Deveining shrimp properly is crucial for clean, delicious seafood dishes But removing the shell first can be tedious and time-consuming. Luckily, there’s an easy way to devein shrimp while leaving the shell intact
Read on to learn the simple process of deveining shrimp in the shell, along with tips and benefits of this handy technique.
What Does Deveining Shrimp Mean?
The vein in shrimp is actually their digestive tract, which runs along the back from head to tail Deveining, also called deshelling, involves removing this vein that can contain grit and affect taste.
This prepares the shrimp for cooking by
- Removing the digestive tract
- Eliminating gritty texture
- Improving flavor
- Enhancing presentation
Deveined shrimp have a cleaner taste and appearance without the dark vein visible along the back. It only takes a minute or two per shrimp.
Why Devein Shrimp in the Shell?
Deveining shrimp is typically done after removing the shell. But keeping the shell on offers several advantages:
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Saves time – No need to peel each shrimp first
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Preserves flavor – The shell protects delicate flavor and moisture during cooking
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Increases juiciness – Shells seal in natural juices
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Looks impressive – Presenting shell-on shrimp is visually stunning
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Adds calcium – The shell provides extra nutrition from calcium and chitin
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Minimizes waste – Shells can be used for stock or sauce
For these reasons, deveining shrimp in the shell is highly recommended.
What You’ll Need
Deveining shrimp in the shell requires just a few simple supplies:
- Raw jumbo shrimp, shells on
- Sharp paring knife or shrimp deveiner tool
- Cutting board
- Bowl of cold water
That’s all you need for this easy yet effective shrimp prep method!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to devein shrimp perfectly while keeping the shell on:
1. Start with Shell-On Shrimp
Purchase raw, shell-on shrimp, ideally fresh or flash frozen. Look for plump, firm shrimp without black spots or unpleasant odors. Jumbo shrimp are best since they’re easier to devein than small shrimp.
2. Pull Off the Legs
To access the back, pull off the legs and discard. This also eliminates legs getting stuck in your teeth when eating!
3. Make a Shallow Cut Along the Back
With a paring knife or shrimp deveining tool, make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp, about 1/8 inch deep.
4. Gently Remove the Digestive Tract
Use the knife tip to lift out and discard the dark vein running along the back, making sure to remove it all.
5. Rinse the Shrimp
Give shrimp a quick rinse under cold water to wash away any residue. Repeat with remaining shrimp.
That’s all it takes! You now have perfect deveined shrimp with shells intact and ready for cooking.
Tips for Deveining Shrimp In Shell
Follow these pro tips for mistake-proof, optimum results:
- Make a shallow cut to avoid cutting too deep into the shrimp meat
- Work over a bowl of water so any veins drop directly into water
- Use a knife tip to gently lift out the vein in one piece
- Rinse shrimp after to remove any debris
- For smaller shrimp, drag a toothpick along the back as a deveiner
- Leave the tip of the vein near the head/tail for appearance
- Chill cleaned shrimp immediately to prevent spoilage
Why Keep the Shells On?
Beyond saving time, leaving shells on shrimp provides several key advantages:
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Maximizes flavor – Shells seal in juices, seasonings, and moisture during cooking
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Increases nutrients – Shells contain calcium, chitin, and other nutrients
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Enhances presentation – Whole shrimp in shells look elegant and impressive
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Minimizes waste – Shells can be used for seafood stock or sauce
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Saves money – No waste from peeling discard piles
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Adds texture – The shells protect meat and add subtle crunch
Next time, try deveining your shrimp without peeling. Your tastebuds and guests will thank you!
Storing Deveined Shrimp
Here are some tips for proper storage after deveining:
- Place deveined shrimp in a bowl filled with ice to chill quickly.
- Drain, pat dry with paper towels, and transfer to a covered container.
- Refrigerate immediately, ideally below 40°F.
- Use deveined shrimp within 1-2 days for best quality.
- Do not freeze shrimp in the shell, as the shells crack and burst.
- For longer storage, peel, devein, and freeze peeled raw shrimp.
Proper chilling preserves freshness and flavor of your deveined shell-on shrimp until ready to cook.
How to Cook Deveined Shrimp
Deveined shrimp in the shell lend themselves wonderfully to almost any cooking method, including:
- Grilling – Gets nice char on shells
- Broiling – Quickly cooks over high heat
- Sauteing – Shells get deliciously crispy
- Coconut shrimp – Shells absorb sauce flavor
- Shrimp scampi – Cooks quickly in wine and butter
- Shrimp boil – Spices infuse shells
- Shrimp tacos – Shells add hearty crunch
The shells protect the tender shrimp meat during higher temperature and longer cook times. Just be sure to remove from heat as soon as shrimp turn opaque to prevent overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
Some tasty ways to serve your deveined shrimp in the shell:
- As appetizers, arranged decoratively with cocktail sauce
- Mixed into seafood pasta, rice, or salad dishes
- In brothy soups, stews, and chowders
- On skewers or in kabobs along with veggies
- Over grits or creamy polenta
- In shrimp rolls, po’ boys, or subs
- On top of pizza, nachos, tacos, or tostadas
Keep shells on for visual appeal, added crunch, and extra flavor in every bite! Just provide small crackers, picks, or forks to remove the shells at the table.
Get Creative with the Shells!
Rather than discarding shells after cooking deveined shrimp, put them to use by:
- Making seafood stock for soups and stews
- Infusing oil or butter with shell flavor
- Using as natural cooking tongs to infuse dishes
- Adding to the grill or smoker box for extra aroma
- Mixing into clay to make decorative bowls, plates, etc.
- Adding calcium-rich powder to smoothies or supplements
With some creativity, you can transform leftover shells into something useful after enjoying the tender shrimp inside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to some common questions about deveining shrimp in the shell:
Do you have to devein shrimp?
It’s not mandatory but highly recommended for flavor and aesthetics. The dark vein can give shrimp an unpleasant taste and gritty texture.
Does deveining remove nutrients?
No, deveining only removes the digestive tract running along the back. All other nutrients remain intact.
Is it safe to eat the shrimp veins?
Yes, veins are not harmful or dangerous to ingest. But removing gives shrimp a fresher, cleaner taste.
Can you freeze deveined shrimp in shells?
It’s not recommended, as the moisture in the shells expands during freezing, causing them to crack and burst.
How long do deveined shrimp last in fridge?
Deveined shrimp in the shell stay fresh for 1-2 days when properly refrigerated below 40°F.
Master Deveining Shrimp Like a Pro
With this simple, foolproof method of deveining shrimp while leaving the shells on, you’ll be ready to cook up restaurant-quality seafood dishes in no time.
The shells protect the delicate shrimp meat while infusing more flavor. Just be sure to chill thoroughly and use within a day or two for the freshest taste and texture.
Once you get the technique down, consider creative ways to use the shells too – from seafood stock to decorative bowls or plates. Your guests will be amazed at your masterful shrimp deveining skills!
