Q&A for How to Clean Shrimp

No, it doesn't. This is strictly up to personal taste. On large shrimp, the vein can be quite a mouthful, but on smaller shrimp you won't even notice it. Fully cooked, the vein won't hurt you.

You likely won't fall ill from eating fully cooked shrimp sand veins, as any bacteria in them should be destroyed during the cooking process. The vein is the digestive tract, so you might not like the idea of eating it, as you would be eating shrimp waste.

Just until they turn pink. Shimp cook quickly so this shouldn't take more than a few minutes.

You can't. Just cook them properly, and the shrimp will be okay to eat.

Yup! If it hasn't been deveined before cooking, it's a good idea to do so. A slit down the back of the shrimp should expose the intestinal tract.

Shrimp should be sautéed in a pan with a mixture of olive oil, butter, and garlic.

Thaw the frozen shrimp and before cooking remove shell. Some might leave the shell on, but deveining is still needed.

No, that vein is really the nervous system and is safe. The "vein" in the back is really its intestine and is potential for bacteria and sandy grit, so is the one that needs to be removed.

If it doesn't smell "fishy" or rotten, then you're probably cleaning really fresh shrimp! Just keep running it under cold water while you are cleaning it. The foam will rinse away. Remember to de-vein.

The digestive tract includes all the organs involved in digestion, from the mouth to the anus, while the intestinal tract is a part of it where the final stages of digestion and nutrient absorption occur. The intestine leads to the anus, where waste is expelled.

Cleaning shrimp involves a few simple steps, including removing that black vein, which is the shrimp's digestive tract. After peeling, make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp to expose the vein. Use the tip of your knife or a toothpick to lift it out gently, as it can be gritty.

Yes. Place them in a bowl of clean, cold water, cover it, and refrigerate. Change the water occasionally and use the shrimp within 24 hours for best taste and safety.