So I was cooking dinner tonight, and the instant I droppend the shrimp in the pan they started to turn pink. What is the reaction that causes this? Is it related to what causes lobsters to turn red when cooked? In that case it is the shell, but with shrimp we are talking about the flesh.
From here
OK, that provides the answer, but why? I mean, why do shellfish have a pigment that is completely hidden? What purpose does it serve?
Shrimp eat algae. Algae contains astaxanthin.
x-ray, you’re smart.
Do lobsters eat algae too though? I thought they just ate dead animals. Like crabs. That also turn red. But are not so smart.
Why, they’re just plumb tickled to feed you!
Really, it’s embarassment. There they are naked on your plate. Wouldn’t you be embarassed?