Freezing shrimp is one of the best ways to preserve its freshness and flavor for longer storage. Done properly, freezing shrimp in water can keep it tasting great for up to 4-6 months.
I’ve experimented with different freezing methods over the years and found that freezing shrimp in water consistently produces the best taste and texture after thawing The water prevents freezer burn which can make shrimp dry and rubbery.
In this article, I’ll share my tips for freezing shrimp in water so you can enjoy delicious shrimp any time!
Why Freeze Shrimp in Water?
Freezing shrimp in water has several advantages over other freezing methods
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Prevents freezer burn – Freezer burn happens when air reaches the shrimp, causing dehydration. The water forms an icy glaze around the shrimp to protect it.
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Retains moisture and texture – Water keeps the shrimp moist and supple so it stays tender when thawed.
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Minimizes flavor loss – With no air contact, the natural shrimp flavor and aroma is locked in.
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Easy to portion – Shrimp frozen in water can be scooped out in desired amounts.
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Longer shelf life – Properly frozen in water, shrimp lasts 4-6 months versus 1-2 months with basic freezing.
So if you want your frozen shrimp to taste freshly-caught, freezing in water is by far the best approach!
Tips for Freezing Shrimp in Water
Follow these tips for flawless results every time:
1. Start with fresh, high-quality shrimp
Premium quality shrimp freezes best, so buy fresh shrimp from a reputable seller. Check that the shrimp smell pleasant with no ammonia odor. Their shells should be clean and intact with a slightly translucent flesh.
Avoid shrimp that seem limp, smelly or have black spots. This indicates they are past their prime and won’t freeze well.
2. Prep the shrimp properly
For raw shrimp, remove the heads and leave the shell on. The shell helps protect shrimp when frozen.
For cooked shrimp, peel and devein them first. The shells tend to get slimy when frozen on cooked shrimp.
Rinse the shrimp under cold water to remove debris and pat dry. Refrigerate until ready to freeze.
3. Use containers designed for freezing
Sturdy, freezer-safe containers are ideal for freezing shrimp in water. I recommend rigid plastic containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags.
Glass jars also work well as long as you leave room at the top for expansion as the water freezes.
Avoid thin plastic bags which can easily tear and leak.
4. Freeze shrimp in a single layer
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in your container without overcrowding them.
Shrimp frozen touching each other tend to freeze into a solid block. A single layer allows water to surround each one evenly.
5. Cover with ice water
Fill the container with enough ice water to cover the shrimp fully. Leave about 1-inch headspace for expansion.
Seal the container securely eliminating as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn which can make shrimp dry and rubbery.
6. Freeze quickly at 0°F or below
Place the containers on a flat surface in the coldest part of the freezer, preferably at 0°F or below.
Frozen shrimp keeps best at a steady 0°F. If stored longer than 2 months, dip into an ice water bath occasionally to ensure even freezing.
Avoid frequent temperature fluctuations which can cause ice crystals to form.
7. Label with dates
Clearly label each package with the type of shrimp and date frozen. This lets you keep track of how long it’s been frozen.
Shrimp frozen correctly in water will stay delicious for 4-6 months. After that, you may notice some decline in texture.
Freezing Cooked vs. Raw Shrimp
Both raw and cooked shrimp freeze well using this water method. Here’s how they compare:
Raw shrimp – Leaving the shell on helps raw shrimp retain moisture better when frozen. The shells form a protective barrier against freezer burn.
Cooked shrimp – For best results, freeze shrimp in water soon after cooking. Cool them quickly after cooking by spreading them out on a sheet pan before freezing.
Cooked shrimp has a shorter freezer life than raw, usually 2-3 months max. The lack of shell exposes the delicate flesh to degradation.
So for maximum freezer shelf life, start with fresh raw shrimp. But cooked shrimp also freezes nicely for quicker use.
Thawing Frozen Shrimp
Always thaw frozen shrimp properly to retain moisture and texture:
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In the refrigerator – Place in a bowl to catch drips and thaw overnight.
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In cold water – Seal shrimp in a bag and submerge in cold water. Change water every 30 mins.
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As part of cooking – Add frozen shrimp at the end of recipe cooking times.
