Hey there, fellow seafood lovers! Today I’m gonna break down everything you need to know about buying pre-cleaned shrimp. As someone who cooks a ton of shrimp dishes, I totally get why you’d want to skip the messy prep work. Let’s dive in!
What Are Pre-Cleaned Shrimp Options?
When you’re shopping for shrimp, you’ll see these common terms:
- Peeled – Shell’s gone but tail, vein, and legs remain
- Deveined – That dark line (vein) is removed, but everything else stays
- Peeled and deveined (P&D) – Most popular option, just the tail remains
- EZ peel – Shell comes off super easy, but everything else stays put
- Fully cleaned – Everything’s removed (shell, vein, tail) – ready to cook!
Where Can I Find Pre-Cleaned Shrimp?
You’ve got several options when shopping for cleaned shrimp:
1. Grocery Store Seafood Counter
- Fresh or frozen options available
- Can ask fishmonger for specific prep
- Stock varies daily
2. Local Fish Markets
- Usually fresher than grocery stores
- Can clean shrimp to your specs
- Might be pricier but better quality
3. Online Seafood Delivery
- Companies ship nationwide
- Often better selection than local stores
- Arrives frozen or on ice
4. Frozen Food Section
Some reliable brands to look for:
- Aqua Star
- Trader Joe’s
- Whole Foods 365
- Kirkland Signature
- Sea Best
The Price Factor: Is It Worth It?
Let’s be real – you’re gonna pay more for convenience. Pre-cleaned shrimp typically costs $2-3 more per pound than shell-on shrimp. But here’s the thing – sometimes that extra cost is totally worth it!
When pre-cleaned makes sense:
- Cooking for a big party
- Quick weeknight meals
- Hate dealing with shells
- Limited prep time
- Cooking with kids
The Good, The Bad, and The Shrimpy Truth
Pros of Pre-Cleaned:
- Major time-saver
- No mess to clean up
- Perfect for beginners
- Ready to cook instantly
Cons of Pre-Cleaned:
- More expensive
- Shorter shelf life
- Can’t make shrimp stock
- Sometimes lower quality
- Machine cleaning can damage meat
How to Choose Quality Pre-Cleaned Shrimp
Listen up! Here’s what ya need to look for:
-
Appearance
- Plump, firm shrimp
- Slightly transparent
- No black or yellow spots
- Should glisten but not be slimy
-
Storage
- Should be frozen or on ice
- Minimal ice crystals
- No signs of thawing/refreezing
-
Cleaning Quality
- No shells left behind
- No remaining veins
- Clean cuts (not mangled)
Quick Storage Tips
Keep these in mind
- Fresh cleaned shrimp: Use within 1-2 days
- Frozen cleaned shrimp: Good for 3-6 months
- Always keep refrigerated or frozen
- Don’t refreeze after thawing
My Personal Take
I’ll be honest with ya – I usually buy shell-on shrimp for fancy dishes where I want max flavor and control. But for quick weeknight stir-fries or when I’m meal prepping? Pre-cleaned shrimp is my bestie! It’s all about knowing when to splurge on convenience.
Bottom Line
Yes, you can totally buy already cleaned shrimp! Just remember:
- Check quality carefully
- Be willing to pay extra
- Use it quickly once thawed
- Buy from reliable sources
Now you’re ready to make an informed choice about whether pre-cleaned shrimp is right for your cooking needs. Happy cooking, shrimp fans!
Have you tried pre-cleaned shrimp before? What’s been your experience? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your thoughts!
A Passion for Exceptional Gulf Shrimp
Try our restaurant-quality products once, and you’ll agree: Wild-caught Gulf shrimp are unlike any other. To help our customers find new ways to savor our products, we offer a selection of tried-and-true recipes online. You’ll also find ideas for cooking and serving Gulf shrimp in our blog, where we regularly post updates, tips and other great ideas. Are you ready to enjoy the delectable flavors of wild-caught shrimp? Explore our shop today or contact us online for more information.
Cancellation policy or change of order:
Any cancellations must be communicated to us before 12 Noon CT the same business day. If outside of this timeline, we cannot guarantee the cancellation. We arent able to alter or change products within an order, to change your order it must be canceled. Once the original order is canceled you can then re-order with the products you wish.
