You should always have frozen shrimp on hand, whether you bought them because they were on sale at the store, because you bought more than you needed, or because you often use them for quick meals during the week. Want to know how to freeze shrimp at home? Read on for tips on how to freeze both raw and cooked shrimp.
Cooked shrimp is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes, from seafood pasta to shrimp tacos. But what happens when you cook up a batch of shrimp and have leftovers? Can you freeze cooked shrimp to save it for later?
The good news is yes you can freeze cooked shrimp! Properly frozen it will retain its texture and flavor for future use. Follow the right freezing and thawing methods, and your shrimp will taste freshly-cooked once reheated.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about freezing cooked shrimp. You’ll learn:
- The benefits of freezing cooked shrimp
- How to properly prepare and package shrimp for the freezer
- Tips for thawing frozen cooked shrimp
- How to maintain quality and avoid freezer burn
- Recommended freezer times for cooked shrimp
- How to use frozen cooked shrimp in recipes
Let’s dive into all the details you need for freezing cooked shrimp success!
Why Freeze Extra Cooked Shrimp?
Freezing cooked shrimp provides several advantages:
- Saves expensive shrimp from going to waste
- Preserves fresh flavor and texture longer
- Allows enjoying seasonal shrimp year-round
- Lets you buy/cook in bulk for future meals
- Provides a quick protein for weeknight dinners
- Allows making dishes like shrimp tacos in minutes
With the right prep and freezing methods, previously frozen shrimp tastes and acts remarkably fresh. Keep your freezer stocked, and you’ll always have a versatile protein ready to thaw and use!
Proper Handling for Freezing Cooked Shrimp
To retain quality in the freezer, it’s important to handle cooked shrimp correctly:
- Start with fresh raw shrimp, thoroughly cleaned.
- Cook shrimp just until done; don’t overcook.
- Drain cooked shrimp well and spread in a single layer to cool quickly.
- Pat shrimp very dry to prevent clumping in the freezer.
- Package in airtight freezer bags or containers, removing excess air.
- Label packages with contents and date.
- Freeze shrimp immediately, within two hours of cooking.
- Avoid refreezing previously frozen cooked shrimp.
Follow these steps, and your frozen shrimp will taste freshly cooked when thawed.
Should You Freeze Shrimp in Sauce or Seasonings?
For the best texture, it’s best to freeze plain cooked shrimp without sauce or seasonings. However, shrimp frozen in certain recipes may still retain good quality when thawed.
Sauces and seasonings to avoid before freezing:
- Thick, creamy sauces like Alfredo
- High-fat sauces like oil or butter
- Acidic ingredients like lemon juice or tomatoes
- Spices that become bitter when frozen like fresh herbs
Components that are okay for freezing include:
- Thin broths or stocks
- Tomato sauces without chunks
- Spice rubs without fresh herbs
- Brines and marinades (remove before freezing)
Use common sense based on what may break down or separate when frozen. Plain shrimp freezes best.
How to Package Cooked Shrimp for the Freezer
Correct packaging helps prevent freezer burn on frozen shrimp. Recommended materials:
- Rigid plastic freezer containers
- Freezer bags designed for long-term storage
- Food saver vacuum seal bags
Tips for packaging:
- Pack shrimp in single layers with wax/parchment paper between.
- Press out all air before sealing bags.
- Allow 1/4 inch headspace in containers for expansion.
- Use waterproof marker to label bags or containers.
Double bagging or vacuum sealing provides extra protection.
What’s the Best Way to Thaw Frozen Cooked Shrimp?
Always thaw frozen shrimp gradually in the refrigerator. Follow these steps:
- Place frozen shrimp in a bowl or colander to catch drainage.
- Put bowl in refrigerator overnight or up to 24 hours.
- Do not thaw at room temperature or in standing water.
- Cook thawed shrimp within 12 hours for food safety.
Microwaving frozen shrimp can lead to uneven cooking. Thaw in the refrigerator for best flavor, texture, and juiciness.
