SummaryThe influence of protein hydrolysates of salt duck egg white (PHSDEW) hydrolysed by acid protease on the quality of Jinga Shrimp (Metapenaeus affinis) was analysed. Shrimp immersed in 5% PHSDEW with degree of hydrolysis (DH 3%) had the highest values of cooking yield, water retention, moisture and texture with the lowest cooking loss when compared to which immersed in 0.4% NaCl, 3.5% mixed phosphates and other PHSDEW with different DH (1%, 2% and 5%) (P < 0.05). This treatment made muscle fibres retain the most appropriate compact and regular microstructure and improved the thermal stability of shrimp protein as well (P < 0.05). SDS‐PAGE protein patterns revealed shrimp protein would dissolve out during immersion, while only could PHSDEW infiltrate into shrimp muscle. It suggested PHSDEW would be developed as a new type of water retention agent replaced phosphate used in shrimp or other seafoods, which will decrease the waste of salt duck egg white.