Cooking prawns, more commonly known as shrimp in the United States, is more about timing than anything else. Because of their delicate flavor, you won't need to add seasoning to serve this tasty, low-fat seafood. Because they take such a short time to cook, your main focus will be on making sure you don't under- or overcook them. Grilled or boiled, peel-and-eat shrimp are easy to prepare.
Preparation
Step 1
Devein the shrimp if you want to remove their digestive tract. Cut a slit in the back of the shell from top to bottom, spread the shell apart without breaking it, then remove the long, black vein that runs the length of the shrimp.
Step 2
Brush the shrimp lightly with monounsaturated oil, such as olive oil, if you are grilling them. Add your favorite seasoning if you want to preseason the shrimp.
Step 3
Prepare a pot of water if you will be boiling the shrimp. Use a large enough pot so the shrimp float freely in the water. Bunched up or tightly packed shrimp do not cook uniformly, with some finishing more quickly than others.
Step 4
Fill a bowl large enough to hold all the shrimp with ice if you will be boiling your shrimp. Use this to stop the shrimp from continuing to cook after you remove them from boiling water.
Grilling
Step 1
Clean the grill to remove any leftover food from previous use. Wipe the cool grill with a paper towel moistened with the same cooking oil you used to brush the shrimp.
Step 2
Place the shrimp on the fired-up grill with space between each to allow them to cook evenly. Let the shrimp cook on one side for two minutes or longer, depending on their size. Cook jumbo shrimp or giant prawns for three to four minutes per side.
Step 3
Turn the shrimp with tongs. Let them cook until they turn bright orange and the meat inside is white.
Boiling
Step 1
Boil the pot of water you have prepared. Add seasonings to the water if you plan to serve your shrimp more like a low-country or Cajun boil.
Step 2
Drop half of your shrimp into the pot, adding the rest until you are sure you do not have too many in the pot for them to float freely.
Step 3
Cook the shrimp for approximately five minutes, gently stirring once or twice to allow them to cook uniformly. Remove the shrimp from the water when they turn bright orange and the meat is white.
Step 4
Place the shrimp in the bowl of ice to stop the cooking process. Remove the shrimp from the ice after several minutes and serve.
Member Comments