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.
Freezing raw shrimp is one of the best ways to preserve their freshness and flavor for months. When frozen properly, raw shrimp can last in the freezer for 3-6 months without losing their delicious sweetness and texture.
I’ve learned through trial and error the best practices for freezing shrimp to get the most out of them. In this guide I’ll share everything I know from how to prep raw shrimp for the freezer to how long they actually last frozen.
Why Freezing Shrimp is Better Than Refrigerating
Raw shrimp straight from the docks are delicious, but they spoil very quickly. Keeping them chilled in the fridge will only preserve them for 1-2 days max. After that, they start to get limp and smelly. Yuck!
Popping them in the freezer is the best way to halt the spoilage process. The cold temperature prevents bacteria from multiplying and the flavors and textures from deteriorating
As long as you freeze shrimp properly and store them at a constant 0°F, they’ll keep for up to 6 months! Now you can enjoy fresh-tasting shrimp whenever the craving strikes, even if you’re far from the coast.
How to Prep Raw Shrimp for Freezing
Freezing raw shrimp is super easy, but there are a few best practices to follow
Remove the Heads
I like to remove the heads before freezing shrimp. This prevents a fishy taste from developing. Just pinch the head and twist to pop it off.
Leave the Shells On
It may be tempting to peel and devein the shrimp first, but leaving the shells on helps preserve flavor and moisture during freezing. Peel them after thawing instead.
Wash Thoroughly
Give the shrimp a good rinse under cold running water. This removes any dirt or debris and creates an icy coating that protects the shrimp in the freezer.
Use Rigid Containers
Flexible freezer bags are prone to rips and leaks. For raw shrimp, opt for rigid containers like Tupperware or yogurt tubs to prevent freezer burn.
Pack Shrimp Tightly
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer with minimal space between them. The less air exposure, the better.
Add a Brine Solution
Make a brine by mixing 2 Tbsp salt per 1 quart water. Fill the container, leaving 1 inch of headspace. The brine preserves texture and flavor.
Label with the Date
Mark the storage container with the date you froze the shrimp. This helps you keep track of their age.
Follow these tips, and your shrimp will be ready to stash in the freezer!
Freezing Shrimp vs. Refrigerating
Why go through the trouble of freezing shrimp when you could just keep them chilled in the fridge? Here’s the key benefit freezing offers:
Longer Shelf Life
As mentioned earlier, raw shrimp only lasts for 1-2 days in the refrigerator before bacteria and enzymes start breaking it down. But in the freezer, shrimp will keep for 3-6 months if well wrapped. Freezing buys you more time to enjoy fresh shrimp!
Refrigerating does have one advantage over freezing – the texture holds up better. Frozen and thawed shrimp can turn out a bit mushier. But overall, freezing is the better choice for preserving both quality and safety.
Step-by-Step Guide to Freezing Raw Shrimp
Follow these simple steps for freezing shrimp that taste and look like they just came off the boat:
1. Buy Fresh Shrimp
High quality shrimp will freeze and thaw better. Get shrimp that looks shiny, firm, and translucent without any fishy odor. Avoid any that appear yellowish or milky.
2. Prep Them
Wash the shrimp, remove the heads, and leave the shells on. Refer to the preparation tips earlier in the article.
3. Pack in Rigid Containers
Place shrimp in a single layer in Tupperware, aluminum pans, or other hard containers. Glass jars also work well. Arrange them tightly with minimal air pockets.
4. Pour on Brine
Make a basic brine by mixing 2 Tbsp salt per 1 quart water. Fill the container, leaving 1 inch of headspace. The brine preserves texture and locks in moisture.
5. Seal Airtight
Put the lid on tightly, or double bag the container in freezer bags. The airtighter, the better to prevent freezer burn.
6. Label with the Date
Mark the container with the date you froze the shrimp. This prevents accidental spoilage down the line.
7. Freeze Promptly
For best quality, freeze the shrimp within 1-2 days of purchasing. Place containers in coldest part of freezer, like the back.
And that’s all it takes! Now you’ve got raw shrimp ready to store for months.
