How to Make Perfectly Cooked Frozen Shrimp Every Time

Here’s how to cook frozen shrimp! For the most tender, juicy shrimp, use these tips and recipes.

Want to make dinner with that bag of frozen shrimp? Shrimp is a great protein because it’s quick and easy to cook and stays fresh in the freezer for a long time. You can make dinner right away if you pull frozen shrimp out of the freezer, but how do you cook it? Do you have to let it thaw first? Can you just put the frozen shrimp in a pan and heat them up? Here’s what you need to know, along with 20 of our favorite frozen shrimp recipes.

Shrimp is one of my favorite proteins to cook with. It’s quick, easy, and versatile – you can add it to pastas, salads, tacos, and more! The convenience of frozen shrimp makes it even better. I always keep a bag or two in my freezer so I can pull it out anytime I want an easy protein.

But frozen shrimp does require a little finesse to cook properly. You want tender, juicy shrimp, not chewy rubbery ones. The good news is with a few simple tricks, you can make delicious shrimp from frozen every time.

In this article, I’ll share my tips and tricks for cooking frozen shrimp based on my years of experience From thawing and prep to choosing the right cooking methods, you’ll learn how to take frozen shrimp from bag to plate with perfect results. Let’s dive in!

Do You Have to Thaw Frozen Shrimp Before Cooking?

This is one of the most common shrimp cooking questions. The short answer – yes, it’s best to thaw shrimp before cooking.

Going from frozen to hot pan can lead to overcooked outer layers before the inside thaws. Thawing helps shrimp cook gently and evenly throughout.

However, I know we’re all busy! So in a pinch, you can cook from frozen using methods like boiling where the shrimp thaw gradually. Just add 1 minute to the cook time and watch carefully.

For best texture though, I recommend thawing first. Here are a couple easy methods:

Cold Water Bath Place shrimp in a bowl and cover with very cold water. Let sit 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally Drain well
Refrigerator: Move frozen shrimp to the fridge 12-24 hours before cooking. Keep shrimp in original bag or container so it doesn’t pick up odors.

Pro Tip Pat shrimp very dry after thawing Excess moisture causes steaming instead of browning

Should You Peel Frozen Shrimp Before Cooking?

This depends on the recipe, your preferences, and if the shrimp are peeled or not.

For sautéing, grilling, and broiling, I prefer peeled. The shells can burn before the shrimp cooks through.

For boiling, steaming, soups and stews, shells help retain moisture so peeled or shell-on both work well.

Ultimately it’s personal preference! For easy peeling, run thawed shrimp under cool water while gently pulling off shells.

How to Tell When Frozen Shrimp is Bad

Since shrimp is previously frozen, use-by dates aren’t always reliable. Here are signs your frozen shrimp has gone bad:

Unpleasant, fishy, ammonia smell
Mushy, slimy texture
Discoloration and dried out, white spots
Freezer burn with dry, frosty coating

When in doubt, throw it out! Frozen shrimp stays fresh 6-12 months in the freezer. For optimal quality and taste, use within 3-6 months.

The Best Cooking Methods for Frozen Shrimp

Shrimp cooks fast, so high heat and quick cooking is key. The goal is to achieve opaque, juicy shrimp without overcooking into rubbery territory.

Here are my tried and true methods for cooking frozen shrimp perfectly:

Sauteeing

This is my favorite! I coat thawed, dried shrimp with a little oil then cook over medium-high heat just until opaque, 1-2 minutes per side. A simple sprinkle of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice as it cooks amps up the flavor.

Grilling

High heat and fast cooking time makes the grill ideal for shrimp too. Oil the grates then cook thawed shrimp 2-3 minutes per side. Brush with a garlic-herb butter as it cooks for bonus flavor.

Broiling

Super hot oven broiling gives a similar charred exterior and tender interior as grilling. Arrange thawed shrimp on a parchment-lined pan and broil 4-5 inches from heat for 2-3 minutes per side.

Baking

For fuss-free shrimp, baking works great. Toss thawed shrimp with oil and seasonings and spread out on a baking sheet. Bake at 425°F for 4-5 minutes until opaque.

Boiling

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil then add shrimp and cook just until pink, 1-2 minutes. Drain immediately and shock in an ice bath to stop cooking. Best for shrimp cocktails and salads.

