When deep-frying shrimp or prawns, quite often the tail is left and only the shell is removed. Peel the shell off from the head while making sure that the last abdominal segment to which the tail is attached remains intact. When the shell is peeled off, the legs will also be removed.

Shrimp or prawns have a dark-colored intestinal tract (often called a vein) running down the length of their back, this needs to be removed. For shrimps in shells, before removing the shell, place a toothpick into the 2nd to 3rd abdominal segment from the head and gently remove this. By slightly bending the back this process is made easier. For headless shrimp, quite often the intestinal tract has been removed with the head.

Peel the thin skin, then cut into half vertically. Place the cut side down to prevent the garlic from moving around during cutting. Place a flat object on top and press down to crush. The flatside of a knifeblade can also be used, however a wooden spatula is safer as it is less likely to slip during crushing.