How to Devein Shrimp in Seconds

Put away those scissors and knives, here is a super duper easy method on how to devein shrimp in seconds!

Deveining shrimp can be a bit of a chore, and somewhat daunting. Using scissors or a knife to make a slit along the back of the shrimp doesn't always work, since the knife or scissors can actually cut and break the vein itself making it very frustrating - especially if you have to devein a lot of shrimp.

There is an easier way to do it, and all you need is a toothpick and a bit of practice. Your first few might not work perfectly, but after you do this a few times you'll be a pro at it. It's that easy. 🙂 Let's start!

1. Find the Joint in the Shell Right Before the Tail

   Locate the tail on the shrimp. You will notice that each piece of shrimp shell is a separate segment. You want to work on the section between the last segment of shell and the tail.

   

2. Stab Toothpick in the Flesh Between the Joint
   (But Under the Poop Line)
   

   Stab the toothpick in the soft fleshy area between the tail and the last shell segment. The toothpick should be slightly below the poop line, 1-2 millimeters down from the top of the shrimp.

   

3. Pull Toothpick Upwards
   Once the toothpick has been pierced through, gently pull the toothpick upwards. It should hook below the poop line
   and lift the whole vein out.

4. Ta-Da! Shrimp is Deveined!
   

   That's all there is to how to devein a shrimp with a toothpick!

   

Tips

• If you're working with frozen shrimp, make sure the shrimp has fully thawed before deveining it.

More Cooking Guides and How-Tos

• How to Shuck Oysters
• How To Skewer Ground Meat (So That It Stays On The Sticks)
• Guide to Folding Potstickers (2 Ways)
• How to Cook Vermicelli Noodles Perfectly Every time

Recipes That Use Shrimp

• Vietnamese Grilled Shrimp Vermicelli Noodle Bowl
• Yum Woon Sen (Thai Glass Noodle Salad)
• Chinese Stuffed Peppers (Dim Sum Style - 2 ways!)
• Wonton Noodle Soup
• Singapore Noodles (Singapore Mei Fun)
• Tom Yum Goong (Thai Hot and Sour Soup)

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