Prawns are a great addition to any seafood dish.To get the best prawns, pay attention to the packaging, color, and smell.Before de-shelling and deveining prawns, you should rinse them in cold water.Before cooking most recipes, you need to remove the head, tail, and legs.
Step 1: The prawns should be frozen.
If your prawns were frozen, you'll need to thaw them.The prawns need to be emptied into a large bowl.Stir the cold water around.Repeatedly, drain the prawns and repeat this step.The process should take about fifteen minutes to complete.The microwave can make prawns soggy or overcook.
Step 2: The prawns should be washed in cold water.
The prawns need to be washed in the sink with cold water.Use your hands to wash the prawns.You should keep an eye out for prawns that are discolored or slimy.Before cooking, prawns should be white or gray.If you use water that is warmer than room temperature, it could lead to soggy prawns.
Step 3: After cleaning, cook prawns.
After cleaning, prawns should be cooked immediately.If you have to store them for later, be sure to keep them in the fridge for no more than 24 hours.They may go bad after this length of time.As soon as you get home from the store, clean and cook the prawns for the best taste.
Step 4: The prawns should be kept in the fridge.
Prawns can be kept in a cool place.The temperature at which they should be stored is between 32 F and 38.They can be kept together on a tray or container in the fridge.It is possible to freeze prawns for up to three months in your freezer, but this may lead to less fresh tasting prawns.Prawns should not be left out at room temperature for more than a few minutes.
Step 5: The prawn head needs to be removed.
Use your other hand to grasp the prawn's head and hold it by the body.You want the break to occur at the intersection of the head and the body, so place the fingers from both hands there.Pull back with both hands.The prawn heads need to be thrown in the trash.
Step 6: The tail needs to be pulled off.
The prawn tail should be grabbed with your other hand.Pull the prawn tail off the body with a firm grip.The tail should be thrown away after you remove it.The deshelling process will be easier if the tail is removed before the rest of the shell.
Step 7: Remove the shell and legs.
The remainder of the prawn's outer layer should be easy to peel off once you have removed the shell.Pull the legs off with your fingers.If there are any remaining pieces of the shell, peel them back.The part of prawn that is left should be all you need.
Step 8: Don't eat the prawn.
A small line that runs down the length of the prawn's back can be cut with a sharp knife.This should be done on the top of the prawn.A small black line is visible inside.Pull out the vein with the knife's tip.The prawn has a black vein.It will make your prawns taste better.You should rinse the prawns again with cold water after deveining them.This will help make sure the intestines are removed completely.
Step 9: The prawns have the shell still on.
It will yield a great sacrifice in taste if you choose prawns that have already been cooked or deshelled.It is important to purchase raw prawns because they taste better after being cooked.If you want to maintain the full flavor of the prawn, choose prawns that have not been deshelled.
Step 10: Prawns can be purchased on ice.
Prawns can be purchased fresh and stored on a bed of ice in the meat section of your market or grocery store.You will be able to choose the best ones, if you inspect them for smell and discoloration.If you buy prawns that are pre-packaged, they will not taste as good.
Step 11: The color is important.
Prawns should be white with only white meat.There are spots or areas of discolored prawns that indicate spoilage.Prawns that are light in color have no dark spots.There are prawns that should be brown in color.There should be no spots or discolored areas.
Step 12: Notice the smell.
Prawns should not be too odorous.They are most likely going bad if there is a strong smell of fish.There is only a hint of seafood smell in prawns that smell fresh and clean.You should only buy fresh prawns because of this.You won't be able to smell the prawns before you buy them if they are wrapped up.