Do you peel shrimp before grilling it?

Reasons to Peel:

* Easier to eat: Peeling grilled shrimp is messy and can be tricky, especially if you're serving them on a skewer. Pre-peeled shrimp are much more convenient and elegant.

* Flavor: When you grill shrimp with the shell on, the shell tends to toughen up and become difficult to eat. Also, the shell can interfere with the browning process, resulting in unevenly cooked shrimp.

* Faster cooking: Shrimp cook much faster without the shell, as the heat penetrates more evenly.

Reasons to Leave the Shell On:

* More flavor: Some people believe that grilling shrimp with the shell on imparts a richer flavor to the meat. The shell helps retain moisture and adds a smoky taste.

* Easier to cook: If you're grilling a large amount of shrimp, leaving the shell on can make it easier to manage them, as they won't fall apart as easily.

The Best Approach:

Ultimately, the decision is yours! If you want the most convenient and easily-eaten shrimp, peel them before grilling. If you prefer a slightly richer flavor and don't mind peeling at the table, you can leave the shells on.

No matter what you choose, be sure to remove the digestive tract (the black vein) before grilling. This will make the shrimp taste better and look more appealing.