what do you do with frozen cooked shrimp

12 Tasty Ways To Use Frozen Cooked Shrimp For Quick Weeknight Meals

Frozen cooked shrimp can be a super convenient ingredient to have on hand for easy weeknight dinners Pre-cooked and peeled, they thaw quickly and can be used in a variety of dishes without needing much prep Having a bag in the freezer means you’re never far from a fast, delicious meal!

So what are some of the best ways to use up frozen cooked shrimp? Here are 12 tasty recipes that transform this freezer staple into full-flavored dinners on the table in no time

1. Shrimp and Grits
   A classic Southern dish, shrimp and grits is a hearty combo. The frozen shrimp cook up in minutes while the grits provide a creamy, filling base. Add spinach or other veggies for extra nutrients. This is comfort food at its finest!

2. Shrimp Tacos
   Loaded with bold Mexican flavors, shrimp tacos are a crowd-pleaser. Simmer the thawed shrimp in spices like cumin and chili powder. Pile high on warm tortillas with all your favorite taco toppings. Easy, customizable, and so delicious!

3. Shrimp Alfredo
   All that rich, creamy pasta sauce gets an extra boost of protein from shrimp. Sauté the thawed shrimp in garlic butter before tossing everything with hot cooked fettuccine. Dinner is done in the time it takes the pasta to cook.

4. Shrimp Fried Rice
   Stir fried rice is the perfect way to use up leftover rice. Toss in frozen shrimp, veggies, eggs, and soy sauce for an easy one-wok meal. Customize with any mix-ins you have on hand for a filling dinner.

5. Shrimp Chowder
   Chowders and bisques are amazing comfort foods. Simmer diced potatoes and corn in a creamy base, then add shrimp right at the end so they don’t overcook. Sprinkle with bacon bits for extra richness.

6. Shrimp Salad Wraps
   Bright, fresh flavors make these shrimp wraps ideal for lighter, warmer weather meals. Toss cooked shrimp with a tangy dressing, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado – whatever sounds good! Wrap it all up for hand-held enjoyment.

7. Shrimp Burgers
   Yes, you can make tasty burgers out of shrimp! Chop the thawed shrimp finely and combine with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasoning to form patties. Pan fry until crisp, then serve on buns just like beef burgers. So easy and delicious.

8. Shrimp Scampi
   Buttery, garlicky shrimp scampi is pure seafood pleasure. Sauté the shrimp in olive oil and tons of minced garlic. Toss with pasta and chopped parsley for an instant saucy, restaurant-worthy dinner.

9. Coconut Shrimp Curry
   Take your shrimp to tasty new levels in this Thai-inspired coconut curry. Simmer thawed shrimp in a sauce of coconut milk, ginger, chili pepper, and lime. Serve over rice for a meal that really delivers big, bold flavor.

10. Shrimp Fajitas
    Make your own fajita fiesta with this easy shrimp version. Season thawed shrimp with a chili-lime marinade, then sauté with peppers and onions. Wrap it all in warm tortillas with your favorite fajita fixings for a fast meal.

11. Shrimp Quiche
    Quiche is an impressive brunch dish, but it also makes a tasty light dinner. Make an easy crust, fill with a custard of eggs, cream, and cheese, then sprinkle in thawed shrimp before baking. Fancy yet fuss-free!

12. Shrimp Pizza
    Liven up delivery pizza by adding your own shrimp topping! Sprinkle thawed shrimp over the pizza and pop it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes just until the shrimp are heated through. Easy way to make pizza extra special.

As you can see, frozen cooked shrimp offers tons of quick, easy dinner options perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few additional ingredients, you can take this freezer staple from plain to flavorful fast.

Tips for Cooking with Frozen Shrimp
Follow these tips for getting the best results when using frozen shrimp:

• Thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge or quickly under cold running water. Never thaw at room temperature.

• Pat shrimp dry to prevent splattering when cooking.

• Adjust cook times – frozen shrimp may take 1-2 mins longer to cook through.

• Don’t overcook or shrimp can become rubbery. Cook just until opaque and curled.

• Add extra seasoning since pre-cooked shrimp absorb less flavoring.

• Avoid freezing thawed shrimp again for food safety. Only refreeze unthawed.

• Check for shells since frozen shrimp may not be deveined thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Frozen Cooked Shrimp

1. How long does frozen cooked shrimp last?
   It will keep well in the freezer for up to 12 months if stored at 0°F or below. Always check the use-by date on the bag.

2. Is it better to buy raw or cooked frozen shrimp?
   Either works fine. Raw takes a little longer to prepare but allows more flavor control. Cooked is faster if you want convenience.

3. Should I rinse thawed frozen shrimp?
   Yes, give thawed shrimp a quick rinse to wash away any ice crystals or freezer odors. Then pat very dry before cooking.

4. Can I refreeze thawed shrimp?
   Only if they are still partially frozen and icy. Once fully thawed, cook within 1-2 days and do not refreeze for safety.

5. What are the best ways to season frozen shrimp?
   Butter, garlic, lemon, cajun seasoning, chili powder, paprika, and fresh herbs are all tasty seasonings for cooked shrimp.

6. How do I make sure frozen shrimp don’t get rubbery?
   Don’t overcook! Remove from heat as soon as shrimp turn opaque and curl. Also avoid freezing cooked shrimp again after thawing.

7. Can I bread and fry frozen shrimp?
   Yes, just thaw first and pat very dry. Dredge in flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs for perfectly crispy fried shrimp.

8. How can I tell if frozen shrimp has gone bad?
   Signs include off odor, mushy texture, unusual color, dryness, or spots of dark discoloration. When in doubt, throw it out.

9. Are the shells and tails removed from frozen cooked shrimp?
   Most brands remove both shells and tails, but always check bag to be sure. Remove any remaining shells before cooking.

10. Is it cheaper to buy frozen shrimp raw or cooked?
    Raw shrimp tend to be a little cheaper than pre-cooked. But the convenience factor of pre-cooked may be worth a slight price premium to some.

Don’t let that bag of frozen shrimp get wasted at the back of your freezer. With endless quick and easy dinner possibilities, it’s one of the handiest ingredients for busy home cooks to have on hand!