How to Dehydrate Shrimp for Long Term Storage and Flavor

Dehydrating shrimp is an easy and effective way to preserve them for long term storage while intensifying their flavor. With just a few simple steps, you can turn fresh shrimp into a concentrated shelf-stable ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.

Why Dehydrate Shrimp

There are several benefits to dehydrating shrimp

• Long term storage – Dehydrated shrimp can be stored for 4-6 months at room temperature in an airtight container. Vacuum sealed and frozen, they can last over a year. Great for stocking your pantry or making camping meals.

• Intensified flavor – As the moisture evaporates, the shrimp’s natural flavors become more concentrated and intense. Rehydrated shrimp pack an umami punch.

• Lightweight – Dried shrimp weigh much less than fresh, making them ideal for camping and hiking. Easy to transport and takes up less space.

• Variety – Use rehydrated shrimp in soups, stir fries, pasta, casseroles and more. Versatile ingredient to have on hand.

Equipment Needed

Dehydrating shrimp is easy with just a few basic supplies:

• A food dehydrator – This is the most important piece. Look for one with adjustable temperature settings and a timer.

• Mesh screens – Lay shrimp flat on dehydrator trays lined with mesh screens for maximum air circulation.

• Kitchen tools – Knives, cutting board, colander, spoon, etc to prep the shrimp.

• Canning jars – For storage. Wide mouth jars work best.

• Reusable desiccant packs – Absorb moisture and extend shelf life.

Prep Steps Before Dehydrating

Proper prep is key for successful shrimp dehydration:

• Start with raw, peeled and deveined shrimp. Fresh or frozen. Smaller shrimp dry faster.

• Rinse shrimp under cold water to remove any debris. Drain well. Pat dry if needed.

• Arrange shrimp in a single layer on dehydrator trays, without overlapping.

• Remove any shells/legs – Pick these off before dehydrating.

• Use mesh screens on all trays for maximum air flow.

Dehydrating Settings

For best results, use these dehydrator settings:

• Temp: 140-160°F

• Time: 6-10 hours

• Rotate trays and shuffle shrimp around halfway through.

• Exact times depend on size of shrimp, humidity, dehydrator wattage etc.

• Shrimp are fully dried when hard and brittle with no moisture inside.

After Dehydrating

Follow these steps once shrimp are dried:

• Allow to cool completely before storage to avoid sweating.

• Condition shrimp in an airtight jar for 1 week to equalize moisture.

• Pack dried shrimp tightly into canning jars and use desiccant packs to absorb moisture.

• Store in a cool, dark place for 4-6 months. Refrigerate after opening.

• For longer storage, vacuum seal and freeze for up to 1 year.

Rehydrating Dehydrated Shrimp

To rehydrate desiccated shrimp for cooking:

• Place shrimp in a bowl and add enough boiling water to cover completely.

• Allow to soak for 15-20 minutes. Add more hot water if needed.

• Once rehydrated, use shrimp in recipes as you normally would fresh shrimp.

• Rehydrated texture will be slightly less plump than fresh but taste is superb.

Recipes Using Dried Shrimp

Dehydrated shrimp add big flavor to many dishes:

• Shrimp fried rice – Rehydrate then stir fry with rice and veggies.

• Shrimp pasta – Boil rehydrated shrimp right in the pasta water before mixing with sauce.

• Seafood soup – Add dried shrimp and water for an easy weeknight soup.

• Shrimp tacos – Top flour or corn tortillas with plump rehydrated shrimp.

• Shrimp curry – Simmer rehydrated shrimp in your favorite curry sauce.

Tips for Dehydrating Shrimp

Follow these tips for best dehydrated shrimp results:

• Use raw, shell on shrimp and remove shells yourself for quality control.

• Rotate dehydrator trays and shuffle shrimp around mid-dehydration for even drying.

• Let shrimp cool before storage to avoid moisture issues.

• Equalize in an airtight container before final storage.

• Use desiccant packs and vacuum seal for longest shelf life.

• Store in a cool, dark place around 60-70°F for maximum shelf life.

Dried shrimp are a versatile and flavorful ingredient to make anytime. Dehydrate a batch soon to add concentrated shrimp goodness to your pantry.