Indeed, there is a significant difference between “straight prawns” and “curved prawns”. If you do not know how to choose, it is very easy to buy dead prawns from the refrigerator. Not only are these prawns of low quality and have a strong fishy smell, but no matter how you cook them, they cannot guarantee good quality or a decent taste!
When we go to the supermarket or the vegetable market to choose prawns, we should prioritize buying curved prawns. This is because when prawns die, their flesh becomes quite soft, and no matter how you twist them, they still maintain their original shape.
On the contrary, live prawns usually have a naturally curved body when they are stimulated by low temperatures. Therefore, when they are chilled or fresh, they will maintain their curved shape.
When purchasing prawns, not only pay attention to their curvature, but also take note of the following three points to avoid buying prawns that have been preserved for too long.
There are two types of prawns that you should pay attention to when shopping:
First type: Prawns with a missing head and tail
You can easily identify this type of prawn by checking their head and tail. If you notice that the prawn has clearly lost its head or tail, this is a sign that it has been preserved for too long.
The prawn’s head usually starts to decompose and becomes soft and mushy, and this type of prawn is not a good choice. The meat, after being cooked, will have a fishy taste and will not be as fresh as newly caught prawns.
Second type: Prawns with red shells
Some prawns may have shells that turn red when they are exposed to high temperatures during transportation. Prawns with red shells are usually a sign that they have started to age, and the meat of these prawns will not retain a good flavor. When choosing prawns, prioritize buying ones with clean shells that do not show signs of discoloration.
Third type: Prawns with overly soft flesh
If you buy prawns and their flesh does not have elasticity but instead feels soft and mushy, this indicates that the prawn’s tail may have started to decompose. The meat in this state will be quite soft and will have a stronger rotten smell compared to regular prawns. The head and tail of the prawn can also be easily separated, and when cooked, this type of prawn will produce an unpleasant fishy taste. Therefore, to ensure quality, it is best to avoid buying this type of prawn.
Boiling prawns also requires technique. When boiling prawns, use boiling water and add Sichuan peppercorns, ginger, and beer to the water. These ingredients will help eliminate the fishy smell of the prawns. To ensure the freshness of the prawn meat, consume it immediately on the day it is boiled. If left for too long, the prawn meat may become aged and dry, no longer retaining its original taste.