How To: Peel and Devein Shrimp

Many shrimp recipes call for the shrimp to be peeled and deveined. Frozen shrimp that are already peeled and deveined makes for an even speedier dinner. But if you’re buying fresh, here’s a quick overview on how to properly devein shrimp.

Peel the shrimp. 

Remove the shrimp shell by starting at the top and peeling around until you reach the tail. You can remove the tail or leave it on, it’s up to you!

Devein the shrimp:

Cut alongside the vein. Hold the shrimp with its back side up. Then use a small paring knife to cut about 1/4-inch deep alongside the dark vein (which should run alongside the back of the shrimp).

Scrape out the vein. Use the tip of the knife to gently scrape out the dark vein (which is actually the digestive tract). That’s it! Enjoy your sautéed shrimp recipes.