Have a large stock of raw or cooked shrimp? If so, don't forget to freeze it so that the quality remains good for consumption in the long term. If stored in the refrigerator, usually shrimp can only last for 1-2 days before rotting and watering. However, if stored in the freezer, the freshness and taste of the shrimp will still be good for a maximum of 6 months! Come on, read this article to learn a variety of easy tips!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Freezing Cooked Shrimp
Step 1. Peel the prawns
Basically, cooked shrimp is better frozen in a skinless condition. Therefore, peel the skin and tail of the prawns and remove the heads, if you haven't done all of them before cooking the prawns.
- Do not let cooked shrimp sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If you don't have time to peel an entire portion of the shrimp, always place the unpeeled shrimp in the refrigerator.
- If you wish, you can also clean the dark veins running down the back of the shrimp, although this step is optional for shrimp that are going to be frozen.
Step 2. Boil the prawns for 10 minutes
Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan, then add the prawns and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes to remove any bacteria or skin flakes that are still on the surface.
This step is separate from the prawn cooking process and is only done just before the prawns are frozen, mainly because its purpose is to eradicate the bad bacteria adhering to the surface of the prawns
Step 3. Arrange the cooked prawns on a baking sheet and put the pan in the freezer
Drain the prawns from the pan and immediately arrange them on a flat baking sheet so they don't overlap. Then, place the pan in the freezer and freeze the prawns until they are firm in texture. This way, the shrimp won't freeze in lumps. As a result, the texture and taste will remain good.
- After boiling, make sure the shrimp are frozen for the next 1-2 days to keep them fresh.
- Can't keep the pan in the freezer for too long? Don't worry, because later the frozen shrimp will be transferred to another container.
Step 4. Store the shrimp in a large plastic clip bag
Remove the pan from the freezer and transfer the shrimp to a plastic clip bag. Then, remove as much air as possible from the bag before placing it in the freezer.
Label the container with the freezing date of the shrimp so you can see the expiration date
Step 5. Freeze shrimp for 3-6 months
Both raw and cooked shrimp can be frozen for up to 6 months. However, after stepping on the number 3 months, you should immediately use shrimp to maximize its taste.
As long as it's still frozen, the shrimp won't technically expire. However, it is the taste and ability of the shrimp to ward off possible dehydration and oxidation that will diminish rapidly
Method 2 of 3: Freezing Raw Shrimp
Step 1. Remove the shrimp heads before freezing them
Pull the prawn head or feel free to cut it with a knife. In contrast to cooked shrimp, raw shrimp do not need to be peeled or cleaned. In fact, in fact, raw shrimp is better frozen in a condition that is still skinned.
- Do not leave raw shrimp on the counter for more than 2 hours to keep them fresh.
- Although shrimp shells can be peeled to increase storage space, be aware that the freshness of unshelled shrimp will wear off more quickly.
Step 2. Wash the prawns under running tap water
Place the prawns in a bowl, then place the bowl under the tap. Turn on the faucet, then wash the shrimp until there is no more dust, dirt, or mucus adhering to the surface.
Wet the prawns before freezing them. Thus, the water on the surface of the shrimp will freeze and produce a thin layer of ice that can keep the shrimp fresh for a longer time
Step 3. Place the prawns in a firm or stiff-textured container
Drain the shrimp from the sink, then immediately place them in a rigid container with a lid. If possible, ensure that there is no space between each shrimp to minimize the air content in the container.
Make sure the shrimp are frozen within the next 1-2 days, especially since raw shrimp can only last up to 2 days in the refrigerator
Step 4. Pour the salt solution into the container with the shrimp
In a bowl with shrimp, mix 2 tbsp. salt for every 1 liter of water, and remember to leave a gap of a few cm between the surface of the solution and the lip of the container in case the volume of the solution increases after freezing. Place the container in a large area that is not disturbed by other food ingredients in the freezer so that the liquid inside does not spill.
- Previously, label the container with the freezing date of the shrimp so you know the expiration date.
- You can also buy a salt solution to soak a variety of seafood at the supermarket.
Step 5. Freeze shrimp for 3-6 months
Both raw and cooked shrimp can be frozen for up to 6 months. However, after stepping on the number 3 months, you should immediately use shrimp to maximize its taste.
As long as it's still frozen, the shrimp won't technically expire. However, it is the taste and ability of the shrimp to ward off possible dehydration and oxidation that will rapidly diminish
Method 3 of 3: Soften Frozen Shrimp
Step 1. Place the frozen prawns in a slotted basket and let the prawns sit until they are completely softened
Transfer the frozen shrimp from the container to the perforated basket, then place the basket on a plate to catch the drippings. Let the shrimp sit on the counter or in the refrigerator, depending on the temperature in your home kitchen.
Basically, shrimp is safe to thaw at room temperature for a maximum of 2 hours
Step 2. Flush frozen shrimp with tap water to speed up the softening process
To soften the shrimp faster, try draining them with warm water from the tap, if available. Let the prawns sit under running water until they are soft and no longer covered in frost.
Step 3. Cook the softened shrimp immediately or keep it in the freezer for 1-2 days
Basically, frozen shrimp can be stored for a maximum of 2 days in the refrigerator after thawing. However, to maximize freshness, make sure you only soften the prawns you're preparing to cook, just before cooking.
