How To Thaw Frozen Shrimp & Prawns

Name: How To Thaw Frozen Shrimp or Prawns
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Frozen Shrimp (or prawns); cold water for quick thaw method

Whether you need them for dinner in a hurry or you’re planning a meal for tomorrow, find out how to thaw frozen shrimp properly and safely.

Frozen raw uncooked tiger shrimp on white stone surface, top view flat lay, square format

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Keeping frozen shrimp on hand is always a good idea. It gives you the flexibility you need for anything from last-minute dinners on a busy weeknight, to cooking for unexpected company.

I keep frozen shrimp on hand for nights I’m super busy but want a quick and delicious dinner like my Shrimp Scampi or Coconut Curry Shrimp.

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Frozen Shrimp Buying Guide

There are many choices when buying shrimp. Here’s some guidance for making the best possible purchase.

raw shrimp with tails still on stitting on ice

Look for untreated shrimp. Some manufacturers chemically process frozen shrimp, so be sure to check the ingredients on the package and ensure that ‘shrimp’ is the only thing listed.
Look for ‘IQF’ on the package. IQF stands for individually quick frozen. This makes it super easy to grab what you need without having to separate them from the rest.

Whether you are defrosting cooked or uncooked shrimp, have plenty of time or in a total rush, I am here to help. These methods work for both frozen cooked shrimp and frozen raw shrimp.

frozen shrimp in a bowl on wooden surface

Quick Thawing Method

Add the frozen shrimp to a bowl of cold water. Soak for 10-20 minutes, until shrimp are fully thawed. Then pat dry with paper towels to remove any excess water before cooking.

Quick Thaw Tips

When defrosting shrimp this way, never use warm or hot water as this may start to cook the shrimp or make them mushy.
Don’t let the shrimp soak in the cold water for longer than 20 minutes. Soaking too long will cause them to soak up the water and become chewy when cooked.

Thawing Frozen Shrimp Overnight

If you have time to thaw shrimp the night before cooking, placing them in the refrigerator is the best method.

To do so, just place them in an airtight container and put them in the fridge. The following day, when you’re ready use them. Rinse with cold water and pat dry with a paper towel before cooking.

Great Shrimp Recipes

FAQs

Do frozen shrimp need to be thawed before cooking?

It is not essential for shrimp to be thawed before cooking, however, check the recipe you are using first. Using thawed shrimp is always better than cooking from frozen.

How long does it take to defrost shrimp in the refridgerator?

It takes around 12 hours to defrost shrimp in the refrigerator. This method is great for thawing overnight ready to cook the next day.

How do you know when shrimp is thawed?

You will know when shrimp are thawed thoroughly if they are pliable (not frozen in the middle). The color should not be white but translucent.

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Whether you have days or minutes this guide to thawing shrimp takes all the stress out of creating great meals.

5 from 5 votes

Prep5 minutes

Total25 minutes

Soaking Time: 20 minutes

Serves: 1

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Ingredients

▢ 1 lb Frozen Shrimp or prawns
▢ cold water for quick thaw method

Cups – Metric

Instructions

The Quick Thaw Method:

Add the frozen shrimp to a large bowl over with cold water.
Leave to soak for 10-20 minutes, until shrimp are fully thawed.
Place the thawed shrimp onto a dish lined with paper towels and pat them with a paper towel to remove any excess water before cooking.

The Overnight Method:

Remove the packaging from the frozen shrimp. Place in an air container with a lid. Leave in the fridge overnight to thaw.
Keep refrigerated until ready to use.
Place the thawed shrimp onto a dish lined with paper towels and pat them with a paper towel to remove any excess water before cooking.

Tips + Notes

When defrosting shrimp the quick way, never use warm or hot water as this may start to cook the shrimp or make them mushy.
Don’t let the shrimp soak in the cold water for longer than 20 minutes. Soaking too long will cause them to soak up the water and become chewy when cooked.
Be sure to discard the paper towels after drying the shrimp as they are not safe to use for other food prep or handling.

Nutrition Information:

Author:Erren Hart

Course:Appetiser, Dinner

Cuisine:American

Keyword:how to defrost shrimp, how to thaw frozen shrimp, how to thaw shrimp, thawing shrimp

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