Shrimp are often frozen right on the boat after being caught. This is the best way to get them to you fresh and tasty. You only need to let them thaw for a few minutes before you can start cooking them in your favorite shrimp recipes.
But keep in mind that you can cook shrimp from frozen and they will still taste great if you’re in a hurry. Weeknight dinners are saved! If you still want to thaw them before cooking though, the info is below.
Shrimp is one of the most versatile and popular seafood ingredients It can be prepared in countless ways – fried, grilled, boiled, baked, skewered, sautéed, and more The convenience of frozen shrimp makes it easy to enjoy shrimp dishes any time, even when you’re far from the coast. But to unlock that convenience, you first have to thaw your frozen shrimp properly.
Thawing is an essential first step before cooking frozen shrimp. Knowing exactly how long it takes allows you to plan ahead and ensure shrimp is defrosted before cooking time. Under-thawing leads to uneven cooking. Over-thawing risks bacterial growth in the “danger zone” temperatures. Follow this guide to learn foolproof techniques for safely thawing frozen shrimp of all sizes.
How Long Does Frozen Shrimp Take to Thaw?
The thawing time primarily depends on the size of the shrimp and thickness of frozen blocks. Here are general guidelines:
- Small shrimp (41-50 count): 1 to 2 hours
- Medium shrimp (31-40 count): 2 to 3 hours
- Large shrimp (21-30 count): 3 to 5 hours
- Extra jumbo and prawns: 5 to 6 hours
Thinner frozen packs or individual quick-frozen shrimp thaw more quickly. Thick solid blocks and shrimp clustered together require more time.
Always thoroughly check shrimp for any remaining frozen sections before cooking Visible ice crystals means it needs more time
Faster Thawing Methods
While thawing in the refrigerator overnight is best, sometimes you need unfrozen shrimp in a hurry. Here are safe methods to accelerate thawing:
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Cold Water Submersion: Place sealed shrimp bag or unpackaged shrimp in a bowl of cold tap water. Change water every 30 minutes so it doesn’t warm up. Thawing time is reduced by half.
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Microwave Defrosting: Use the defrost setting in short intervals to gently thaw shrimp without partial cooking. Check and rearrange shrimp frequently to thaw evenly.
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Room Temperature Air: Leaving shrimp sealed at room temperature cuts thaw time significantly but carries more risk of bacterial growth.
Never attempt to rapidly thaw shrimp in hot water or at high microwave power. Extreme heat causes the delicate meat to overcook.
How to Safely Store Thawing Shrimp
Proper storage and handling during the defrosting process prevents illness and preserves quality:
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When thawing in fridge, place shrimp in a bowl or on a plate to catch dripping liquids.
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If submerged in water, use very cold potable water that is changed out regularly.
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Once thawed, use shrimp immediately. Do not refreeze thawed shrimp.
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Cooked shrimp can be refrigerated 3-4 days. Discard any with off odors or sliminess.
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Monitor temperature carefully if thawing at room temperature. Never leave in the “danger zone” above 40°F for over 2 hours total.
Quick Recipes for Thawed Shrimp
Thawed shrimp cooks lightning fast, making it perfect for weeknight meals on a time crunch:
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Shrimp scampi: Sauté thawed shrimp with garlic, butter, lemon, and white wine then toss with pasta.
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Shrimp tacos: Grill thawed shrimp and serve in warmed corn tortillas with salsa and fixings.
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Shrimp salad: Boil thawed shrimp then chill and mix with diced celery, onion, mayo, and seasonings.
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Coconut shrimp: Roll thawed shrimp in coconut flakes then deep fry for a crispy tropical treat.
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Shrimp skewers: Thread thawed shrimp and vegetables onto skewers then grill or broil until cooked through.
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Shrimp stir fry: Stir fry thawed shrimp with sliced veggies and serve over rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about safely thawing frozen shrimp? Here are answers to some common queries:
How can you tell when shrimp is fully thawed?
Shrimp is fully thawed when there are no visible ice crystals remaining and the flesh looks translucent throughout.
Is it safe to cook frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can safely cook shrimp directly from frozen using longer cooking times. But thawed shrimp cooks more evenly.
Can you refreeze thawed shrimp?
It is unsafe to refreeze thawed shrimp due to increased risk of bacterial growth. Only refreeze shrimp that has been cooked.
What temperature should shrimp be thawed at?
For food safety, thawed at temps below 40°F. Thaw in the refrigerator or submerged in very cold tap water that is changed regularly.
Does thawed shrimp need to be cooked immediately?
Thawed shrimp is best cooked immediately but can be stored up to 2 days max in the fridge. Discard any with an off smell or appearance.
How do you thaw a bag of frozen shrimp without watering it down?
Lay the unopened bag flat on a rimmed baking sheet or plate. The icy drips will collect underneath, rather than soaking the shrimp.
Can you bread and fry thawed shrimp immediately?
Yes, thawed shrimp can go directly into breading and frying. Pat dry thoroughly first for the breading to adhere best.
Key Takeaways on Thawing Shrimp
Thawing frozen shrimp properly ensures it maintains quality and is safe to eat. Keep these tips in mind:
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Allow enough time for full thawing based on shrimp size. Check for ice crystals.
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Use refrigerator, cold water, or defrost setting to accelerate thawing safely.
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Prevent bacterial growth by monitoring temps and storage duration.
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Cook thawed shrimp right away for best flavor and food safety.
Equipped with this knowledge, you can enjoy deliciously thawed shrimp on your menu anytime you crave it. Shrimp should never be a frozen asset left languishing in your freezer.
How To Cook Your Defrosted Shrimp
Here are my some of favorite methods to cook your thawed shrimp. Enjoy!
Here’s How To Thaw Shrimp Quickly:
Put the shrimp in a bowl that’s twice as big as the shrimp you have. Here I have 24 medium shrimp (51-60 count) and I’ve used a medium bowl.
Put the bowl in the sink and fill with cold water.
Keep the tap running gently until the shrimp are defrosted. This will take about 5 minutes.
The shrimp are fully thawed when they are no longer solid white but soft and somewhat see-through. Here is a shrimp that is still frozen. It is whiter and less clear than the shrimp in the bowl that has been defrosted.
Once the shrimp are defrosted, it’s time to cook them up.