Skip gadgets, use scissors to devein, shell shrimp

Q: When a recipe calls for cooking shrimp with shells on, what's the best way to devein them?-Elizabeth Kampa, Livonia, Mich.

A: There are many fancy kitchen gadgets for deveining shrimp. Although most of these shrimp deveiners and peelers are inexpensive, a small pair of scissors works just as well. I keep a pair of cuticle scissors in my kitchen drawer just for deveining shrimp-it works like a charm. But any small scissors will work.

Using the scissors, cut a slit through the shell and just a bit into the flesh along the back. You want to be able to expose the vein without cutting too deep into the flesh. Use the tip of the scissors to remove and discard the dark vein.

You can also use what are called EZ peel shrimp. These are shrimp that are pre-split along the back and almost to the tail so it's easier to remove the shell. All you need to do is peel the shell away starting where it is cut. Most of these will also be deveined. But it's a good idea to check each one, especially if you're squeamish about it.

When buying shrimp, keep in mind it's sold by the number you get per pound. The larger the shrimp, the fewer per pound, and the smaller they are, the more you get. Consider what you intend to make with the shrimp when deciding which size to buy. Unless labeled otherwise, most of shrimp sold in these parts are farm-raised and previously frozen.

Shrimp take to many cooking methods. But keep in mind they easily can be overcooked, resulting in shrimp that's tough and rubbery.

Whether you bake, grill or broil shrimp, keeping the shell on is a good way to protect its delicate flesh from overcooking. Once cooked, remove the shell or have your guests do it. If you plan on cooking shrimp in a sauce or soup, remove the shell first.

It may sound silly, but before I cook shrimp, I brine them in a salt-and-sugar solution. This helps firm them up. The exception to this is, don't brine shrimp that is set for a wet cooking method, like boiling or in a soup or chowder. Brining increases the moisture content of shrimp so it stays moist and tender during cooking.

For 2 pounds of shrimp, in a large bowl mix together 1/3 cup kosher salt and 1/3 cup sugar with 4 to 6 cups of cold water. Stir until the salt and sugar is dissolved. Add the shrimp and refrigerate 1-2 hours. Drain the brine from the shrimp, and rinse shrimp under cold water. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel.

Here's one of my favorite recipes for grilled shrimp.

 

SHRIMP ON THE BARBIE

Makes: 6 / Preparation time: 20 minutes / Total time: 30 minutes

If desired, brine the shrimp before peeling. Dissolve 1/3 cup kosher salt and 1/3 cup sugar in 6 cups of water. Add the shrimp and soak about 2 hours. Drain and rinse shrimp under cold running water. It's important to cut the bell pepper and onion in small pieces so that they are even with the shrimp. If the pieces are too big, the shrimp won't touch the grill grates.

6 wooden skewers, soaked in warm water

1 pound large shrimp, shelled, deveined

2 bell peppers (any color), seeded, cut into even 1-inch pieces

6 slices of lime

6 small pieces of onion, cut into 1-inch pieces

1/2 cup favorite smoky-flavored barbecue sauce

1 to 2 tablespoons red hot pepper sauce such as Frank's Red Hot Sauce

1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 clove of garlic, peeled, minced

 

Preheat or prepare the grill for medium-high heat. Once the grill is hot, oil the grates. Evenly divide and thread the shrimp, bell pepper, lime slices and onion pieces on the skewers. Set aside. In a small bowl, combine the barbecue, hot pepper and Worcestershire sauces, and garlic.

Brush some of the sauce mixture over both sides of the shrimp skewers. Place the skewers on the grill, and grill about 3 to 4 minutes on each side (depending on how big the shrimp are) or until they turn pink. Brush them with the remaining sauce mixture while grilling. Remove them from the grill and serve warm.

Analysis per 1 shrimp skewer: 124 calories (6 percent from fat), 1 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 16 g carbohydrates, 13 g protein, 578 mg sodium, 112 mg cholesterol, 44 mg calcium, 1 g fiber.

Adapted from "The Grilling Bible" by Marilyn Pocius (Publications International, $29.95).

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