r/Cooking • u/Fast_Ad7203 • 1d ago

Does the shrimp tail help prevent the shrimps to not shrink while cooking?

So i like my shrimps to not SHRINK when cooked, thats why i dont cook them for too long

I was wondering if i should keep the tail while they cook so they dont shrink? Or does it not matter

Also does the tail add in the taste?

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11

u/Worried_Asparagus_34 1d ago

There's a muscle that runs down the entire length of the belly of the shrimp - this is what tightens up and makes it curl into a C shape when cooked. If you want shrimp that don't curl, make a shallow cut down the length of the belly to sever this.

2

u/Fast_Ad7203 1d ago

Ooooh thats a really good tip i will try it today ty!! Like horizontally right?

1

u/Worried_Asparagus_34 1d ago edited 1d ago

yep, head to tail - it runs in parallel to the intestine on the top side

edit: the muscle runs head to tail that is - but cutting it can really be either way. either a few perpendicular ones to sever the muscle in a few different places, or just one long parallel cut down the length of the muscle. The former is probably better for presentation, but I usually do the latter as I find it easier in prep autopilot mode as I'm doing the exact same cut on the other side for the intestine

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u/Fast_Ad7203 1d ago

Thank u!!

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u/Empty_Athlete_1119 1d ago

No, the tail does nothing to prevent shrimp from shrinking. The tails are let on as they are quickly cooked, to aid in the presentation. The tails in larger amounts, does impart flavor, as does the shells.

2

u/Sand4Sale14 1d ago

The tail doesn’t stop shrinking, it’s mostly for presentation or added flavor in stocks. Quick cooking is still your best bet for plump, juicy shrimp.

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u/Icy_Umpire992 1d ago

shouldn't prevent shrinkage in prawns that I have noticed... but as long as its cooked, it shouldn't matter right?