Shrimp

What Is Karides (Shrimp)?

Karides, or shrimp, is a shelled seafood product from the crustacean class that lives in seas and fresh waters. In Türkiye, many species such as karagöz, teke, and pink shrimp are commercially caught and farmed.

Its flesh has a mildly sweet, salty taste and takes on its characteristic pink-orange color once cooked; it is frequently preferred in the kitchen for its quick cooking and versatile use.

Nutritional Values of Karides

100 grams of raw shrimp contains approximately 85 kcal of energy and around 20 g of protein; its fat content is quite low. Its cholesterol content is somewhat high compared to other seafood, but its saturated fat ratio is low.

What Are the Benefits of Karides?

With its low fat and high protein content, shrimp is one of the seafood products preferred as part of a balanced diet; it also contains micronutrients such as selenium and vitamin B12.

This information is general; shrimp is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment. Those with a shellfish allergy are advised to be cautious.

How to Choose Karides?

In fresh shrimp, the shell should be firm and shiny, the flesh grayish-greenish/pinkish, and the head should be tightly attached to the body.

• The smell should be a light sea scent, not a sharp ammonia odor.
• The shell should be shiny and moist, with no blackened/darkened areas.
• The body should be curved and firm, not loose/falling apart.

How to Store Karides?

Fresh shrimp should be stored in the refrigerator on ice for at most 1 day; in the freezer, shell-on and tightly wrapped, it keeps its quality for up to 2-3 months.

Using Karides in the Kitchen

Shrimp is used in pans, on the grill, in casseroles, and in pastas; cleaning the vein (intestinal tract) is recommended for both appearance and flavor.

How Is Pan-Fried Karides Cooked?

Cleaned shrimp are sautéed in hot olive oil and garlic over high heat for 1-2 minutes, until they turn pink and curl; overcooking toughens the flesh.

How Is Shrimp Casserole Made?

Shrimp added on top of a tomato sauce are prepared with cheese in a casserole dish and baked briefly; it is a classic meze/main dish recipe.

Which Recipes Use Karides?

Pan-fried shrimp, shrimp casserole, shrimp pasta, and shrimp salad are the most loved recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is shrimp good for?

With its low fat, high protein, selenium, and vitamin B12 content, shrimp is one of the seafood products preferred as part of a balanced diet.

How long should shrimp be cooked?

It is ready in 1-2 minutes, once it turns pink and curls; cooking it longer toughens the texture like rubber.

Why is the shrimp's vein cleaned?

The dark line on the back is the shrimp's digestive tract; removing it before cooking is recommended for both appearance and hygiene.

Can shrimp be eaten raw?

If freshly obtained from a suitable source, it is eaten raw in some cuisines, but thoroughly cooked consumption is recommended for safety.

Is frozen shrimp as nutritious as fresh?

Yes, when stored properly (tightly wrapped, at -18°C or below), its nutritional value is largely preserved.