Refunds and Replacements:
Due to the perishable nature of our product, we do not accept returns. In the event you are dissatisfied with your purchase, you must contact us within 60 days of receiving your order. If you have an issue with your order please contact us M-F 8:00 a.m. CT to 5:00 p.m. CT at 601-385-1824 or by email at [email protected].
Biloxi, Mississippi, is home to some of the world’s finest seafood, especially wild-caught shrimp straight from the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. At Biloxi Shrimp Co., we make it possible for customers across the United States to savor the succulent flavors of restaurant-quality, wild-caught shrimp at home. With more than 90 years of providing exceptional products to area restaurants, food service companies, and retail locations, we’re proud to offer Gulf shrimp for sale to the public via our online shop.
Gulf Shrimp Delivered to Your Home
Biloxi, Mississippi, is home to some of the world’s finest seafood, especially wild-caught shrimp straight from the warm waters of the Gulf and South Atlantic. At Biloxi Shrimp Co., we make it possible for customers across the United States to savor the delicious flavors of restaurant-quality, wild-caught shrimp at home. With more than 90 years of providing exceptional products to area restaurants, food service companies, and retail locations, we’re proud to offer Gulf shrimp for sale to the public via our online shop.
Whether you’re craving pounds of peeled and deveined shrimp, colossal U-12 shrimp for a beautiful cocktail presentation, or EZ peel shrimp for a cookout, we deliver unrivaled quality for customers across the country. Our wild-caught shrimp are delivered to our docks by experienced American shrimpers straight from the Gulf of Mexico’s best domestic waters spanning the Texas coast to Florida. Upon arriving at our state-of-the-art processing facility, the raw shrimp are individually quick frozen (IQF) to preserve their freshness and flavor. Visit our shop to explore:
With a wide range of options from small to colossal shrimp sizes, you’re sure to find the right choice for your menu in our selection. Choose from individual purchases of 2 lbs. or more, or schedule regular bi-weekly or monthly shipments to ensure your freezer is always well-stocked. Interested in wholesale gulf shrimp? Please contact [email protected] for more information.
The story of Biloxi Shrimp Co. began when our founders, Mark Mavar and Jonathan McLendon, first became business partners in 2006 with the creation of Biloxi Freezing & Processing, Inc. This innovative business strived to provide local commercial clients with the most advanced processing services available from a state-of-the-art, 20,000-square-foot facility located in Biloxi. Building on their families’ extensive heritage in commercial seafood, the business quickly grew and today processes nearly 13% of all wild-caught shrimp in the U.S. Yet when the COVID-19 pandemic closed many restaurants and slowed commercial demand for fresh Gulf shrimp, Mark and Jonathan saw a new opportunity to offer direct sales to area customers. The high demand to buy wild-caught shrimp quickly became clear, and in June 2020, they welcomed shoppers around the country to order shrimp online via Biloxi Shrimp Co.
How to Devein Shell-On Shrimp Tutorial Video
FAQ
Can you buy shrimp that is already deveined?
Yes, you can buy deveined shrimp. Shrimp are often sold already peeled and deveined, which saves you the time and effort of doing it yourself. You can find them at most grocery stores, typically in the frozen seafood section.
Can you buy cleaner shrimp?
Known as “Cleaner Shrimp”, they are effective in eating algae. With a lifespan of 1-2 years and a fully grown size of 1 inch, these shrimp are available for purchase at a smaller size of 0.5-0.75 inches. A great addition to your tank without breaking the bank and a low-maintenance way to keep your tank clean.
What is the cleanest shrimp to buy?
Shrimp rated green by Seafood Watch is the most environmentally sustainable. When wild shrimp is rated green, it means it comes from a healthy population, and the well-managed fishery has little to no impacts on other marine life or habitat.
How to buy the freshest shrimp?
If buying shrimp “fresh”, avoid shrimp (or any seafood) that smells like ammonia – a clear sign that it’s bad. Avoid shells that feel mushy or slimy. If you purchase frozen shrimp, let them defrost slowly in the refrigerator, allowing the water to drain off as they thaw.