Do you have to clean shrimp?

You usually DO have to clean shrimp if you buy them:

* Fresh shrimp: You'll typically find fresh shrimp with the heads and shells on. This means you need to remove the heads, shells, and digestive tract (the dark vein called the "intestine").

* Frozen shrimp: Frozen shrimp often come peeled and deveined, making them ready to cook. However, even if labeled "deveined," it's always a good idea to check for any remaining veins.

You don't have to clean shrimp if you buy them pre-cleaned:

* Peeled and deveined shrimp: These are already cleaned, so you can just cook them.

* Pre-cooked shrimp: These are already cooked, so you don't have to worry about cleaning or cooking them.

Here are some additional tips:

* Check the packaging: Always check the packaging of your shrimp to see if they are labeled as "peeled and deveined" or "pre-cooked."

* Be thorough: Even if shrimp are labeled as "deveined," it's always a good idea to check for any remaining veins.

* Use a sharp knife: When cleaning shrimp, use a sharp knife to make the process easier and less messy.

Let me know if you have any other questions!