How to Butterfly Shrimp

Butterflying shelled shrimp is an easy way to change their appearance and texture. Read on to learn how to butterfly shrimp.

Things You'll Need

• Knife
• Cutting board
• Sink
• Fork
• Strainer

Instructions

1. If the shrimp are frozen, thaw them. Run them under cold water or leave them in the refrigerator over night. You can also soak them in a bowl of cool water, changing it when it gets too cold.

2. Shell the shrimp. Remove the legs and gently peel the shell apart from the middle. Leave the tail on.

3. Use a knife, cut through the center of the shrimp. The cut should go almost all the way through, leaving just enough flesh to connect the two halves.

4. Use your fingers to open up the shrimp. It should easily spread out flat.

5. De-vein the shrimp. Remove the black strip in the middle, using either your fingers, a knife, or the tine of a fork.

6. Rinse the shrimp off.