Break off the head with one firm movement. It separates from the body relatively easily. You don’t need the head, so set it aside.

Peel the shell off the body. Usually, for presentation purposes—it looks nicer and is easier to hold—the tail and the last section of the shell are left on.

A black vein runs along the back of the shrimp, and it needs to be removed. You can sometimes pull it out together with the head, although this doesn’t always work. Otherwise, carefully cut into the back of the cleaned shrimp with a very sharp knife, and use the tip of the knife to pull out the vein. You don’t need it at all, so throw it away.

The cleaned shrimp is ready to use.