A shrimp question on deveining

[Sgt. Pepper]

Ive read many sources now that tell me larger shrimp should definitely be deveined as well as shrimp that are cooked out of shell, as in gumbo or jambalaya. I'm hoping a New Orleans native or someone knowledgable on this subject can give me some help. I'm planning a shrimp boil, with a medium sized gulf shrimp. All the information I've read on the subject of shrimp boils, makes no mention of deveining the shrimp, presumably because there are so many of them. Is it acceptable to eat the vein in peel-and-eat/shrimp boil fashion. I know many are grossed out at the thought of eating the vein, but I wondered how they do it in New Orleans? Someone please help me out.

Thanks

[mudbug]

Just go ahead and eat 'em! The veins are teeny tiny and don't have much taste, if any.

[PA Baker]

Originally Posted by mudbug

Just go ahead and eat 'em! The veins are teeny tiny and don't have much taste, if any.

Ick! Guess you can tell I'm a Yankee, eh? :oops:

[crewsk]

I'm with you PA. I can't stand the veins! I got boild shrimp at a seafood resturant not long ago & they were not deveined & they were gritty. UGH!!

[PA Baker]

Originally Posted by crewsk

I'm with you PA. I can't stand the veins! I got boild shrimp at a seafood resturant not long ago & they were not deveined & they were gritty. UGH!!

Thanks! That makes me feel better! :)

[mudbug]

PA, lots of people would probably agree with you. Veins just don't bother me, but I don't get the really big ole juicy jumbo guys up here much anyway.

Sarge, if you've got a hour or so to kill, knock yourself out and devein the buggers. May be aesthetically more pleasing, but in gumbo and jambalaya it's all a big delicious mess anyway. Who's gonna notice a few weenie shrimp veins (except PA)?

[PA Baker]

You're right, Mud, I would! I have sharp eyes and ears for things that irritate me! (once again, my poor hubby!)

[scott123]

I'd notice those nasty little shrimp veins in a heartbeat. No shrimp poo for me thanks.

[Audeo]

Originally Posted by scott123

I'd notice those nasty little shrimp veins in a heartbeat. No shrimp poo for me thanks.

ROFL here, Scott!

I wouldn't recommend that you closely inspect the shrimp in the next batch of Etouffee you have...!

While I certainly understand where you all are coming from here on the issue of "poo" (ROFL!), this is not a concern for a Cajun! (No, I'm not one, but I do know quite a few...) Small to medium shrimp not deveined would not bother me. However, I definately devein large shrimp or prawns for the very same reason.

[BigBlueMouse]

Don't waste your time deveining shrimp for a boil...there will be too many. It's not a big deal. Just make sure you don't overcook them, which is the main thing.