Thawing Frozen Shrimp
When you’re ready to eat your frozen shrimp bounty, thawing them properly ensures they taste fresh:
-
In the fridge – For gentle, even thawing, put shrimp in the refrigerator 8-12 hours ahead of time.
-
In cool water – For quicker thawing, seal shrimp in a plastic bag and submerge in cool water for 30 minutes, changing water every 10 minutes.
-
As you cook – Shrimp thawed under cool running water or in the microwave right before cooking works too.
Avoid leaving shrimp at room temperature for more than 2 hours total during thawing to prevent bacterial growth.
Cook or refreeze thawed shrimp within 1-2 days. Refreezing can compromise texture, so it’s best to cook thawed shrimp immediately.
How Long Does Frozen Shrimp Last?
Raw shrimp that is continuously frozen at 0°F will keep for 3-6 months before drying out or developing freezer burn. Cooked shrimp lasts 4-6 months in the freezer.
For the best quality and flavor, try to use frozen raw shrimp within 3 months and frozen cooked shrimp within 4 months.
Even if kept frozen longer, the shrimp will still be safe to eat, though the texture may suffer slightly. Properly frozen shrimp do not technically expire.
Pay attention to signs of spoiled shrimp after thawing and cooking, like unusual colors, strange odors, mushy flesh, or a sour taste. When in doubt, throw it out.
Tips for Freezing Shrimp
Follow these pro tips when freezing shrimp to get the best results:
-
Buy fresh, undamaged shrimp. Poor quality shrimp won’t hold up as well.
-
Freeze shrimp in their shells to protect moisture and flavor.
-
Use ice crystals or brine solution to prevent dehydration in the freezer.
-
Portion shrimp in usable amounts so you can thaw just what you need.
-
Rotate thawed shrimp to the front of the freezer to use first.
-
Label bags with the freeze date and contents for easy identification.
-
Store shrimp below 0°F for longest shelf life. Avoid temperature fluctuations.
-
Use thawed shrimp within 1-2 days and don’t refreeze more than once.
Delicious Ways to Use Frozen Shrimp
Frozen shrimp work great in a variety of dishes. Here are some of my favorite ways to eat thawed shrimp:
-
Garlic butter shrimp scampi
-
Coconut shrimp with mango dipping sauce
-
Blackened shrimp tacos with pineapple salsa
-
Lemony shrimp risotto
-
Shrimp fried rice
-
Shrimp salad wraps with avocado
-
Spicy shrimp and sausage gumbo
-
Shrimp pasta in tomato cream sauce
-
Shrimp skewers on the grill
With endless options for preparation, having frozen shrimp on hand means you’re never far from an amazing seafood meal!
The Takeaway on Freezing Shrimp
Freezing raw shrimp at home is simple and lets you enjoy their sweet brininess for months past purchase. Follow my tips on preparing, packaging, thawing, and cooking frozen shrimp, and you’ll have restaurant-quality seafood ready anytime a craving strikes.
Remember, start with high-quality shrimp and freeze them as soon as possible after buying. Store in airtight rigid containers covered with brine and keep frozen consistently at 0°F or below. Thaw in the refrigerator when ready to eat.
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.
Noreen’s Kitchen Tid Bit: How to Clean and Freeze Fresh Shrimp
Can you freeze raw shrimp?
Raw shrimp can be frozen as picked-out meat. But flavor and texture are better preserved if you freeze raw shrimp in the shell. Remove heads, rinse briefly, and pack the shrimp in rigid containers such as yogurt tubs. Pack them in carefully so there’s as little space between them as possible. Leave an inch of space at the top.
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.
Can you freeze shrimp after boiling?
Freeze the shrimp within 1-2 days after boiling them to keep them from spoiling. If you don’t have enough space to keep cookie sheets in the fridge long-term, don’t worry—you will store them in smaller containers after they’ve frozen. Pack the shrimp in large freezer bags.
Can thawed shrimp be frozen?
To freeze shrimp, rinse and dry raw shrimp, flash freeze them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and then pack them in airtight containers or freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Store them in the coldest part of your freezer for up to 6 months for the best quality. Can I refreeze thawed shrimp?