The freshwater crayfish, also known as crayfish or Turkish crayfish, is very similar to a lobster, albeit much smaller in size. It can be found in areas where the water is well oxygenated and has a gravelly or sandy bottom, when out of the water, the freshwater shrimp loves dark and hidden places. Its meat is very tender and is normally cooked through a simple boiling; before cooking, however, the prawns must be washed carefully in order to purge all impurities and eliminate residues of mud, sand or grass.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Prepare the Shrimp Before Cleaning
Step 1. If you do not intend to cook them immediately, leave the shrimp in the net with which you transported them home
If kept in water for too long, the shrimp will die, so keep them in the air.
Step 2. To extend their life, place them in a container with ice and fill it with water
Live freshwater shrimp, kept at a temperature between 2 and 8 ° C, can resist for a few days, but it is important to drain them from the water and not leave them immersed.
Before cooking them, bring them back to room temperature and let them drain
Step 3. Place the live shrimp in a large plastic container or alternatively use a cooler; the important thing is that you have enough space to wash them well and easily
Also make sure the shrimp are unable to get out of the container and roam freely around the garden.
Method 2 of 3: Purge the Shrimp with Salt
Step 1. Pour the salt over the shrimp in the sink
Take the container for the coarse salt and distribute it freely over the shellfish. Alternatively, you can also use normal table salt, this step was not intended for seasoning shrimp. Shrimp should fidget uncomfortably when you do this.
Salting is optional. Some cooks believe that salt contributes to cleaning shrimp by enticing them to excrete mud and waste present in their digestive system through vomiting. On the other hand, this procedure increases the risk of the shrimp dying by purging
Step 2. Use a suitable accessory to gently mix the water and shrimp, then add more salt
The goal is to properly salt all the shrimp.
Step 3. Cover the live shrimp with fresh water
Shrimp will expel the dirt present in their system, minimizing fishy odor and reducing the size and size of their intestinal tract.
Step 4. Gently stir the shrimp for about 3 minutes after submerging them
The movement will help clean the shells and gills of the shrimp.
Step 5. Drain the shrimp completely from the salted water
Step 6. Use another clean container or rinse the one you are using and place the live shrimp in it
Check that there are no dead animals surfacing, in case remove them immediately.
Step 7. Repeat the washing process by soaking them in fresh water
In this way you will eliminate the salt and all the impurities that have expelled the shrimp, including residues of sand, mud and algae. When you are satisfied and your prawns look perfectly clean you can start the purging process.
Step 8. Drain the prawns, they are now ready to cook
Method 3 of 3: Purge the Saltless Shrimp
Step 1. If you choose not to use salt, simply fill the sink and let the shrimp soak in the water for 5 - 10 minutes
You can occasionally mix them to help remove mud and grime.
Step 2. Eliminate the dirty water and refill the sink with clean water
Leave the shrimp to soak for another 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 3. Check that there are no dead animals surfacing, in case remove them immediately
Shrimp will be best when cooked live.
Step 4. Throw away the dirty water again and replace it one last time with clean water
Stir and check the purity of the water. At this point it should be sufficiently transparent and free of mud residues.
Step 5. Drain the prawns, they are now ready to cook
Advice
- Shrimp that are purged live longer and taste noticeably better than those not subjected to this treatment.
- While you are boiling the shrimp, add all your favorite foods and ingredients to the pot to give more flavor to your dish and make it unforgettable.
- If you're cooking shrimp for a large group of people, start with a small amount of spice, then season the second batch of shrimp with a fresh dose of spice to make them more flavorful.
- There are freshwater shrimps on the market that have already been purged. The method used for large-scale purging is more effective than that performed at home. In this case, however, the shrimp will have a higher cost.
Warnings
- Freshwater shrimp need air to live, don't leave them submerged in water for too long.
- Drain the shrimp just before cooking them, if you do this too early you will increase the chances of them dying.
- Don't eat shrimp that have been cooked dead, they won't taste good.
- Some cooks argue that salt does not help the shrimp purging process, but many traditional methods provide it.
