Peeling and Deveining Prawns

Step 1

Grab the shell where it meets the legs and peel it back.

Step 2

Remove the shell and the legs. If you like, leave one section of the shell attached near the tail. The shrimp looks better this way.

Step 3

With a small, sharp knife, cut a very shallow slit along the back of the shrimp, exposing the thin black vein.

Step 4

Use the tip of the knife or your fingers to lift the vein out. A little running water helps, too.

Step 5 

The shrimp should be deveined with the shallowest cut possible, to keep the meat plump.