Keto Means
Photo by eberhard grossgasteiger Pexels Logo Photo: eberhard grossgasteiger

What is the black stuff in frozen shrimp?

Although removing that string is called deveining, it is actually not a vein (in the circulatory sense.) It is the shrimp's digestive tract, and its dark color means it is filled with grit.

What can I replace for carrots in keto diet?
What can I replace for carrots in keto diet?

Some lower carb substitutes for carrots include celery, broccoli, and cauliflower. These veggies can be eaten raw or cooked, making them fair...

Read More »
How can I be in ketosis and not be losing weight?
How can I be in ketosis and not be losing weight?

You're eating too many carbs One of the main reasons people don't lose weight on the ketogenic diet is that they're consuming too many carbs. To...

Read More »

Shrimp is a versatile and tasty ingredient in lunches, appetizers, and main courses. So it's a good idea to understand the anatomy of the crustacean and how to handle it before you tackle a recipe. Sometimes when you buy raw shrimp you will notice a thin, black string down its back. Although removing that string is called deveining, it is actually not a vein (in the circulatory sense.) It is the shrimp's digestive tract, and its dark color means it is filled with grit.

Should you devein the shrimp, and if there is no dark thread visible, is it necessary to do so?

The Spruce / Alison Czinkota

To Devein or Not to Devein

The decision to devein shrimp is basically a matter of personal preference and aesthetics, not hygiene, and the vein is not harmful to the human body if eaten. If the vein is visible through the shell and meat, and if you find the digestive tract unappealing and unattractive, then it makes sense to remove it. (In some countries, like Japan, they serve the shrimp with the visible vein.) With large shrimp, it is fairly easy to devein them: Use a sharp paring knife to make a slit along the back and lift out the vein with the tip of the knife. Most cooks will not bother deveining medium-sized or smaller shrimp unless they look particularly dirty. Small shrimp are more challenging; it could take hours to go through the deveining process for numerous shrimp. To make cooks' lives easier, many suppliers offer deveined shrimp, which is sometimes done without splitting the flesh or even removing the shell. So if deveining is not for you, try to find pre-packed frozen deveined shrimp. Whether you devein or not, it's a good idea to wash your hands—and any utensils that came into contact with the shrimp—in hot, soapy water. Shrimp harbor bacteria that could, if spread, cause food poisoning.

Shelling the Body and the Tail

In some instances, it's OK to leave the shell on during cooking. For example, when grilling shrimp it's wise to leave the shell on because it protects the meat from the intense heat of the grill. Peel-and-eat shrimp, as the name suggests, is another example of when you would leave the shell on. But for other dishes, such as a stir-fry or shrimp scampi, or a shrimp cocktail appetizer, you should go the extra step of removing the shell so you can dig in right away and enjoy the food. It is simple enough to peel the shell off of the body of the shrimp, but removing the shell over the tail takes a little bit of finesse—too forceful and you will pull that tail right off, losing precious meat. You can leave the tail on in dishes where it is obvious and conspicuous, so diners can remove it themselves. However, in recipes where a heavy sauce may disguise the tail, you should remove it rather than surprising a guest with an unexpected crunchy bite. If you are frying the shrimp leave it on—some people actually enjoy eating the tail when it is deep-fried and crunchy.

Can drinking too much water dilute ketones?
Can drinking too much water dilute ketones?

A high water intake may dilute the concentration of ketones in the urine. Because it's important to stay hydrated, you will likely see lower...

Read More »
What color is best for ketosis?
What color is best for ketosis?

Light pink means ketones are present but in small amounts. Dark purple means you're in full-blown ketosis. Most of the time, these tests detect...

Read More »

Can you overcook shrimp in lemon juice?

Can shrimp ceviche be overcooked? Technically yes. Leaving shrimp in lime juice for an extended about of time will make the shrimp tough and dry.

This light and refreshing authentic Mexican shrimp ceviche recipe is made with lime juice, avocado and jalapeno. One of my favorite recipes that I learned from my photographer’s mother Gloria is this authentic Mexican shrimp ceviche recipe. Originally featured in my Ultimate Mexican Sunday Dinner Cookbook, I’m thrilled to share it with all of you here. Made with creamy avocado, tangy lime juice, fresh cilantro and spicy Serranos (or jalapeño), this is one of my favorite shrimp ceviche recipes of all time. To serve I love to offer tostadas which add crunch and texture. You can also use good old fashioned saltine crackers. Before serving, check for seasoning and add more salt or lime juice if needed. For more authentic Mexican recipes, be sure to check out my cookbook for just $3.99.

Frequently asked questions:

Can you make ceviche with any type of fish? Absolutely! The key is to use the freshest fish you can source whether that’s tuna, yellowtail, salmon or shrimp. How does the seafood cook? The seafood cooks in the citrus (in this case: lime juice) which breaks down the protein in the seafood over time. Do you recommend freezing leftovers? No How long does Shrimp Ceviche keep for? 24 hours or less in the refrigerator How long does it take to cook? I recommend letting the shrimp sit in the citrus juice at least 2 hours, stirring when you can to ensure evenly cooked. Can shrimp ceviche be overcooked? Technically yes. Leaving shrimp in lime juice for an extended about of time will make the shrimp tough and dry.

Your fork is waiting.

What is the lowest quality meat?
What is the lowest quality meat?

There are eight different USDA beef grades: prime, choice, select, standard, commercial, utility, cutter and canner. Prime being the highest beef...

Read More »
What vitamin helps the body break down carbohydrates?
What vitamin helps the body break down carbohydrates?

Vitamins B2 and B3 These two vitamins help break down carbohydrates into absorbable products by processing their calories. This happens before...

Read More »
Do carrots spike glucose?
Do carrots spike glucose?

Both boiled and raw carrots have a low glycemic index score. This means that they are unlikely to trigger a blood sugar spike. The GI index can...

Read More »
What is a realistic timeframe to lose 15 pounds?
What is a realistic timeframe to lose 15 pounds?

How long does it *really* take to lose 15 pounds? “The safest and most sustainable timeline to lose about 15 pounds would be about two to four...

Read More »