by J D

Created on: July 26, 2009

Shrimp, with its light, juicy, and tender meat is perhaps one of the most delectable treats that can be devoured upon any occasion. Whether it be slathered in butter for a simple yet delicious summertime snack with friends, tossed in a sea of creamy garlic sauce and pasta, or dipped in tangy cocktail sauce for a classy experience, shrimp is a refreshing ingredient that can enhance the flavor profile of any dish.

Not only is this succulent crustacean of the sea delicious and versatile, but it's also a healthier form of protein that does not contain the high amounts of HDL cholesterol and saturated fats found in red meat, while loaded with calcium, iodine, and beneficial LDL cholesterol to properly nourish you for the day. Yet the one factor that discourages home cooks the most from utilizing this decadent, versatile, and nutritious crustacean of the sea is the tedious, meticulous task of deveining the shrimp before culinary application. Sure, the removal of the digestive tracts is not very enticing, but by following these few simple steps and armoring yourself with the right know-how, you will realize deveining shrimp is one of the quickest, most pain-free kitchen undertakings. Before you know it, you will be tossing shrimp into the air just as swift as a Benihana's teppanyaki master.

There are two black or grey colored veins that extend along the dorsal and ventral sides of the shrimp. These are the digestive tracts that contain a hodge-podge of mysterious substances that can add an unappetizing grittiness and unappealing presentation to your shrimp.

To preserve the full flavor of the shrimp and its lovely pink coloration, it is best that the veins be removed. This is especially important when dealing with larger shrimp. However, when using small to medium sized shrimp, deveining will require dexterous knife skills and much patience.

If you do not have the time or hand to meticulously remove the thin vein, it is better to keep the vein intact as your lack of skill will result in a mushy, mutilated mess.

Peeling:

If you choose to remove the shell on the shrimp, there a few steps you must follow prior to deveining.

1) Remove the head by pulling and pinching or with a knife

2) Pull off the legs

3) Peel away the outer shell

4) Chop off the tail, if desired

Deveining Shrimp that Have Been Shelled:

Step 1. Before deveining your shrimp, start by keeping them in a bowl of ice water. This will keep the shrimp fresh while you work

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