room temperature.
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Once thawed, use shrimp within 1-2 days. Do not refreeze.
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Rinse just before cooking. Pat dry with paper towels.
Prep Shrimp Correctly
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Peel and devein shrimp to remove vein with potential fishy flavor.
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Soak in milk or a lemon/lime juice solution for 30 mins to 1 hour to draw out fishy tastes.
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Rinse again before cooking to remove any lingering odors.
Cook Shrimp Thoroughly But Not Too Long
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Lightly season and cook shrimp for the minimum time required.
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Saute or grill for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and faintly pink.
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Boil extra large shrimp 1-2 minutes. Smaller shrimp may only need 30 seconds.
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Avoid overcooking which makes shrimp chewy and more fishy.
Finish With Acidic Ingredients
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Squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice over cooked shrimp. The acid cuts fishy flavors.
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Make shrimp dishes with tomatoes, wine, vinegar, yogurt or citrus. Acidity balances fishy tastes.
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Finish with fresh herbs, garlic, spices – their flavors mask any unpleasant fishiness.
What Does Fishy Shrimp Taste Like?
Fishy shrimp may have some or all of these unpleasant characteristics:
- Ammonia-like smell
- Noticeable fishy odor, sometimes described as “low tide”
- Strong briny, ocean-like flavor
- Metallic or iodine taste
- Soft, mushy texture
- Dull, grayish color
Shrimp that tastes overly fishy or has an ammonia odor should be discarded. It is likely spoiled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my shrimp taste fishy even when fresh?
Some shrimp varieties just naturally have a stronger flavor and taste fishier, especially wild-caught shrimp. Farmed shrimp tends to have a milder flavor. How the shrimp was caught, stored, and handled impacts taste too.
How can I tell if frozen shrimp is spoiled?
Check for signs of freezer burn, frost, or damaged packaging which indicate improper storage. Thaw a small portion and check for fishy odors, soft texture, or dull color which signal spoilage. Discard if questionable.
What is the white vein in shrimp?
The white vein running along the back of the shrimp is the digestive tract. It may contain grit or microalgae that can cause off-flavors. It’s best to remove this vein or “devein” shrimp before cooking.
Does soaking shrimp reduce fishy tastes?
Yes, soaking shrimp briefly in milk, lemon juice, lime juice, or vinegar can draw out some fishy odors and result in a milder flavor after cooking. Soak 15-30 minutes then rinse.
Enjoy Delicious Shrimp with No Fishy Flavors
Shrimp can be one of the most delicious seafood treats when handled properly. By purchasing high quality fresh or frozen shrimp, storing them correctly, prepping them well, and avoiding overcooking, you can avoid the unpleasant fishy tastes and odors that can occur. Use quick cooking methods like sauteing, grilling or boiling for just a few minutes until the shrimp turn opaque. Then finish with fresh citrus juice, herbs, and spices to balance flavors. Follow these guidelines and your shrimp will be sweet, tender and free of any funky fishiness.
How to Process Shrimp So It’s Not Fishy
Before knowing how to process shrimp, you must first buy fresh shrimp of the highest quality. Choose shrimp with a firm texture and a distinctive aroma. Because this is a sign of good quality shrimp.
If you buy frozen shrimp, make sure they are kept in the freezer, the packaging is tight, and there are no signs of damage.
How to Clean Shrimp
If you buy frozen shrimp, before cleaning them, you must first defrost them. Put frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 20 minutes. This is an easy way to thaw them.
Meanwhile, if the shrimp you buy are fresh, you can immediately clean them. Cleaning shrimp can be done by removing the head and legs of the shrimp.
Then, make shallow cuts along the back of the prawns with a sharp knife. Take out the veins. After that, rinse the shrimp thoroughly with clean water and drain.