How to Clean Prawns for Your Preparations

Kerala style prawn pickle is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of shrimp with the aromatic spices of Kerala. To ensure your prawn pickle is both delicious and safe to eat, it’s essential to clean your shrimp or prawns thoroughly before starting the pickling process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean shrimp/prawns for your Kerala style prawn pickle.

Step 1: Choose Fresh Shrimp/Prawns

The first step in making a perfect prawn pickle is to start with fresh shrimp or prawns. Fresh seafood has a firm texture, a mild sea aroma, and a translucent appearance. Avoid shrimp that have an off-putting smell or appear slimy.

Step 2: Gather Your Supplies

Before you start cleaning, gather the necessary

Fresh shrimp/prawns
A sharp knife or kitchen shears
A bowl of cold water
A colander or strainer
A clean kitchen towel

Step 3: Remove the Heads

If your shrimp or prawns have heads, begin by removing them. Hold the body firmly and twist the head to detach it. Some people like to save the heads for making seafood broth, but for pickling, it’s best to discard them.

Step 4: Peel the Shells

Peeling the shells off your shrimp or prawns is crucial for the pickling process. Start by gripping the legs and pulling them away. Then, starting at the head end, peel off the shell, working towards the tail. Some recipes prefer to leave the tail on for aesthetic purposes, but for pickling, it’s best to remove it.

Step 5: Devein the Shrimp/Prawns

Deveining shrimp or prawns is an important step to remove the digestive tract, which can contain sand and impurities. Use a small, sharp knife to make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp, from head to tail. You’ll see a dark vein running along the length – use the tip of the knife to lift it out and discard it. Rinse the shrimp under cold water to ensure they are completely clean.

Step 6: Rinse Thoroughly

After deveining, rinse the shrimp or prawns thoroughly under cold running water. This step ensures that any remaining shell fragments, sand, or impurities are washed away. Use a colander or strainer to make this process easier.

Step 7: Pat Dry

Once the shrimp or prawns are clean, transfer them to a clean kitchen towel and pat them dry. Removing excess moisture is crucial to ensure the pickling process is effective and the flavors are well absorbed.

Step 8: Prepare for Pickling

With your shrimp or prawns now cleaned and prepped, they are ready for the pickling process. Make sure you have all the necessary spices and ingredients for your Kerala style prawn pickle. This typically includes mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, dried red chilies, turmeric, and of course, the freshest shrimp or prawns.

Conclusion

Cleaning shrimp or prawns thoroughly is a vital step in preparing Kerala style prawn pickle. By following these steps, you ensure that your pickled prawns are not only delicious but also safe to eat. Enjoy the rich, tangy, and spicy flavors of this traditional Kerala delicacy, knowing that you’ve prepared it with care and precision. Happy pickling! 🦐🍋🌶️ For more delicious recipes and tips, visit Mudhome and discover the joy of homemade culinary delights. 🌿🍲