How to Devein Raw Shrimp

Shrimp takes a few minuets to cook and turns pink when it's done.

Shrimp is the most popular seafood in the United States, next to tuna. Preparing a shrimp to eat is very simple. The issue with shrimp is removing the vein. The vein is actually the shrimp's intestine. When you go to a restaurant, double-check if they devein their shrimp before you order it. If the vein is not removed, the shrimp tastes gritty. The only tool you need to get rid of that annoying vein is a sharp paring knife. Does this Spark an idea?

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Shrimp
Large bowl
Ice
Paring knife
Water

Instructions

- 1
  
  Place shrimp in a bowl of cool water and thaw for one hour if the shrimp are frozen. Place the shrimp on top of an even layer of ice when the shrimp are thawed.
- 2
  
  Pull the shell off the shrimp. Hold the tail and pull the shell, starting from the head section.
- 3
  
  Run the knife down the back of the shrimp about 1/4-inch deep. Cutting the back of the shrimp exposes the vein. The vein appears as a dark grey color.
- 4
  
  Place the tip of the knife under the vein. Pull the vein out using the knife or your fingers.
- 5
  
  Rinse the shrimp under cool water. Place the shrimp on the ice or in a cool bowl of water. Repeat for each of the shrimp.

Tips & Warnings

Shrimp is easier to devein when it's raw.
Do not defrost the shrimp in a microwave or at room temperature.
If you keep the shells and heads of the shrimp, you can boil them to make a stock for soup.