In the frozen food aisle, choosing the right shrimp can often be a real puzzle. Between the different species, sizes, and preparation types (whole, peeled, raw, cooked), it's easy to get lost. So, how can you be sure you're picking the right product for a wok, a barbecue, or a simple salad??
This guide is here to help you make sense of it all. As a Product Expert at Joybuy, my mission is to decode the labels and provide you with practical buying tips. The goal: to give you all the tools you need to buy frozen shrimp with complete confidence, knowing exactly what you're putting in your basket.
Buying Guide: 3 Criteria for Choosing Your Frozen Shrimp
Before we get to our top picks, let's review the key points for making the right choice.
1. Understanding the Species: Black Tiger vs. Vannamei Shrimp
The type of shrimp directly influences the taste and texture of your dish. Two species dominate the market:
- Frozen Black Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon): Recognisable by their striped shells, Black Tiger shrimp are known for their firm flesh and more pronounced flavour. They hold up very well to cooking and are particularly popular for grilling on the barbecue or a plancha, where their impressive size always makes an impact.
- Vannamei Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei): Smaller in size, Vannamei shrimp have a milder flavour and a tender texture. Their versatility makes them an excellent choice for all kinds of recipes: stir-fried in a wok, added to pasta, risottos, curries, or salads.
2. Decoding Size and Preparation
The size, indicated by numbers like "16/20" or "41/50," corresponds to the number of shrimp per pound (about 450g) or per kilo. The smaller the number, the larger the shrimp.
- A 6/8 count denotes very large raw shrimp, ideal for a spectacular presentation.
- A 16/20 count corresponds to large shrimp, perfect for skewers.
- A 41/50 count indicates smaller shrimp, ideal for mixing with other ingredients.
The preparation type is also a matter of convenience:
- HOSO (Head-On, Shell-On): Whole, with head and shell. They are richer in flavour, and their heads are perfect for making a homemade stock or sauce.
- HLSO (Head-Less, Shell-On): Headless but with the shell on. A good compromise between flavour and simplicity. The EZP (Easy Peel) label means the shell is pre-split for easy peeling.
- P&D (Peeled & Deveined): Frozen peeled shrimp that have also been deveined. Ready to use, they save you precious time in the kitchen.
3. Glazing and Price Per Kilo
Glazing is a thin layer of ice that protects the shrimp from dehydration and freezer burn. It is expressed as a percentage (e.g., 25% glazing). A high glaze percentage means less shrimp for the same total weight. Remember to check this information to evaluate the net price of shrimp per kilo. Opting for home delivery for your frozen shrimp is also an excellent way to ensure the cold chain is perfectly maintained all the way to your freezer.
Our Frozen Shrimp Recommendations
Here are a few products we recommend, selected for their quality and versatility in the kitchen.
King Vannamei Shrimp 16/20 - 750g
- What sets it apart: These Vannamei shrimp combine a generous size (16/20) with the convenience of the "Easy Peel" format. They are headless (HLSO) but retain their shells, which preserves all their tenderness during cooking while making preparation much simpler.
- Highlights:
- 16/20 Count: Large pieces for an elegant presentation.
- Ready to Prep: The pre-split shell (EZP) makes peeling easy.
- Versatile: Ideal for grilling, steaming, or pan-frying.
- Who is it for?: For cooks looking for a good balance between the flavour of a shell-on shrimp and ease of use. Perfect for a dinner party or summer skewers.
Asian Choice Black Tiger Shrimp HOSO 6/8 - 1000g
- What sets it apart: These are very large frozen tiger shrimp (6/8 count), presented whole (HOSO). Their impressive size and striped appearance make them a premium choice for dishes where the shrimp is the star.
- Highlights:
- Very Large Count (6/8): Spectacular pieces for a "wow" factor.
- Whole (HOSO): The head and shell concentrate the juices, perfect for making an intense homemade stock.
- Firm Flesh: The texture of tiger shrimp is ideal for cooking on a plancha or grill.
- Who is it for?: For gourmets and cooking enthusiasts who want to impress their guests. Ideal for special occasions, seafood platters, or recipes that call for an intense seafood flavour.
Asian Choice Vannamei Shrimp P&D 41/50 - 1000g
- What sets it apart: These frozen peeled shrimp are the epitome of convenience. Fully peeled and deveined (P&D), they are ready to be tossed into the pan with no prep work required.
- Highlights:
- Ready to Use: No peeling or deveining needed, a precious time-saver.
- 41/50 Count: A perfect size for incorporating into dishes like woks, pasta, salads, or paellas.
- Mild Flavour: Vannamei shrimp pair easily with many sauces and spices without being overpowering.
- Who is it for?: For families and busy people who don't want to give up the pleasure of eating shrimp. It's the ideal solution for everyday meals.
Looking for Something Else?
Our selection only covers a fraction of the available options. If you're looking for different sizes, pre-cooked shrimp, or other seafood products, feel free to explore our full category.
Discover the full Fish and Shrimp range
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Should you thaw frozen shrimp before cooking? Yes, it is highly recommended to thaw them before cooking for perfect results. The gentlest method is to leave them in the refrigerator for several hours. For faster thawing, you can run them under a stream of cold water. Avoid the microwave, which can pre-cook the edges. Once thawed, pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels before cooking.
2. How can you tell if frozen shrimp are good quality? A good indicator is the IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) label, which means the shrimp were frozen individually. This prevents them from forming a solid block of ice and makes them easier to portion. Also, observe the appearance of the shrimp in the bag: they should be intact with few ice crystals, which is a sign that the cold chain has been well-maintained.
3. What is the price-per-kilo difference between fresh and frozen shrimp? The price per kilo of frozen shrimp is often more stable and affordable than that of fresh shrimp, whose price fluctuates with shipments and seasons. Freezing allows you to enjoy this product year-round at a controlled cost. The final price will always depend on the same factors: the species (Tiger shrimp are generally more expensive), the size (larger shrimp cost more), and the preparation type (pre-peeled shrimp are logically more expensive).
Published by the Joybuy Product Expert
