A Guide to Buying and Cooking Shrimp

What you need to know about shrimp

Buying and Cooking Shrimp

FoodNetwork-Fish7/13/06

Photo by: TheresaRaffetto212.375.9432 ©Theresa Raffetto

TheresaRaffetto212.375.9432, Theresa Raffetto

Most shrimp is farm-raised and frozen, guaranteeing good quality and an abundant supply.

Shrimp is sold by size: small, medium, large and jumbo, or by number of pieces per pound. A good medium-sized shrimp will give you about 20 to 30 pieces per pound. Shrimp sold in the shell will have the best flavor, but you can also buy them with heads removed, shelled and deveined, or even fully cooked and ready to eat.

Almost any preparation method will work, but it's important to note that shrimp will cook quickly and dry out if overcooked. Crayfish or lobster can be substituted.

Shrimp Recipes

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