How to Devein Unshelled Shrimp

The "vein" is actually the shrimp's digestive tract. You don't have to take it out, but many people prefer to for appearance' sake. You can devein the shrimp and leave the shell on; the shells add flavor to the dish and can protect the meat if you're grilling the shrimp.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Skewers
• Groceries
• Kitchen Shears
• Toothpicks
• shrimp

1. Cut down the back of the shell with a knife or kitchen scissors, to make it easier to access the vein.
2. Use a small pick (a "shrimp pick"), a skewer, or your fingers to find the vein, and pull it out.
3. Pull out as much of the vein as you can.
4. Repeat in several other areas until vein has been removed.