Hey there seafood fans! I’ve been cooking with shrimp for years, and let me tell you – EZ peel shrimp has been a total game-changer in my kitchen. Today, we’re gonna dive deep into everything you need to know about these convenient crustaceans.
What Are EZ Peel Shrimp?
EZ peel shrimp (also called easy peel shrimp) are specially prepared shrimp that make your life in the kitchen way easier These babies come with a neat little cut along the back of the shell that lets you peel them super quick – no wrestling matches with stubborn shells required!
Here’s what makes them special
- They’re headless with the shell and tail still on
- Have a pre-cut slit down the back
- Come in various sizes from medium to colossal
- The actual shrimp meat stays untouched and pristine
How Are They Processed?
The magic happens right after catching. Here’s the process
- Shrimp are caught (usually from places like the Gulf Coast)
- They get their heads removed
- A special machine makes that handy cut along the shell
- They’re quickly frozen to keep ’em fresh
- Packaged and shipped to stores or direct to customers
Why Choose EZ Peel Shrimp?
Let me share why I absolutely love working with EZ peel shrimp:
Time-Saving Benefits
- Super quick to prepare
- No special tools needed
- Perfect for busy weeknight cooking
Better Flavor & Quality
- Shells protect the meat while cooking
- Natural sweetness stays locked in
- Great for both shell-on and peeled recipes
Versatility in Cooking
- Works great for:
- Grilling
- Boiling
- Sautéing
- Making seafood stock
- Shrimp cocktails
- Pasta dishes
Size Options Available
EZ peel shrimp come in various counts per pound. Here’s a handy guide:
| Size Category | Count per Pound |
|---|---|
| Colossal | Under 10 |
| Extra Jumbo | 12-15 |
| Jumbo | 16-20 |
| Large | 21-30 |
| Medium | 31-50 |
Storage Tips
Keep these tips in mind to maintain freshness:
Fresh EZ Peel Shrimp
- Use within 1-2 days
- Store on ice in fridge
- Keep temperature consistent
Frozen EZ Peel Shrimp
- Can last 2-3 months frozen
- Keep sealed in original packaging
- Thaw overnight in fridge
How to Prepare EZ Peel Shrimp
Here’s my foolproof method:
- Rinse under cold water
- Find the pre-cut slit
- Gently pull shell away from meat
- Remove tail if desired
- Give a final rinse
- Pat dry before cooking
Cooking Tips & Tricks
After years of cooking these beauties, here are my top tips:
For Best Results:
- Leave shells on when grilling or boiling
- Season generously before cooking
- Don’t overcook (they get tough)
- Consider saving shells for stock
Perfect Cooking Methods:
- Grilling: Shell-on, 2-3 minutes per side
- Boiling: 3-4 minutes until pink
- Sautéing: Medium-high heat, 4-5 minutes total
Cost and Value
EZ peel shrimp typically cost a bit more than regular shell-on shrimp, but they’re worth it! Prices vary by:
- Size
- Season
- Supplier
- Location
For example, Biloxi Shrimp Co. offers Jumbo 21/30 count for around $20 per pound – pretty reasonable for the convenience!
Where to Buy
You can find EZ peel shrimp at:
- Local seafood markets
- Major grocery chains
- Online seafood retailers
- Specialty fish shops
Common Questions I Get Asked
Q: Do I need to devein EZ peel shrimp?
A: It’s optional! The cut in the shell makes it easy if you want to.
Q: Can I cook them frozen?
A: Better to thaw first for even cooking.
Q: How many should I buy per person?
A: I usually plan for 1/2 pound per person for main dishes.
The Bottom Line
Listen, if you’re looking to up your shrimp game without the hassle, EZ peel shrimp are totally the way to go. They’re convenient, versatile, and help maintain that amazing fresh shrimp flavor we all love.
Whether you’re a cooking newbie or a seasoned chef, these pre-cut crustaceans are gonna make your life easier while keeping all the yummy benefits of shell-on shrimp. Trust me, once you try ’em, you won’t want to go back to regular shell-on shrimp!
Would ya like to give EZ peel shrimp a try? Drop me a comment below with your favorite shrimp recipe – I’d love to hear how you’re planning to cook these up!
Need It By Tomorrow? Order by 3:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Thursday for next day delivery! Plus, get free shipping on orders over $300.
- Wild-caught in the domestic waters of the Gulf of Mexico, our Gulf Shrimp is processed and flash-frozen by hand to preserve the freshly caught flavor.
- During processing, the head is removed and the back of each EZ Peel shrimp is slightly cut open by hand, which allows for easy peeling. The vein may also be removed during processing, but this is unintentional so you may receive some shrimp with the vein intact.
- Our Gulf Shrimp are sweeter than your average shrimp with a firm texture.
- Each order is packed with dry ice so that it stays completely frozen while en route to your doorstep.
- To thaw, remove the shrimp from its original packaging, place it in a plastic bag, and thaw it in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours.
- To expedite the thawing process, place the shrimp in a plastic bag and run it under cool water (never hot water). Learn more safe thawing tips here.
- Shrimp can be baked, grilled, boiled, fried, or steamed depending on your desired method. Aim for an internal temperature of 120° F. EZ Peel shrimp are perfect for peel-n-eat shrimp!
Sourced Straight from Sea to Table
Sourced through trusted experts and chosen for taste, texture and quality.
Flash frozen to lock in the fresh-off-the-dock taste.
Packaged with dry ice and shipped overnight directly to your door.
Simply thaw, prep, heat, and eat.
Our White Headless shrimp fall in the 21/30 count category, which means there are between 21 and 30 shrimp per pound, depending on size. You’ll find between 42 and 60 shrimp in a two-pound order.
Gulf shrimp boast a sweet yet earthy flavor due to the naturally warmer waters of the Gulf.
Our gulf shrimp is harvested, hand-processed, and flash-frozen by Biloxi Shrimp Co. out of Biloxi, Mississippi. After fishing in the deep, warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the Biloxi team brings their catch to the Back Bay of Biloxi for processing and sorting.
All of our products will stay good in the freezer for several months. However, for the best taste and texture, we recommend enjoying them within 2-3 months.