When it comes to family dinners, expectations and preferences often collide in unexpected ways. What should have been a

simple, home-cooked shrimp dish from my mother-in-law quickly turned into a dilemma when I noticed the shrimp were

neither peeled nor deveined. While some might see this as a minor detail, the dark vein running along the shrimp’s back—the

digestive tract—can be off-putting for those who prioritize cleanliness and presentation.

Although eating undeveined shrimp isn’t harmful, the presence of sand or grit inside can ruin the texture and taste, especially

for children. So, I made the decision to skip the dish entirely and keep my kids from it too. But as I sat at the table, politely

dodging questions about why we weren’t eating, I couldn’t help but wonder:

Is skipping the deveining step simply a cultural difference—or a culinary oversight waiting to be addressed?

Growing up, I had never encountered shrimp that hadn’t been peeled and deveined before cooking. It was always a standard practice in my family to ensure that the shrimp was clean and ready to eat. So, when faced with this unfamiliar situation at my mother-in-law’s dinner table, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease.

As I contemplated the reasons behind this culinary choice, I began to wonder if it was simply a cultural difference that I had never been exposed to. Perhaps in my mother-in-law’s culture, leaving the shrimp undeveined was perfectly acceptable and even preferred. Or maybe it was just an oversight on her part, something she had never given much thought to.

Regardless of the reason, it made me realize how important it is to be open-minded and willing to try new things, even when they go against your usual customs and practices. In this case, I had to set aside my preconceived notions about how shrimp should be prepared and be willing to consider a different perspective.

In the end, I chose to politely decline the dish and explain my reasons for doing so. I didn’t want to offend my mother-in-law or make her feel like her cooking was being criticized. Instead, I took the opportunity to learn more about her culinary traditions and the reasons behind them.

While it may have been a small incident in the grand scheme of things, it served as a reminder to always approach new experiences with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Who knows, I may have discovered a new way of preparing shrimp that I had never considered before. And if nothing else, it made for an interesting conversation topic at the dinner table.

So, the next time you encounter something unfamiliar or unexpected at a family dinner, don’t be quick to judge or dismiss it. Embrace the opportunity to learn something new and expand your culinary horizons. You never know what delicious surprises may be waiting for you.