Frozen Shrimp Buying Guide: Top Picks for Quality and Value

Frozen shrimp is an indispensable kitchen staple. Convenient, delicious, and available year-round, it can save everything from an impromptu weeknight dinner to a festive feast. But navigating the vast array of choices in the frozen food aisle can be daunting. Raw or cooked?? What size should you choose?? And for which recipe??

As the Head of Product Recommendations at Joybuy, my goal is simple?: to empower you to make the best choice. This guide is designed to shed light on the options and help you find the frozen shrimp that perfectly match your needs, whether you're looking to buy shrimp online for the first time or hunting for the ideal ingredient for your next signature dish.

How to Choose the Best Frozen Shrimp??

Before we dive into our top picks, let's review the essential criteria to ensure you always make the right choice.

1. Raw or Cooked?: It's All About the Recipe

This is the first decision you'll need to make, and it depends entirely on how you plan to use them.

• Raw Shrimp?: Typically grey in colour, these are meant to be cooked. They are the ideal choice for sautéing in a pan with garlic and parsley, adding to a curry, grilling on the barbecue, or poaching in a broth. Peeled raw shrimp absorb flavours beautifully, and their texture remains firm and juicy. They give you complete control over the final cooking and taste.
• Cooked Shrimp?: Recognisable by their beautiful pink-orange hue, these are the ultimate convenience option. Once thawed, they are ready to use. Perfect for whipping up a quick salad, stuffing an avocado, preparing appetiser cups, or creating a classic shrimp cocktail.

2. The Count?: How to Decode Shrimp Sizes

You've likely seen numbers like "?21/25?" or "?100/200?" on the packaging. This is the count, which corresponds to the number of shrimp per pound (about 450?g). The rule is simple?: the smaller the number, the larger the shrimp.

• A count of 21/25 means there are between 21 and 25 shrimp per pound. These are large shrimp, perfect for taking centre stage on a plate, served on skewers, or simply pan-fried.
• Conversely, a 100/200 count contains between 100 and 200 small shrimp. These are ideal for tossing into salads, sauces, stuffings, or risottos.

3. The Preparation Level?: A Matter of Convenience

Convenience is often a deciding factor.

• P&D (Peeled & Deveined)?: This acronym means the shrimp are already peeled and deveined. It's the easiest option for raw shrimp, saving you the chore of peeling and deveining.
• PUD (Peeled Undeveined)?: Here, the shrimp are "peeled but not deveined." The small black vein (the digestive tract) is still present.
• Breaded Shrimp?: For a quick and gourmet appetiser, options like shrimp fritters or tempura shrimp are ready to be fried or baked. Effortless crispiness?!

Top Frozen Shrimp Recommendations

Here is a selection of products that cater to different needs, from main courses to appetisers.

For Homemade Dishes?: Asian Choice Raw Vannamei Shrimp P&D 21/25

Why It Stands Out These Vannamei shrimp come raw, already peeled and deveined (P&D). Their generous size (21/25) makes them the perfect ingredient for dishes where the shrimp is the star. The large 1?kg bag is ideal for family meals or for keeping a well-stocked freezer.

Highlights

• Ready to cook?: Already peeled and deveined, they are a precious time-saver in the kitchen.
• Versatile?: Perfect for grilling, pan-frying, curries, or pasta dishes.
• Impeccable texture?: Flash-frozen right after the catch to guarantee firm flesh and a fresh taste after cooking.

Who is it for?? For those who love to cook and want full control over seasoning and cooking from start to finish. They are ideal for large gatherings and for anyone looking for quality large shrimp to elevate their recipes.

For Quick Meals?: Perfit Cooked Shrimp PUD 100/200

Why It Stands Out These shrimp are the epitome of convenience. Already cooked and peeled, you just need to thaw them to add to your cold dishes. Their small size (100/200) is perfect for mixing into a salad or using as a garnish.

Highlights

• Ready to use?: No cooking, no prep. Just thaw and they're ready to go?!
• Speed?: The perfect solution for a quick and healthy weeknight meal.
• High in protein?: An excellent addition to turn a simple salad into a complete meal.

Who is it for?? For active individuals and busy families who want to eat healthy without spending hours in the kitchen. It's also the secret ingredient for whipping up a shrimp cocktail or appetiser cups in a flash.

For Gourmet Appetisers?: Asian Choice Breaded Torpedo Shrimp

Why It Stands Out These tempura-style breaded shrimp bring the restaurant experience to your table. The light, crispy coating envelops a whole shrimp, creating a delightful textural contrast. The generous pack size (62-66 pieces) is ideal for special occasions.

Highlights

• Ultra-fast to prepare?: Just a few minutes in the fryer or oven, and they're perfectly golden and crispy.
• Addictive texture?: The tempura batter, lighter than traditional breadcrumbs, makes all the difference.
• Perfect for entertaining?: A crowd-pleasing appetiser that everyone will love.

Who is it for?? For anyone who loves hosting drinks, get-togethers with friends, or simply wants to enjoy an indulgent, comforting treat. The perfect alternative to homemade shrimp fritters, without the kitchen mess.

Want to Explore Other Options??

Our selection covers three main uses, but the world of frozen seafood is much richer. If you're looking for other sizes, whole shrimp for a homemade stock, or other fish and seafood, feel free to browse our complete department.

Discover Our Full Range of Frozen Fish and Seafood

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do you properly thaw frozen shrimp??

To preserve their texture and flavour, the best method is slow thawing. Place the shrimp in a colander over a bowl and leave them in the refrigerator for several hours (or even overnight). If you're in a hurry, put the shrimp in a sealed bag and submerge it in a large bowl of cold water for 30 to 60 minutes, changing the water every 15 minutes. Above all, avoid the microwave, which can cook them unevenly.

What does the count (e.g.,?21/25) on a package of shrimp mean??

The count indicates the approximate number of shrimp per pound (454?g). A count of "?21/25?" means that one pound contains between 21 and 25 shrimp. Just remember that the smaller the number, the larger the shrimp. This system standardises the size so you know exactly what you're buying.

Can you cook shrimp while they are still frozen??

Yes, for some recipes, it's possible. You can toss your still-frozen shrimp directly into a simmering soup, curry, or sauce-based dish. Just remember to extend the cooking time by a few minutes. However, for quick cooking methods (pan-frying, griddling, barbecuing), it's essential to thaw them beforehand to ensure even cooking and prevent them from releasing too much water.