How do you get the best flavor from frozen cooked shrimp? Should you thaw them in cold water with sea salt?

Question

How do you get the best flavor from frozen cooked shrimp?  Should you thaw them in cold water with sea salt?

boulangere · Answer

Definitely do not thaw the shrimp themselves in water. Rather, if you don't have overnight to wait, place them in a ziplock bag and set the bag in cold water, changing it often and gently rolling the shrimp around in the bag.

PieceOfLayerCake · Answer

Frozen shrimp already have as much flavor as they're going to have. You could pair them with fresh, flavorful ingredients, and season them well. That's what I would do.

Komala · Answer

Just put them in a bowl and/or strainer in the fridge. This lets the shrimp thaw slowly. Plus they're still cold when you take them out. Works for me when I put about a pound in the fridge in the morning. They're usually ready to cook by evening. Hope it helps

HalfPint · Answer

Flavor has never been my issue with frozen cooked shrimp.  It is the texture that really suffers when you freeze cooked shrimp.  And no amount of doctoring or handling will make it better or hide it.  Sorry, not much help.  Maybe you can grind it up and make shrimp cakes (like crabcakes).

702551 · Answer

Don't thaw them in water, you'll just be washing away flavor, especially because they're already cooked. Just let defrost in the refrigerator.

How do you get the best flavor from frozen cooked shrimp? Should you thaw them in cold water with sea salt?

5 Comments

Popular on Food52

The Best Vanilla Extract Substitute Is Probably Hiding in Your Kitchen

11 Easy Dinner Recipes for When It's Been a Loooong Week

The 15 Best Pasta Salad Recipes to Make All Summer Long