Ways to Thaw Frozen Shrimp

There are certain ingenious techniques one needs to follow while thawing shrimp, seeing that it’s a rather delicate food item. But worry you should not, as this Tastessence post has complied these amazing hacks to help you thaw frozen shrimp without disturbing their texture, nutrition, and flavor.

Remember to never, ever, ever

… thaw shrimp at room temperature. Doing so will allow bacteria to foster, rendering it unfit for consumption.

Shrimp make for an excellent and healthy addition to any meal. There are over 300 varieties of shrimp found all over the world, each with its distinctive texture and taste.

Some are of the opinion that nothing can match the succulent flavor of a fresh catch; however, not all of us are privileged enough to be living close to a water source. Shrimp, in particular, are highly perishable―fresh catch should be consumed within 24 hours. The frozen variants enjoy a shelf life of several weeks, which is the reason many choose to buy these in bulk.

Thawing shrimp is a crucial step that ensures the meat cooks well and retains its nutrients. In case you happen to be in the dark about the right techniques, we’ve got them listed right here.

HOW TO THAW FROZEN SHRIMP

The best way to thaw prawns is to let them sit in the refrigerator overnight. This method ensures even thawing and keeps the freshness of the meat intact. However, in case you are pressed for time, we do have a few more techniques lined up for you.

Keep it in the fridge overnight.

Things you’ll need:
◽ Colander
◽ Bowl (big enough to hold the colander)
◽ Clear wrap/aluminum foil

• Place the required quantity of shrimp into the colander. Don’t forget to reseal the original bag and place the remaining shrimp (if any) back in the deep freezer.
• Seal the colander with a clear wrap or an aluminum foil. Doing so will not let your entire fridge smell of shrimp the next morning.
• Take a bowl big enough to hold the colander and high enough to leave some space at the bottom for the melted ice to collect. Place the colander in it.
• The bowl will collect the dripping water and ensure that the shrimp does not soak it up and turn soggy.
• Leave this in the fridge overnight or for 8 – 10 hours.
• Remove the colander from the fridge and hold it under running water for 8 -10 seconds. Your thawed shrimp are ready to cook.

Give them a cold water dip.

Things you’ll need:
◽ Colander
◽ Ziploc bag (optional)

• Place the required quantity of frozen prawns in the colander. In case your shrimp is very small in size, we recommend that you place them in a Ziploc bag before you place it in the colander to keep them from going mushy.
• Take it to the sink and run cold water over it until it thaws. This should take between 5 and 10 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp.

Use the microwave.

Things you’ll need:
◽ Microwave-safe bowl
◽ Paper towels

• Place the shrimp in a microwave-safe bowl.
• Loosely cover the bowl with a paper towel.
• Use the defrost setting to thaw the shrimp. Continue to heat until it feels supple, yet icy to the touch. You can now use your preferred method to cook them.

Drop them in boiling water.

Things you’ll need:
◽ Large bowl
◽ Boiling water
◽ Tongs
◽ Dish
◽ Paper towels

• Pick a bowl large enough to hold the quantity of prawns you need.
• Pour boiling water into the bowl.
• Immediately dip the shrimp into the water and place a lid on the bowl. Let it sit for a minute.
• Remove the shrimp from the water using tongs, place them on a dry dish.
• Pat them dry using paper towels.

And this is how they should look like.

When correctly thawed, shrimp remain supple to the touch, but are also icy at the same time. Ensure that you cook these immediately―the heat will complete the process of cooking. Remember, the plan is not to bring them to room temperature, as it encourages the growth of harmful bacteria.

Shrimp are very versatile, and are used in a variety of cuisines around the world. They usually cook in under 3 minutes, which makes them a favored source of protein. So, use these simple techniques to thaw that shrimp in your freezer and cook a delicious seafood meal tonight.

Like it? Share it!