Freezing shrimp is one of the best ways to preserve its freshness and flavor for several months With proper freezing methods, shrimp can keep well in the freezer for up to 4-6 months
I often buy large amounts of fresh shrimp when they are in season or on sale, and freeze them to have high-quality shrimp ready to go all year round. Over the years, I’ve learned the proper techniques to freeze both raw and cooked shrimp, as well as how to thaw them for maximum freshness and flavor
In this article, I’ll share everything I know about freezing shrimp, including:
- How to prepare raw and cooked shrimp for freezing
- Recommended freezing methods and containers
- How long shrimp lasts frozen
- Signs of freezer burn or spoilage
- Proper thawing techniques
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be able to enjoy restaurant-quality shrimp from your own freezer for months to come!
Preparing Raw Shrimp For The Freezer
Freezing raw shrimp in their shells helps protect flavor and texture. Here’s how to prep raw shrimp for the freezer:
- Rinse raw shrimp under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Remove the heads and legs, but leave shells and tails intact.
- Pat dry with paper towels.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
- Transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible.
- Label with type of shrimp and date frozen.
- Store in freezer up to 4 months for best quality.
Pro Tip: Place a layer of wax or parchment paper between layers of shrimp to prevent freezing together in a block.
Freezing Cooked Shrimp
Follow these steps for perfect cooked shrimp every time straight from the freezer:
- Cook shrimp as desired by boiling, grilling, steaming etc.
- Cool shrimp down completely, about 30 minutes.
- Peel and devein shrimp if desired. Tails can be left on.
- Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, 1-2 hours.
- Transfer to freezer bags or containers, removing excess air.
- Label with date frozen and use within 3 months for best flavor.
Bonus Freeze shrimp in marinades sauces or soups for easy weeknight meals!
Recommended Freezer Containers
The best freezer containers for shrimp include:
- Freezer bags – Best for maximizing space and preventing freezer burn. Squeeze out air and seal tightly.
- Airtight plastic containers – Ideal for marinated or sauced shrimp. Look for rigid sides.
- Mason jars – Freeze broths, soups or stocks with shrimp. Leave 1 inch headspace.
- Wax paper – Prevents sticking if freezing layers of shrimp.
No matter what type of container you use, the key is minimizing air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
Freeze Raw vs Cooked Shrimp?
Raw shrimp freezes well because the shells help protect texture and moisture. The shells come off easily when thawed.
Cooked shrimp may become rubbery when frozen, but the convenience of ready-to-eat shrimp is hard to beat. Best for soups, pasta dishes, and stir fries.
Both raw and cooked shrimp freeze well for 3-6 months if properly packaged. Choose based on your meal plans!
How Long Does Shrimp Last In The Freezer?
Properly frozen shrimp maintains top quality for:
- Raw shrimp in shells: 4-6 months
- Cooked, peeled shrimp: 3-4 months
- Shrimp in soups or sauces: 2-3 months
Shrimp stored longer than these times remains safe to eat, but texture and flavor will decline. Discard any shrimp with signs of freezer burn.
Signs Of Freezer Burned Shrimp
Check your frozen shrimp for these signs of freezer burn before cooking:
- Dry, flaky texture
- Discolored patches
- Strong, off odors
- Odd crystallized areas
- Loss of moisture and juiciness
Severely freezer burned shrimp should be discarded. Lightly burned spots can be trimmed off raw shrimp before cooking.
Thawing Shrimp
Always thaw frozen shrimp properly to maintain quality and safety:
- In the refrigerator: Thaw overnight in a bowl to catch drips.
- In cold water: Place sealed bag or container in cold water. Change water every 30 mins.
- In the microwave: Use defrost setting if available. Check often to prevent cooking.
- As part of cooking: Add frozen shrimp at the end of stir fries, soups etc.
Cook or eat thawed shrimp within 1-2 days. Refreezing thawed shrimp is not recommended.
Thawing Frozen Shrimp
- 1. Put the frozen shrimp in a colander and let them thaw. Put a plate under the colander to catch the water as you move the shrimp from their containers. In a room that is warm enough, let the shrimp thaw on the kitchen counter or in the fridge. [13] You can let shrimp thaw at room temperature for up to two hours at a time. [14] .
- 2. If you want to thaw the shrimp faster, do it under running water. If you need to quickly thaw shrimp, turn on the warm water faucet in your sink. Put the shrimp in warm water until they are soft to the touch and no longer frozen. [15] .
- 3 Cook or refrigerate thawed shrimp within 1-2 days. Once shrimp is thawed, it can be kept in the fridge for up to two days without going bad. Thaw shrimp right before you plan to cook it, if you can. 16. Don’t freeze the shrimp again afterward; doing this more than once can ruin the taste of the shrimp.
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Freezing your shrimp will preserve it for up to 6 months without losing flavor. If your shrimp is fresh, remove the heads and shells and rinse it under running water. Then, prepare a brine solution with 2 tablespoons of salt per quart of water. Fill a container that can be sealed with your brine solution. Put the shrimp in the container and put it in the freezer. To keep the shrimp from sticking together after it’s been cooked, put it in the freezer on a baking sheet. Once its frozen, transfer it to sealable freezer bags and return it to the freezer. For more tips, including how to thaw frozen shrimp, read on!.