Peeling and Deveining Prawns

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

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

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

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

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

Let's Gear up Recommended Tools