How to Choose the Right Frozen Shrimp for Your Kitchen

A star of cocktail parties and a lifesaver for impromptu meals, frozen shrimp are a freezer essential. But between raw frozen shrimp, pre-cooked versions, breaded options, and various sizes, making the right choice can be tricky. How do you find the perfect product for your recipe and your cravings??

This article provides clear guidelines and practical tips to help you buy shrimp online with confidence. Let's review the key criteria and discover our selection of products for every occasion.

Key Criteria for Choosing the Best Frozen Shrimp

To make the right choice, you only need a few key concepts to decipher labels and find the product you need.

1. Raw or Cooked?: A Matter of Use

The choice primarily depends on how you plan to use them.

• Raw frozen shrimp?: Ideal for cooking, their tender meat wonderfully absorbs the flavours of your sauces, marinades, or spices. They are perfect for woks, curries, garlic and parsley sautés, or barbecue grilling. By controlling the cooking process, you have complete command over the final texture.
• Cooked frozen shrimp?: Ready to use after thawing, they are a significant time-saver. They are the ideal solution for a quick appetiser (served with cocktail sauce), mixed salads, verrines, or gourmet sandwiches.

2. Size and Peeling?: The Details That Matter

These two pieces of information, always found on the packaging, are crucial for visual presentation and preparation.

• Size (Count)?: This refers to the number of shrimp per unit of weight. Most packaging uses the international standard based on the pound (about 450?g). For example, a 16/20 count means there are between 16 and 20 shrimp per pound. Just remember this: the smaller the number, the larger the jumbo shrimp. A large size is perfect for a beautiful presentation or for a dish where the shrimp is the star.
• Peeling?: Shrimp that are already peeled and deveined (sometimes labelled P&D for Peeled & Deveined) save you precious time in the kitchen. They are ready to use. Whole shrimp, on the other hand, are ideal for making stocks and broths, as their shells release intense flavours.

3. Plain or Breaded?: For Purists and Food Lovers

• Plain shrimp?: Raw or cooked, they offer maximum versatility and adapt to all your culinary inspirations.
• Frozen breaded shrimp?: Coated in a crispy breading (often Japanese panko), they are a delicious and quick-to-prepare option. A simple trip to the fryer or oven is all it takes for a fun dish, loved by kids and adults alike for a successful cocktail party.

Recommended Frozen Shrimp Options

Here are a few products we recommend, selected for their quality and suitability for your needs.

Asian Choice Raw P&D Black Tiger Shrimp 16/20

Highlights?: These Black Tiger shrimp impress with their generous size (16/20 count), ensuring a magnificent presentation on the plate. Already peeled and deveined (P&D), they are ready to cook—a real time-saver. Their firm, flavourful meat is suitable for a multitude of recipes.

Advantages:

• Jumbo shrimp for a "wow" factor.
• Ready to use?: already peeled and deveined.
• Firm meat that holds up perfectly during cooking.
• Very versatile?: grilling, woks, curries, pasta.

Who is it for?? For those who want to cook refined dishes with a quality product, without the hassle of peeling. Perfect for a festive meal or to impress your guests.

See the Asian Choice Black Tiger Shrimp

Asian Choice Frozen Breaded Shrimp (Ebi Fry)

Highlights?: Inspired by Japanese Ebi Fry, these panko-breaded shrimp (Japanese breadcrumbs) promise an unparalleled crunch. It's the delicious, ultra-fast solution for a quick dinner or an appetiser that stands out.

Advantages:

• Express preparation (about 3 minutes in the fryer).
• Ultra-crispy and flavourful texture.
• Ideal for an appetiser, a bento box, or as a main course with rice and vegetables.

Who is it for?? For families looking for a quick meal that's a guaranteed hit with kids, as well as for cocktail parties where you want to serve hot, addictive bites.

Discover the Asian Choice Breaded Shrimp

ESCAL Giant Cooked Shrimp Tails (ASC Certified)

Highlights?: These cooked shrimp tails combine convenience with responsible sourcing. Already cooked and peeled, they are ready to eat after a simple thaw. Their ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) certification guarantees they come from an aquaculture farm that respects the environment and local communities.

Advantages:

• Ready to eat?: no cooking required.
• ASC certified for responsible aquaculture.
• Generous size for a delicious tasting experience.
• Perfect for appetisers, salads, or protein-rich snacks.

Who is it for?? For consumers who are mindful of their food's origin and are looking for a healthy, express option. Ideal for a last-minute appetiser, a complete salad, or to garnish a seafood platter.

View the ESCAL Cooked Shrimp Tails

Haven't Found What You're Looking For??

Our selection highlights a few gems, but the ocean of possibilities is much wider. If you're looking for a specific size, a different preparation, or simply more choice, explore our full range.

Discover the Full Range of Shrimp

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Frozen Shrimp

Should you thaw shrimp before cooking them??

Yes, it's preferable for most cooking methods (pan-frying, griddling, barbecuing). Thaw them for a few hours in the refrigerator or run them under cold water, then pat them dry with a paper towel. This prevents them from releasing too much water and allows them to brown nicely. For dishes with sauces, soups, or curries, you can add them directly from frozen near the end of the cooking time.

How can you tell if frozen shrimp are still good??

Trust your senses and the packaging. Check the use-by date and ensure the product has been stored at -18?°C (0?°F). Dry, white spots (freezer burn) indicate a loss of quality, but not a safety hazard. The ultimate test: after thawing, the smell should be fresh and oceanic. A strong, ammonia-like odour means the shrimp are no longer safe to eat.

What is the difference between Black Tiger shrimp and classic pink shrimp??

The Black Tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) is distinguished by its striped shell when raw and its often larger size compared to the classic pink shrimp (Penaeus vannamei). In terms of taste, its meat is known to be firmer, and its more delicate, slightly sweet flavour makes it a choice product for gourmets.