Shrimp legs should be torn off, along with their shells, rather than eaten...
Shrimp legs should be torn off, along with their shells, rather than eaten.
Peeling (cooked or raw shrimp):
- Pull the head, if still attached, from the body, leaving the tail meat intact
- Peel off the body shell with your fingers, leaving the fanned tail shell on if you like
- Make a shallow cut along the back and remove the dark intestinal vein
Shrimp with the "fan" of their tails in place appear elegant. So, unless your shrimp is intended for a larger dish, you may want to consider this aesthetic choice.