Steaming

In a pan fitted with a steamer basket, bring 1 inch water to a boil. Add shrimp in a single layer, cover, and steam just until opaque, about 5 minutes. Season after cooking.

Handy Frozen Shrimp Recipe Ideas

Now that you know how to cook frozen shrimp perfectly, here are some of my favorite easy recipes to try:

Shrimp Scampi Pasta: Saute shrimp in garlic butter sauce and toss with pasta.
Shrimp Tacos: Broil shrimp coated in Mexican spices and fill soft tortillas with salsa and fixings.
Shrimp Fried Rice: Stir-fry shrimp with frozen mixed veggies, eggs, and precooked rice.
Shrimp Spring Rolls: Boil shrimp for spring rolls with fresh herbs, vermicelli, and peanut dipping sauce.
BBQ Shrimp: Bake shrimp coated in bold barbecue sauce for sandwiches or salads.
Shrimp Cocktail: Boil or steam shrimp. Chill and serve with lemon and cocktail sauce.
Cajun Shrimp: Blacken pan-seared shrimp with Cajun seasoning over cheesy grits.
Shrimp & Veggie Kebabs: Make colorful kebabs with shrimp and your favorite veggies to grill or broil.
Shrimp Soup: Simmer boiled shrimp in tomato broth with veggies and herbs.

Key Takeaways for Cooking Frozen Shrimp

Cooking up amazing shrimp every time starts with proper thawing and prep. Follow my tips on how to best thaw, peel, and identify freshness.

Then, choose a high-heat quick cooking method like sauteing, broiling, or grilling and don’t overcook. Season simply to let the sweet shrimp flavor shine.

Finish with a squeeze of lemon, fresh herbs, or a flavorful sauce to take your dish to the next level.

how to make frozen shrimp

Can you cook frozen shrimp without thawing?

It’s best practice to thaw your shrimp before cooking it to avoid rubbery, overcooked shrimp. It takes just 15 minutes to thaw the shrimp in a bowl of cold water. If you’re in a hurry, boiled or steamed shrimp are the best ways to cook frozen shrimp: add one minute to the cooking time and check often to make sure they’re done.

How to cook frozen shrimp

Must frozen shrimp be thawed before cooking? Yes, it is best to thaw shrimp before cooking it. Why? Shrimp is easy to overcook, which gives it a rubbery texture. When cooking frozen fish, the outside is cooked first, and then the inside as it thaws. This means the outside of the fish is cooked before the inside is done.

You don’t even have to plan ahead to thaw frozen shrimp. Of course, the best way is to put them in the fridge for 12 hours to remove the frozen layer. But here’s the quick method for defrosting and cooking frozen shrimp in a recipe:

Put the shrimp in a big bowl of very cold water.
Time yourself for 15 minutes and stir the bowl every 5 minutes to break up any clumps that form. Based on the size of the shrimp, it should take about 15 to 20 minutes for them to defrost. Very large shrimp can take up to 20 minutes.
Pat the shrimp dry. If you don’t do this, the shrimp will steam instead of cooking, unless you want them to boil or steam.
Follow the steps in Sautéed Shrimp, Boiled Shrimp, Baked Shrimp, Grilled Shrimp, or Steamed Shrimp to cook the shrimp.

How to Cook With Frozen Shrimp | You Can Cook That | Allrecipes.com

FAQ

Can you cook shrimp straight from freezer?

According to FDA seafood guidelines, shrimp should be cooked until the flesh is firm and clear. But shrimp are so small and fatty, they reach that point from frozen in a matter of a few minutes. In fact, cooking shrimp from frozen actually helps prevent overcooking, leading to juicer, more tender shrimp.

Do frozen shrimp have to be thawed before cooking?

Cooking frozen shrimp won’t harm you, but the texture won’t be as appetising as if you cook from thawed. If time allows, leave your shrimp in the fridge overnight to thaw. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this also impacts the texture.

How do you defrost and cook frozen shrimp?

To start, remove the unopened bag of frozen shrimp from the freezer and place it in a large bowl of cold water. Do not use hot water as this will cause the shrimp to cook inside the bag. Use a plate or heavy object to hold the bag down and allow it to thaw, fully submerged, for 45 minutes.