Watch this tutorial on how to properly shell, devein and butterfly prawns.
https://youtu.be/lHQ4y7nE3eo
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For Prawns with shells on:
- Use a pair of kitchen scissors to cut open the shell along the back of the prawn.
- Use a small sharp knife to deepen the groove.
- Use the tip of the knife to remove all intestines and waste material thoroughly.
- To butterfly the prawn, use sharp knife to deepen the groove until the prawn opens up 180 degrees, but is not fully separately. Butterfly prawns are great for grilling with some garlic and butter.
For Shelled Prawns:
- Remove the head and shell of the prawns. Be careful when removing the tail of the prawns. Tugging gently to ease the shell off while help to keep the prawn tail intact, as long as the prawn is fresh.
- Use small sharp knife to slit the back of the prawn.
- Use the tip of the knife to remove all intestines and waste material thoroughly.
- To make a prawn ball, make an incision through the centre of the prawn so there is a small opening (but not too large).
- Then thread the tail of the prawn through the opening.
- Prawn balls are great for presentation, and add an extra crunch when used for deep-frying.
- Don’t forget to keep the prawn heads for boiling prawn broth!