How to defrost frozen shrimp: these are the 3 best methods
Here at the FavorFlav editorial team, we’re fans of shrimp, especially the frozen variety. You can defrost frozen shrimp in several ways. We’ll explain the best methods.
When preparing shrimp, you can make quite a few mistakes—one of them being buying fresh shrimp instead of frozen shrimp. Yep, you really are always better off choosing the frozen version. Even though the word ‘fresh’ may make you think otherwise, frozen shrimp really are the freshest. They are frozen at the peak of freshness. The quality of ‘fresh’, non-frozen shrimp deteriorates much faster than that of frozen shrimp.
How to defrost frozen shrimp: 3 methods
There are three ways to defrost frozen shrimp safely. Which method is best in your situation depends on how much time you have.
1. Defrosting shrimp under running water
Shrimp are frozen individually. They are also fairly small—smaller than, for example, a whole chicken breast that needs defrosting. That’s why shrimp defrost quite quickly. Place the frozen shrimp in a colander and hold it under cold running water, stirring occasionally. Don’t run warm water from the tap, even if you think it will speed up the defrosting process. Warm water raises the temperature of the shrimp, which causes bacteria to grow. So use cold running water; the frozen shrimp will be defrosted in about 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Defrosting shrimp in cold water
Have a little more time? Then you can also defrost your frozen shrimp in a sealable bag filled with cold water. The shrimp will shed their icy coating within an hour. It is important to change the water every 30 minutes, as this keeps the defrosting process going.
3. Defrosting shrimp in the refrigerator
Have plenty of time? As in, are you not planning to prepare the shrimp until the next day? Then you can also choose to let the shrimp defrost slowly in the refrigerator. With this method, you really need to be sure you have enough time; it takes at least 5 to 8 hours to completely defrost half a kilo of shrimp.
What to make with shrimp
As we mentioned, we’re fans of (frozen) shrimp. For example, you can make incredibly delicious garlic shrimp in white wine. Or an all-time favorite: pad thai with shrimp. And what about tacos with shrimp and guacamole? The options are endless, and that alone is reason to always keep a large bag of frozen shrimp in the freezer.
Also read:
- The easiest way to clean shrimp or prawns
- Recipe for the most delicious shrimp cocktail
- Good news: Albert Heijn no longer sells these shrimp
Source: The Kitchn