Microwaving causes uneven thawing so I don’t recommend it.
Once thawed, use shrimp within 1-2 days for optimum freshness. Do not refreeze thawed shrimp or the quality really suffers.
Tips for Storing Thawed Shrimp
To make thawed shrimp last, follow these storage guidelines:
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Keep thawed shrimp chilled at 40°F or below
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Place in moisture-wicking material like paper towels
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Do not rinse until ready to use, as excess water breeds bacteria
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Cook thawed shrimp within 1-2 days for best flavor
With proper freezing techniques, you can enjoy restaurant-quality shrimp conveniently from home. Freezing in water keeps shrimp tasting succulent and ocean-fresh.
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Start with high-quality fresh shrimp
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Freeze in a single layer covered with ice water
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Use freezer-safe containers
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Freeze at 0°F immediately after prepping
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Thaw gently in the fridge or cold water
Using this simple freezing method, you’ll be amazed at how incredible your shrimp tastes after defrosting. No more bland, mushy shrimp! Now you can savor sweet, tender shrimp any night of the week.
Things You’ll Need
- Pot
- Water
- Baking sheet
- Freezer bags
Freezing Raw Shrimp
- 1 Remove the shrimp heads before freezing them. You can use your hands or a knife to cut off the shrimp’s heads. Do not take off the shells or veins of cooked shrimp before freezing them. When frozen, raw shrimp stays fresh longer if it stays in its shell. [7] To keep the shrimp from going bad, don’t leave it out on the counter for more than two hours. You can save space by taking out the shrimp shells, but the food might not taste as fresh without them.
- 2 Wash the shrimp under running water. Put the shrimp in a bowl and set it under the faucet in your sink. Turn on the water and give them a good rinse, getting rid of any debris you can see. [8] Putting shrimp in water before freezing them makes an icy glaze that keeps them fresh longer.
- 3 Pack the shrimp in rigid containers. The shrimp should be put in a Tupperware container or something else rigid, like a yogurt tub, after being taken out of the sink. To keep the air in the container from rising, leave as little space as possible between the shrimp. [9] Freeze the shrimp within one to two days, since raw shrimp can only stay fresh in the fridge for two days.
- 4 Pour a brine solution into the container. Add 2 tablespoons of salt to every 1 US quart of water and mix it. 95 L) of water. Place the container in the fridge to store the brine. Fill it with water until it’s about an inch or a few centimeters above the top. Keep the container somewhere it can stand up until the brine freezes so it doesn’t spill. [10] Write the date on the container to help you remember how long you have left until it goes bad. As an alternative, you can buy brine at some seafood stores.
- 5. You can keep frozen raw shrimp for three to six months at a time. When frozen, shrimp can stay fresh for up to 6 months, whether it’s raw or cooked. But once it’s been three months, you should plan to use the shrimp within the next few months for the best taste. In theory, the shrimp don’t go bad as long as they stay frozen. However, their taste and ability to resist freezer burn quickly go downhill. [12] .
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Can you freeze shrimp?
Place the shrimp in a quart container and fill it with enough cold water to submerge them. However, be sure to leave sufficient room for the water to expand during freezing, as you don’t want the lid to pop off or the container to crack.
Can I eat raw shrimp?
Eating raw shrimp is not recommended. Raw shrimp can contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning. It is also a good source of purines, which can trigger gout attacks. If you want to eat shrimp, cook it thoroughly to reduce the risk of food poisoning and to help prevent gout attacks. Cook shrimp until it is opaque and pink to ensure that it is safe to eat.
How do you keep shrimp from leaking if frozen?
Cover the shrimp with ice water, leaving enough headspace for the water to expand when frozen. This will help maintain the moisture and quality of the shrimp. Avoid using freezer bags as the sharp edges of the shrimp tails can puncture them and cause leaks. Using containers will provide better protection.
Can You defrost frozen shrimp?
Submerge the shrimp in the water, leaving enough room for the water to expand as it freezes. When you go to defrost the shrimp later, they will taste as fresh and flavorful as the day you froze them. Essentially, what you’re doing here is ensuring that the shrimp have no contact with air, which is the ultimate flavor killer for frozen foods.