How to prepare shrimp

How to choose fresh shrimp

The first step in preparing shrimp is to select quality and fresh shrimp. Here are some tips to help you choose the best:
1. Smell: Fresh shrimp should have a mild sea smell. If the shrimp smell of ammonia or have a strong unpleasant odor, they are probably not fresh.
2. Color: The shrimp should be transparent and shiny, and their color can vary from gray to pink. If the shrimp look dull or have dark spots, they may be old.
3. Texture: Shrimp should be firm and not shriveled. If they are soft or break in your hands, it is better not to buy them.
4. Moments: If you buy live shrimp, they should be mobile. Shrimp that move slowly or do not move can be of poor quality.

How to cook shrimp: basic steps

1. Cleaning shrimp
Cleaning shrimp is one of the most important steps in making sure they are tasty and safe to eat. Here's how to properly clean shrimp:
1. De-heading: Start by de-heading the shrimp. You can do this by simply pressing the head and pulling it away from the body.
2. De-shelling: De-shell the shrimp, starting from the leg part and moving towards the tail. If you want, you can leave the tail for decorative purposes.
3. Gut removal: There is a dark line running along the back of the shrimp - this is the gut that needs to be removed. Use a small knife or toothpick to carefully pull it out.

2. Pickling shrimp
To give the shrimp a special taste, it is worth marinating them before cooking. Marinades can be varied depending on your taste. Here are some easy marinade recipes:
1. Lemon and garlic marinade:
 * 3 tablespoons of olive oil
 * 2 chopped cloves of garlic
 * 1 lemon juice
 * Salt and pepper to taste
2. Soy sauce and ginger marinade:
 * 3 spoons of soy sauce
 * 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
 * 1 spoon of honey
 * 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
Marinating the shrimp takes about 30 minutes - 1 hour. Marinating for too long is not recommended to prevent the shrimp from losing their natural texture. 

Ways to prepare shrimp

1. Cooking shrimp
Boiling shrimp is one of the easiest and fastest ways to prepare them. Here are the basic steps:
1. Boil water: Boil a large pot of water. You can add salt, lemon slices, bay leaves, or other spices to the water to add flavor to the shrimp.
2. Add the shrimp: When the water boils, add the shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
3. Remove the shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the water and let them cool. You can place them on a paper towel to absorb excess water.

2. Cooking shrimp
Frying shrimp gives them a wonderful flavor and crunch. Here's how to do it:
1. Prepare the pan: heat a pan with a little oil (olive or butter).
2. Cook the shrimp: Place the shrimp in the pan and cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque.
3. Serve: Remove the shrimp from the pan and serve. You can sprinkle them with salt, pepper or lemon juice.

3. Grilling shrimp
Grilled shrimp are a great choice for a summer dinner or party. Here's how to prepare them:
1. Prepare the grill: Preheat the grill to medium heat.
2. Grill the shrimp: Thread the shrimp onto the skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
3. Serve: Remove the shrimp from the grill and serve. You can add lemon juice or your favorite sauce.

4. Shrimp stew
Steamed shrimp is a great choice when you want to retain their juiciness and flavor. Here's how to do it:
1. Prepare the pot: Heat a pot with a little oil or butter.
2. Add shrimp and liquids: Add shrimp and desired liquids (broth, wine, coconut milk). Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
3. Serve: Remove the shrimp from the pot and serve with steamed vegetables or rice.

Shrimp recipes

Shrimp salad with avocado and mango

Ingredients:
* 300 g of boiled shrimps
* 1 ripe avocado
* 1 ripe mango
* 1 red pepper
* 1 small red onion
* Juice of 1 lime
* 3 tablespoons of olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:
1. Cut the avocado, mango, pepper and onion into small cubes.
2. Mix all the vegetables with the shrimp.
3. Cover the salad with a mixture of olive oil and lime juice, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Mix well and serve fresh.

Shrimp with garlic and butter

Ingredients:
* 500 g of fresh shrimp
* 4 tablespoons of butter
* 3 chopped cloves of garlic
* 1 lemon juice
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation:
1. Melt the butter in a pan.
2. Add chopped garlic and fry until golden.
3. Add the shrimp and cook for about 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque.
4. Pour lemon juice, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Shrimp paste with tomato sauce

Ingredients:
* 300 g of boiled shrimps
* 200 g of spaghetti
* 2 chopped tomatoes
* 2 chopped cloves of garlic
* 1 small onion
* 3 tablespoons of olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Preparation:
1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan, add chopped onion and garlic, fry until golden.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and become a sauce.
4. Add the shrimp and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Mix the sauce with spaghetti, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
6. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.

Shrimp is a wonderful ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned cook, this article has all the information you need to prepare shrimp at home. Try different cooking methods and recipes to find your favorite shrimp dish.