Shrimp is one of the easiest, most affordable, and versatile types of seafood that there is to cook. From a slow-cooker shrimp boil to a creamy and cozy shrimp alfredo, Ree Drummond has created so many recipes over the years that feature this small (and delicious!) crustacean.
Shrimp is sold both fresh and frozen, but the latter makes it easy to store and cook for dinner for weeks to come. If you buy fresh shrimp, you should consume it within three to five days; with frozen shrimp, you can store it in the freezer for months. When it comes time to cook dinner, you can thaw a finite number of shrimp, then store the rest in the freezer until next time. If you’re wondering how to cook frozen shrimp so that it still retains its flavor and texture, these tips will help you out.
What is the best way to cook frozen shrimp?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that it’s perfectly safe to cook frozen shrimp, so long as you cook the shrimp to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. One of Ree’s favorite ways to cook frozen shrimp is with this easy sheet-pan recipe. Briefly rinse the frozen shrimp under cold water in a colander to help get rid of some of the ice crystals. You can bake the shrimp straight from frozen by arranging them in a single layer on a sheet pan. Build even more flavor with an herby garlic-lemon butter, then bake until they’re pink and tender. Try the same method with this Shrimp and Tomato Sheet Pan Supper.
If you want to cook frozen shrimp for an easy appetizer like shrimp cocktail, Ree recommends gently steaming them for the best texture. You can add aromatics like lemon wedges, garlic, Old Bay seasoning, bay leaves, salt, peppercorns, and red pepper flakes to the liquid to infuse the shrimp with flavor.
How to thaw frozen shrimp
The best way to thaw frozen shrimp is placing them on a paper towel-lined plate or in a bowl, covered, and allowing them to sit in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you should cook them within 3 days. This process can be time-consuming, but requires less hands-on work than other methods.
In a pinch? You can quickly thaw frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold water. Place the shrimp in a large zip-top plastic bag and submerge in cold water to soak for about 30 minutes until they’re soft to the touch. The USDA recommends changing the water every 30 minutes so that it maintains a safe temperature for thawing. Otherwise, it will be susceptible to bacteria and other foodborne pathogens.
Pro tip: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to absorb any excess water before cooking so that you get a great sear.
Do you need to thaw frozen shrimp before cooking?
Whether fried or seared, you should completely thaw frozen shrimp before cooking for the best results. This helps to ensure that the shrimp will cook through completely and be tender and juicy.
Is it better to steam or boil frozen shrimp?
If you do want to cook shrimp from frozen, opt for steaming them rather than boiling. This is a gentler cooking method, which means that the shrimp will retain their tender texture and sweet flavor. Boiling, on the other hand, relies on hot water, which can shock the frozen shrimp and cause them to toughen, resulting in a chewy, overcooked bite. Plus, boiling frozen shrimp may cause their flavor to deteriorate.
