Seafood is a delicious and nutritious addition to any diet and while there are many frozen options available to us today, nothing tastes quite as good as fresh seafood. But for many, fresh seafood can seem intimidating because it means you have to clean and prepare it yourself at home from scratch. Prawns are especially difficult because fresh prawns contain an intestinal tract and hard outer shell that need to be treated or removed before consumption, and it’s not a step you’d want to skip.
Cleaning fresh prawns before cooking is important for several reasons. It helps to remove dirt, grit and harmful toxins, prevents cross-contamination and improves the flavour and texture of the dish. Proper cleaning and preparation of prawns are essential for ensuring that they are safe to eat and that they taste their best. By taking the time to clean and prepare prawns, you can enjoy their delicious flavour and texture in a safe and healthy way.
Step 1: Select fresh prawns
When buying fresh prawns, it’s important to choose high-quality ones. Look for prawns that are firm, plump, and shiny with slightly translucent flesh. They should smell fresh, not fishy or sour. If you're unsure about what to look for, ask your fishmonger for advice.
Step 2: Remove the head
Start by grasping the prawn firmly behind the head and pulling it off. Alternatively, you can use a sharp knife to cut through the shell just behind the head, and then twist the head off.
Step 3: Peel the shell
Next, use your fingers to gently pull the shell off the prawn. Start from the head end and work your way down to the tail. If the shell is difficult to remove, you can use a pair of kitchen scissors to make a shallow cut down the back of the shell and then peel it off.
Step 4: Devein the prawn
Once the shell is removed, you may notice a dark vein running down the back of the prawn. This is the digestive tract and it can be gritty and unpleasant to eat. To remove it, use a sharp knife or a toothpick to make a shallow incision along the back of the prawn and then gently pull out the vein.
Step 5: Rinse the prawns
After you have deveined the prawns, rinse them under cold running water to remove any residual grit or dirt. Make sure to pat them dry with paper towels before cooking.
Step 6: Store the prawns safely
If you’re not cooking the prawns immediately, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container or plastic bag. They should be consumed within 2-3 days of purchase.
Step 7: Cook and enjoy!
Prawns can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, pan-frying, boiling, or baking. They can be marinated, seasoned, or simply cooked with a bit of butter or oil. Once cooked, serve the prawns with your favourite side dishes and enjoy!