Learn how to peel and devein shrimp with this step-by-step tutorial.

Leave the tails on or off?

Ever wonder what that black vein is?

Hands showing how to devein shrimp.

Lori Rice

Should you save the shells?

Get all these answers and more.

you oughta show people how to devein shrimp?

Side view of devein shrimp on a cutting board with the shells in a small bowl next to them.

Lori Rice

And how to peel shrimp?")

Becca kindly taught me how to peel shrimp, and how to devein shrimp (thank you m’dear).

The technique is below.

Hands showing how to devein shrimp.

Lori Rice

She also informed me that the best shrimp are from the Gulf of Mexico, by the way.

And that you should always buy them in the shell.

Put them in a bowl to catch any melting liquid.

Hands showing how to devein shrimp.

Lori Rice

Place a small lid or plate in the bowl to keep the shrimp completely submerged.

Let sit for 15 to 20 minutes until thawed.

Change out the water if the shrimp still isn’t thawed after that.

Using a knife to show how to clean a shrimp.

Lori Rice

How Long Does Shrimp Last in the Refrigerator?

After you have defrosted your shrimp, store them in the fridge for 1 to 2 days.

Do You Have to Devein All Shrimp?

Slicing a shrimp with a knife and showing how to clean a shrimp.

Lori Rice

Removing the vein is a matter of personal preference and taste, not hygiene.

It’s not harmful to eat.

If the vein is really pronounceddark or thickyou may want to devein the shrimp for a tidier look.

A bowl of ice water with deveined shrimp showing how to clean a shrimp.

Lori Rice

Larger shrimp can also have grittier veins, which can have an unappealing texture.

So it’s best to devein those guys.

Shrimp Deveining ToolsWorth It?

Depends on how much you love shrimp!

However, a paring knife works just as well for deveining and shelling shrimp.

What to Do with the Leftover Shells?

Shrimp shells make greatseafood stock, since they hold much of the flavor of the shrimp.

Save the shells in the freezer until you need them.

Now That You’ve Deveined the Shrimp, Try Them in These Recipes!

Keep them on ice or in ice water as you work.

For more about seafood safety,check with the USDA.

Starting with the head end, pull off the outer shell.

Place shells in a plastic bag, securely closed, and either discard or freeze formaking shellfish stock.

The shells hold a lot of flavor.

So, there is something to be said for cooking shrimp with their shells on.

If you’re able to’t see the vein, don’t bother with it.