Tips to Maintain Quality of Frozen Shrimp
To get the longest shelf life and prevent freezer burn:
- Freeze shrimp quickly at 0°F or below.
- Avoid temperature fluctuations from opening the freezer frequently.
- Use oldest frozen shrimp first following “First in, first out.”
- Re-wrap or replace packaging if it tears or gets wet.
- Place new packages toward back of freezer.
- Defrost freezer regularly to remove ice buildup.
- Cook within recommended times for optimal freshness.
Proper freezing and defrosting helps frozen shrimp retain its quality.
How Long Does Cooked Shrimp Last in the Freezer?
For best flavor and texture, follow these freezing times based on type of shrimp:
- Small cooked shrimp: 4 months
- Medium or large shrimp: 6 months
- Jumbo shrimp: 8 months
Portion shrimp in meal-size amounts so it won’t be refrozen after thawing. Cooked shrimp will last maximum of 12 months frozen before noticeable decline in moistness and flavor.
Delicious Ways to Use Frozen Cooked Shrimp
Previously frozen cooked shrimp works great in all kinds of dishes:
- Shrimp pasta or rice bowls
- Quick sautés, stir fries, or curries
- Soups, chowders, jambalaya, or gumbo
- Shrimp tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or quesadillas
- Seafood sandwiches or wraps
- Shrimp salad or ceviche
- Shrimp cocktails or appetizers
Frozen shrimp requires just minutes to thaw and heat through. Get creative with your favorite recipes!
Freezing Cooked Shrimp for Future Meals
Follow the proper preparation, packaging, and thawing methods outlined here, and frozen cooked shrimp stays deliciously fresh-tasting. Keep your freezer stocked with this versatile ingredient. Thaw what you need when craving mouthwatering shrimp recipes in minutes.
How to Freeze Shrimp
- Take off the shrimp’s heads, give them a quick rinse, and then put them in rigid containers like yogurt tubs.
- Be careful to pack them in so there is as little space as possible between them. Leave an inch of space at the top. To cover the shrimp, add a strong brine (2 tablespoons of salt per quart of water). Leave at least ½ inch of head space.
- Freeze.
Frozen shrimp will keep for about three months at 0° F, a bit longer at -10°. Thaw shrimp immediately before use. Shrimp frozen in brine should be drained and rinsed unless they are to be boiled. If you’re planning to boil them, prepare the cooking water salt-free and throw them in as is.
How to Cook With Frozen Shrimp | You Can Cook That | Allrecipes.com
Can you freeze cooked shrimp?
Place cooked shrimp into a heavy-duty freezer bag. Alternatively, you can wrap the shrimp in foil and place it into an airtight container. Label and date packaging. Store in this manner in the freezer for up to 6 months. When you are ready to use your frozen cooked shrimp, you can take it directly from the freezer to your pan for reheating.
Can one eat raw shrimps?
While raw shrimp or shrimp sashimi can be consumed safely, raw shrimp is considered a high-risk food because it can harbour harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and various Vibrio bacteria. Although some people consider the seafood used in ceviche raw, it is actually cooked by immersing it in an acid rather than using heat. The acid from the citrus can reduce harmful bacteria but it is not as effective as using heat. The safest approach would be to consume only cooked shrimp from a reliable source. The US Food and Drug Administration(FDA) advises that pregnant women, those with weakened immunity, older adults, and young children are at higher risk of foodborne illness and its consequences and should avoid all raw seafood.
What happens if you freeze shrimp?
When shrimp are frozen, the freezing process turns the water inside the shrimp into ice crystals. These ice crystals, though microscopic, can cause damage to the shrimp’s cellular structure. As a result, when thawed, the texture of the shrimp may undergo a slight change.
How long can cooked shrimp be stored in the freezer?
Cooked shrimps can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. This is only possible if it’s properly stored. The cooked shrimps should be stored in an airtight container or freezer bag. The material it’s made from is strong enough to withstand the extreme cold temperature.