Shrimp can be cooked into a delicious meal in no time. If you store shrimp in the freezer, you can take them out anytime if you're confused about what to cook for dinner. Defrosting frozen shrimp should take less than 20 minutes if using cold water. You can sauté or boil the prawns immediately after thawing. However, if you want, you can immediately cook frozen shrimp and skip the thawing process.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Defrosting Frozen Shrimp
Step 1. Place the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight
This method takes time, but is the easiest. Simply remove the shrimp from the freezer bag and place them in a covered bowl. Place the bowl in the refrigerator and the frozen shrimp will thaw the next day.
After thawing, the prawns are ready to be cooked
Step 2. Soak prawns in salt water for 20 minutes
To defrost quickly, add 2 tablespoons (34 grams) of salt to 4 cups (0.95 liters) of water. Remove the prawns from the bag and place them in the water until they are completely submerged. Leave it for 20 minutes.
- Discard the water after the ice has melted. Shrimp will feel chewy and not hard.
- Salt can add to the delicious taste of the shrimp.
- Do not put the thawed shrimp back in the refrigerator before cooking them.
Step 3. Thaw frozen shrimp under running water for quick results
Place the prawns in a sieve, then place them under running water. While doing so, turn the shrimp a few times so that they are all wet. This method can usually thaw frozen shrimp within 5-10 minutes.
- Make sure the water used is cold. Warm water can cause the shrimp to overcook.
- Do not put the shrimp back in the refrigerator without cooking them first.
Step 4. Do not thaw frozen shrimp using the microwave
While you can use this tool, you will accidentally cook some of the prawns. You will only get tough meat if you defrost the prawns this way.
Method 2 of 3: Cooking Thawed Shrimp
Step 1. Boil the prawns in salt water
Add 2 tablespoons (34 grams) of salt to 8 cups (1.9 liters) of water in a saucepan. Bring the water to a boil, then add the prawns. This amount is enough to boil 0.45 kg of shrimp. Once the water is boiling again, reduce the heat and cook the prawns for 3-6 minutes until they turn pink and look firm.
- The shrimp will float to the surface of the water when they are cooked.
- To stop the cooking process, you can place the shrimp under a stream of cold water.
- You don't need to peel the prawns to cook them this way.
Step 2. Cut the prawns into a butterfly shape, then grill them
Preheat the grill. If you are using a charcoal grill, let the heat go out before grilling the prawns. Cut the back of the shrimp lengthwise so that the flesh is exposed. Flatten the meat so that the shrimp turns flat. Place the prawns on the grill and cook until they are reddish in color and appear firm. This usually takes between 3-5 minutes.
- If the shrimp is still shelled, leave it alone, but cut off the legs. You can still split and shape the shrimp like a butterfly, even if the skin hasn't been peeled off.
- Add a little oil or butter before grilling the prawns for added delicacy.
Step 3. Sauté the prawns in the pan
Place a skillet over high heat, then add a tablespoon or two of butter and a spoonful of olive oil. Once the oil is hot and the butter is melted, add the chopped garlic (1-2 cloves) to the skillet and sauté until cooked through for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add the prawns along with a pinch of salt and ground black pepper. The pan should not be too full, but adjust the contents according to the size of your pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the pan from the heat when the prawns turn pink.
- It's a good idea to drain the water from the prawns before adding them to the pan to make them easier to cook.
- While you don't need to peel the prawns to cook them, it's better to peel them before frying
Method 3 of 3: Cooking Frozen Shrimp without Defrosting
Step 1. Wash prawns to remove ice crystals before grilling or sautéing
Place the prawns in a sieve, then rinse under running water. You will need to get rid of any ice floes and ice crystals remaining on the prawn shells.
- If you're cooking shrimp with a "wet" method, such as boiling them, you can slam the bag of shrimp against the counter to remove the ice crystals. No need to wash it.
- You can use whole shrimp or peeled shrimp for the cooking method described here.
Step 2. Boil the prawns in boiling water with additional spices
Put water in a small saucepan, then boil with large water. Dip a generous amount of salt in a saucepan and add any spices or seasonings you like. Let the water boil, then remove from the stove. Put the shrimp in it, then cover the pot. The prawns will be cooked in 5-6 minutes after they turn pink and appear firm.
- Add other spices and seasonings, such as half a squeezed lemon, 3-4 cloves of garlic, of an onion, a pinch of parsley, and/or 12-15 peppercorns. The amount does not have to be the same because it is only used as a flavoring. You can adjust the amount according to taste.
- Add teaspoon (2.5 grams) of salt to 1.9-2.1 liters of water to boil 0.45 kg of shrimp.
Step 3. Bake the prawns in the oven
Place the roasting rack in the oven about 15 cm from the heater. Turn on the oven, then place a piece of baking paper in it and bake for 10 minutes. Add the washed frozen prawns to the seasoning mix of your choice, such as balado seasoning. Once the grill rack is hot, remove the rack with oven mitts on, then pour the prawns over it. Put the rack back in the oven and let the shrimp cook for 5 minutes.
- You can make your own balado seasoning or buy it at the store. You can also use taco seasoning or simply add a little pepper, basil, and garlic.
- The shrimp will curl slightly when they are cooked.
- If the prawns clump together when pouring, use tongs to separate them.
Step 4. Fry the prawns in a frying pan with a little oil and garlic
Heat a skillet over high heat, then add a spoonful of olive oil and a few tablespoons of butter. Saute 1-2 minced garlic cloves in the skillet for 1 minute. Drain the prawns, then add them to the skillet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the prawns turn pink.
Don't put too many prawns in the pan as the meat will be difficult to cook evenly
Things Needed
- Filter
- Pot or pan
- Oven gloves
- Salt
- Oil or butter, optional
- Additional seasoning, optional
