Eating freshwater shrimp can seem tricky, but as soon as you practice a little you'll be ready to eat dozens of them, just like New Orleans people do. In the state of Louisiana, lovers of freshwater shrimp know that there is a lot beyond the pulp to eat. In areas where shrimp are mostly freshwater, these delights are enjoyed boiled, during outdoor parties, where much of the fun is socializing while waiting for the meal. Learn the proper technique for eating freshwater shrimp, then teach it to friends at your next garden party.
Ingrediants
- Freshwater shrimp
- 8 Lemons
- 450 g of Prawn Spice Mix
- 8 Onions, peeled and halved
- 4, 5 kg of new potatoes
- 20 Corn on the cob, peeled and halved
- 5 garlic heads, halved
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Eat Freshwater Shrimp
Step 1. Remove the head from the tail
Hold your head between two fingers of one hand, hold the tail with the other hand. Twist your head until it comes off.
Rotating and removing the head should be a very simple operation. If not, it means that the shrimp is not fully cooked
Step 2. Suck the head
Place the open part of the head between your lips and suck the juices. In the southern United States this portion of freshwater shrimp is considered a real delicacy.
If you are picky and the idea of eating shrimp head doesn't appeal to you, throw it away
Step 3. Break off the tail shell
Pinch and break the shell covering the tail with your fingers. Remove it and throw it away.
Step 4. Eliminate the gut of the shrimp
Hold the tail in one hand and peel the outer skin layer off the top of the shrimp with the other. The digestive tract will be removed and you can throw it away.
Step 5. Eat the pulp of the tail
The pulp of the tail is the most substantial part of the shrimp, and can be eaten immediately or kept aside to prepare other recipes. Freshwater shrimp stew, a traditional Cajun dish, and shrimp pizza are very popular in the Southern United States.
Step 6. Suck the claws
Most freshwater shrimp have small claws that can be broken and sucked to extract their juices and pulp. The larger freshwater shrimps, on the other hand, have large claws from which the pulp can be extracted and then eaten.
Method 2 of 2: Host a Freshwater Shrimp Party
Step 1. Invite your family and friends to share freshwater shrimp
Be prepared to host them in the garden or some other place outside the house. Traditionally, shrimp parties are held outdoors. You will need the following tools:
- An outdoor area to eat
- A very very large pot
- A large metal colander with a handle
- Camp stove
Step 2. Order the freshwater shrimp
Depending on the number of your guests, you will have to buy around 10 - 15 kg of shrimp. Remember that each person will eat between 1 and 1 1/2 pounds of shrimp. Much of the weight of the crustaceans will be eliminated with the waste.
- If you are in the Southern United States, freshwater shrimp will be available seasonally and can be purchased at fishmongers, supermarkets and street vendors.
- In other American states, such as California, you can look for locally caught freshwater shrimp. Ask a fishmonger for help.
- Also in Italy there are subspecies of freshwater prawns, very widespread especially in the past, inquire at your trusted fishmonger. Alternatively, look for freshwater shrimp in supermarket freezers.
- If you find freshwater shrimp still alive, keep them cool and away from light and heat until ready to cook.
Step 3. Wash the shrimp
This process is also called shrimp purging. Pour them into a large basin and fill it with clean water. Stir them to move them in the water for a few minutes. Rinse them and transfer them to another clean container.
- Don't let live shrimp soak for too long, or they'll die.
- Some people add salt to the water to help purge the shrimp.
- Dead shrimp will float and should be thrown away.
Step 4. Place the pot on medium high heat
Fill it halfway with water and bring it to a boil. Add by mixing the following ingredients:
- The juice of 8 lemons and their respective peels.
- 450 g of shrimp spice mix.
Step 5. Bring the water to a gentle boil
Add the following ingredients to the pot and cook for ten minutes:
- 8 onions, peeled and halved
- 4, 5 kg of new potatoes
- 20 corn on the cob, peeled and halved
- 5 garlic heads, halved
Step 6. Bring the water back to a boil
Pour the shrimp into a metal basket with a handle, or a colander, and immerse it in water. Let the mixture boil for another five minutes. Turn off the heat and cover the pot. Let the shrimp sit in the boiling water for another 30 minutes. Remove the lid and take the basket full of shrimp out of the pot. Let them drain.
Step 7. Serve them on the table
Sprinkle the picnic tables with several sheets of newspaper. Pour the vegetables directly onto the table, then add the shrimp. Let your guests serve themselves using paper plates.
- If you wish, put other spices, butter and seasonings of your choice on the table.
- If you don't want to serve shrimp and vegetables in the more traditional way, serve them in single portions.
Step 8. Provide your diners with instructions for eating shrimp
If needed, add a hands-on demonstration to your lesson showing how to peel and suck the head and how to shell the tail to enjoy the delicious pulp.
Advice
- Freshwater shrimp is also called Turkish shrimp or Galician shrimp.
- The shrimp season is between March and June.
