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Home / Seafood

How To Thaw Frozen Shrimp & Prawns

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

Erren Hart

|

last Updated:

04/28/2021
5 from 7 votes
Jump to Recipe
Serves: 1
Prep: 5 minutes mins
Frozen raw uncooked tiger shrimp on white stone surface and thawed in a container
Frozen raw uncooked tiger shrimp on white stone surface, top view flat lay, square format
Frozen raw uncooked tiger shrimp on white stone surface, top view flat lay, square format
frozen shrimp in a bowl on wooden surface
Frozen raw uncooked tiger shrimp on white stone surface, top view flat lay, square format

raw shrimp with tails still on stitting on ice

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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.

  • Frozen Shrimp Buying Guide
  • Quick Thawing Method
  • Quick Thaw Tips
  • Thawing Frozen Shrimp Overnight
  • Great Shrimp Recipes
  • FAQs
  • Rate This Recipe
  • Recipe

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

frozen shrimp in a bowl of water

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.

Shrimp in a Plastic Container

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

  • Shrimp Alfredo
  • Shrimp Scampi
  • Quick & Easy Shrimp Salad
  • 10 Minute Cashew Shrimp
  • Weeknight Paella

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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raw shrimp with tails still on stitting on ice

Recipe

How To Thaw Frozen Shrimp or Prawns

Whether you have days or minutes this guide to thawing shrimp takes all the stress out of creating great meals.
5 from 7 votes
Print
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Soaking Time: 20 minutes mins
Total Time: 25 minutes mins
Serves 1

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Frozen Shrimp (or prawns)
  • cold water for quick thaw method

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 airtight 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

  • 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.
Show Nutrition Hide Nutrition

Nutrition

Calories: 454 | Protein: 93g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1143mg | Sodium: 3524mg | Potassium: 363mg | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 658mg | Iron: 10mg
Created by Erren Hart
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5 from 7 votes (1 rating without comment)

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12 responses

  1. KAREN R Avatar
    KAREN R
    07/27/2021

    Turned out perfect! Thanks so much!

    Reply
    1. Erren Hart Avatar
      Erren Hart
      07/27/2021

      That’s so great! Thanks for taking the time to let me know! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Andrea Gallagher Avatar
    Andrea Gallagher
    07/12/2021

    This was super easy to follow! Thanks, Erren!

    Reply
    1. Erren Hart Avatar
      Erren Hart
      07/12/2021

      How wonderful!! So thrilled to hear that.

      Reply
  3. Kile Avatar
    Kile
    05/07/2021

    Thank you for such good information! Really well done!

    Reply
    1. Erren Hart Avatar
      Erren Hart
      05/08/2021

      I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thanks for taking the time to comment! 🥰

      Reply
  4. Darren Avatar
    Darren
    05/05/2021

    Thank you for this great article. Everything you could possibly know!

    Reply
    1. Erren's Kitchen Avatar
      Erren’s Kitchen
      05/05/2021

      Thank you for your lovely comment 🙂

      Reply
  5. FRANK Avatar
    FRANK
    04/28/2021

    Great Article, simple and to the point!
    Thank You

    Reply
    1. Erren's Kitchen Avatar
      Erren’s Kitchen
      04/29/2021

      I’m so glad you liked it 🙂

      Reply
  6. Jolie Avatar
    Jolie
    04/27/2021

    Such great information! Thanks so much!

    Reply
    1. Erren Hart Avatar
      Erren Hart
      04/27/2021

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much! 🙂

      Reply
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