Learn how to devein shrimp in two easy ways. For step-by-step instructions, we also included a video tutorial to show you the process.
Here you will find a simple way to devein shrimp and prepare them for delicious shrimp recipes. The black vein that runs along the back of the shrimp is an intestinal tract of unappetizing grit. While shrimp can be cooked and eaten with or without the vein, most people prefer it removed for the taste and presentation. And deveining shrimp is very easy to do.
Watch How to Devein and Clean Shrimp (How To) 海老の下ごしらえの仕方
How-to guide with step-by-step instructions and photos on how to devein and clean shrimp.
Two easy ways to devein shrimp
1) If you are planning to marinade the shrimp and want the shrimp to absorb the flavors of the marinade well, you can devein by making a slit along the middle of the back with a small sharp knife and pull the dark vein (sometimes clear). This is the easiest way.
2) The following technique by using a skewer to devein shrimp is for maintaining maximum juiciness in the shrimp without cutting the back of shrimp open.
Extra tip: using potato starch to clean shrimp
Now you might be wondering why I use potato starch (katakuriko 片栗粉, or corn starch) to clean shrimp after removing the shrimp shell.
Sometimes rinsing the shrimp under cold running water is not enough to completely clean shrimp. In Japanese cooking, we usually clean shrimp with potato starch by rubbing together. The potato starch absorbs the smell and dirty particles from shrimp very well. You will see how dirty the starch becomes when you’re rinsing the shrimp.
Check the difference between one rinsed with potato starch and one without. You’ll be surprised! Hope you give it a try for your next shrimp recipe!
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Learn how to devein shrimp in two easy ways. For step-by-step instructions, we also included a video tutorial to show you the process.
- Prawns (or large shrimp)
- potato starch/cornstarch
- 1-2 Tbsp sake (optional)
- Pull off the head if it is still attached. Peel off the outer shell. It's easier to peel from the 3rd segment from the head. In this recipe, I'll keep the last segment of shell and the tail tip on (which is how we make shrimp tempura).
- Devein the back of shrimp with a skewer. The vein runs right along the back. Insert the tip of the skewer sideways about ½ inch down from the head of the shrimp and pull the skewer tip up towards you. This will lift up the vein and you can pull off the vein with the skewer or with your hand. If vein is broken, then insert again a bit lower towards the tail. If you can’t find the vein, then don’t worry about it.
- Sprinkle some potato/corn starch and coat the shrimp. Potato/corn starch will absorb the smell and dirt from the shrimp. Rinse the shrimp under running water.
- [Optional] To get rid of smell, you can add 1-2 Tbsp. of sake and rub with hands. Discard the liquid after 10 minutes (no need to rinse).
You can still devein the same way with shell on.
Equipment you will need:
- skewer/toothpick
- a small bowl
Recipe by Namiko Chen of Just One Cookbook. All images and content on this site are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without my permission. If you’d like to share this recipe on your site, please re-write the recipe and link to this post as the original source. Thank you.
Aren’t you clever. I can’t wait to try the potato starch. 🙂
If you have a shrimp boil then you don’t devain it so what’s the difference between a bowl or Saltine I use it in some kind of soup
Hi Janet! I’m sorry but I didn’t quite understand your question… but shrimp should be deveined before boiling. Sorry if I misunderstood your question.
I just wanted to comment that deveining shrimp is very much an asthetic and textural thing. I grew up in Charleston SC eating a LOT of fresh shrimp we would catch off of the dock or boat. Most peoople boil the shrimp with shells on , then peel and eat once cooked. The vein is really just a bunch of sand. It wont hurt you or get you sick.
Hi Ed! Thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us! Happy New Year!