Step-by-step tutorial on how to clean jumbo shrimps and prawns.
Shrimps, from jumbo shrimps to small shrimps
For practicality, I often use jumbo shrimps: peeling and cleaning a few shrimps per person is much simpler than peeling and cleaning entire portions of small shrimps.
The cleaning operations are indeed identical with small differences mainly related to the size of the specimens.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Medium
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
I usually buy no less than 4 jumbo shrimps per person.
- jumbo shrimps (weight as per food scheme)
Suggested Tools
- Knife
- Cutting Board
How to Clean Jumbo Shrimps and Prawns
The cleaning operations are identical from jumbo shrimps to small shrimps with small differences mainly related to the size of the specimens.
This procedure also applies to prawns.
If the jumbo shrimps are frozen, let them thaw completely until they become soft: it will be easier to clean them without breaking.
Carefully detach the heads from the bodies of the jumbo shrimps.
CLEAN THE HEADS OF THE JUMBO SHRIMPS
Rinse the heads under running water as if you were washing small containers until internal organs and residues are removed.
Let them drain in a colander.Set them aside: they are perfect for flavoring a fish broth, preparing a broth with jumbo shrimp heads or a jumbo shrimp sauce.
CLEAN THE JUMBO SHRIMPS
Shell the jumbo shrimps.Then:
– with a sharp knife, make an incision along the back of the shrimp;
– with a toothpick or the tip of the knife, extract the black vein.The black vein is the intestine of the shrimp.
Its content is not toxic but can ruin the dish:
– it is unpleasant to see and taste;
– it may contain sand or residues.
It’s better to always remove it.This applies to all shrimps, from jumbo shrimps to small shrimps, only that in small shrimps it can be difficult and sometimes skipped if it is not very visible.
Rinse the shelled jumbo shrimps thoroughly under running water.
Let them drain.
Pat the residual water with kitchen paper.Your shelled jumbo shrimps are ready.
You can use the shelled jumbo shrimps whole or cut them into chunks as a base for preparing numerous recipes – appetizers, first or second courses.
Storage, Tips, and Variations
Shelled jumbo shrimps can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for one day.
Prefer fresh jumbo shrimps or those slowly defrosted in the refrigerator for better cooking results.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Can I use jumbo shrimps with the shell?
Yes.
The shell retains the juices better during cooking and can add more flavor.
Wash the jumbo shrimps with the shell thoroughly and remove the black vein before or after cooking, preferably before.Should the black vein always be removed?
The black vein is the intestine of the shrimp.
Its content is not toxic but can ruin the dish:
– it is unpleasant to see and taste;
– it may contain sand or residues.
It’s better to always remove it.What is the difference between jumbo shrimps and prawns?
Without going into anatomical details, the main differences that allow us to distinguish jumbo shrimps from prawns at the fish counter are:
– color: jumbo shrimps tend to be red-orange, prawns are gray with pink or brown shades.
– size: generally, prawns are larger than jumbo shrimps.
– flavor: jumbo shrimps have a more intense and savory taste, prawns are more delicate and sweet.
– nutritional values: they are both low-calorie, jumbo shrimps contain more fats but less cholesterol than prawns.
Crustaceans in the diet
Shrimps in the diet
Shrimps, from jumbo shrimps to small shrimps, are crustaceans low in triglycerides but high in cholesterol and also contain a small amount of available carbohydrates.
For these reasons, they are not suitable for all diets.
In our food scheme, shrimps are among the foods indicated as “to be consumed occasionally”.
