14 hours Ago By [email protected] (Keira Wingate)
Sometimes the best way to keep seafood on hand is by buying what comes frozen. This offers some meal stability and quick options, as frozen shellfish like shrimp or can last up to a year in the freezer. So, if you are in a pinch for time and want to make a delicious shrimp scampi to go along with your , you'll need to know the best way to thaw out your frozen shellfish! The best way to thaw shrimp is to keep them overnight in the fridge.
Place the bag of shrimp on a baking dish or in a bowl with paper towels to soak up any leaks that may occur. Doing it this way will allow the shrimp to stay within a safe temperature, meaning the fridge should be at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Thawing overnight in the fridge also makes sure the texture and flavor are not impacted.
Overall, thawing in the fridge can take anywhere from 12 to 24 hours. Now, the fastest way is a bit easier. If you forgot to take it out the night before, you can thaw frozen shrimp by putting them in cold water for 1 to 2 hours, but you will have to change the water every 30 minutes to make sure it remains cold.
(Depending on the size of the shrimp, they may thaw faster.) No matter the method, you'll know it's thawed when it becomes translucent. Once you see the proper color, remove the shrimp immediately from the water and cook quickly so it doesn't go bad.
How to avoid rotten shrimp Whether you choose the best way or the fastest way, it's good to know the proper way to thaw shrimp as doing it incorrectly could lead to a world of problems. By doing it via cold water over a short period, you do open the door for the possibility of the shrimp entering "Danger Zone" temperatures, per the . Bacteria grows between 40 degrees and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which is why it's important to switch out the water every 30 minutes, as the water will slowly warm up over time.
Moreover, if you choose to thaw it out in the fridge, do not take it out of the fridge until ready to cook. Now, if you're serving the shrimp warm, keep it heated until time to eat or put it in the fridge and simply reheat it when the time is right. If serving cold, keep it on ice if it's going to be out for more than two hours.
You are now an expert on thawing frozen shrimp and can pick up your latest bag, but when rummaging the aisle. Recommended.
