Frozen Shrimp: The Ultimate Guide to Getting It Right

By the Joybuy Editorial Team

Frozen shrimp is the ultimate kitchen shortcut. It can save a weeknight dinner with an express stir-fry and elevate weekend appetisers. But once you're in front of the freezer aisle, it can be overwhelming: raw, cooked, deveined, tiger… How do you navigate the options and make the right choice for your recipe and your wallet?

No need to panic. We'll guide you step-by-step to choosing the perfect peeled frozen shrimp for you, with no marketing jargon.

The 3 Key Criteria for Making the Right Choice

Before diving into our selection, here are the essential points to check when you buy shrimp online or in-store.

1. Raw or Cooked: The Right Shrimp for Every Recipe

The choice between frozen raw shrimp and frozen cooked shrimp depends entirely on what you plan to make.

• Raw Shrimp (RAW): Grey and translucent, these need to be cooked. They are the ideal choice for hot dishes: shrimp for stir-fries, curries, pasta, or plancha grilling. By controlling the cooking time, you'll achieve a perfectly tender and juicy texture.
• Cooked Shrimp (Cooked): Beautifully pink, these are already cooked. Once thawed, they are ready to eat. Perfect for cold preparations: salads, verrines, sandwiches, or the classic shrimp cocktail appetiser.

2. Sizing: It's All About the Count

You've probably seen numbers like "31/40" on a bag. This is the size count: it indicates the number of shrimp per pound (about 450g). Rule of thumb: the smaller the number, the larger the shrimp.

• Large Size (e.g., 16/20, 21/25): Beautiful and large peeled shrimp, perfect for those who love a meaty bite. Ideal as a main course or simply seared on a plancha.
• Small Size (e.g., 71/90, 100/200): These smaller frozen cocktail shrimp are perfect for adding to a salad, a sauce, or for appetisers where quantity matters more than size.

3. Prep Level: How Hands-On Do You Want to Be?

Convenience is the greatest advantage of frozen products. It's up to you to choose your comfort level.

• Peeled: No more tedious peeling—the shell has already been removed. A precious time-saver in the kitchen.
• Deveined: The intestinal tract (the small black thread on the back) has been removed. Although perfectly edible, it's often removed for aesthetic reasons and to avoid a hint of bitterness. The peeled and deveined option is the pinnacle of convenience.
• Easy Peel: The back of the shrimp is slit to make removing the shell and vein easier. It's the smart compromise between a whole shrimp and a fully-prepared one.

Recommended Frozen Shrimp Options

Here are our top picks, tested and approved for their quality and ease of use.

1. Asian Choice 31/40 Black Tiger Shrimp, Headless, Peeled & Split Back, 1kg

Why we love it

These raw black tiger shrimp come with the "Easy Peel" preparation. With the shell already split down the back, peeling and deveining become a breeze. It's the ideal compromise for preserving maximum flavour while skipping the most tedious part.

Its strengths

• Firm texture: The Penaeus monodon species (black tiger shrimp) is known for its firm flesh that doesn't fall apart during cooking.
• Versatility: Perfect for pan-frying, grilling, or enhancing soups and stir-fries.
• Generous size: The 31/40 count is perfect for a main dish where the shrimp is the star.

Who is it for?

For those who like to control the cooking process and are looking for a quality shrimp for their Asian dishes, plancha recipes, or saucy creations.

2. Asian Choice Black Tiger Shrimp, 700g

Why we love it

This is the ultimate in convenience: frozen raw shrimp that are already peeled and deveined. Zero prep—just thaw and cook. That's it.

Its strengths

• 100% ready to cook: The saviour of weeknight dinners when time is short.
• Quality you can count on: The firm flesh of the black tiger shrimp ensures a delicious result every time.
• Clean ingredients: Just shrimp, water, and salt. No unnecessary additives.

Who is it for?

For families and busy professionals who want a healthy and ultra-fast solution without sacrificing taste. Ideal for an impromptu shrimp pasta or a quick vegetable stir-fry.

3. Asian Choice Peeled Cocktail Shrimp, 700g Net

Why we love it

These frozen cocktail shrimp are the turnkey solution for appetisers. Already cooked and peeled, you just need to thaw them. Their small size and delicate flavour are perfect for all cold preparations.

Its strengths

• Ready to eat: Zero cooking, just thawing.
• The star of the appetiser spread: Perfect for a classic shrimp cocktail, elegant verrines, or to garnish toasts.
• Cold versatility: They also fit perfectly into a mixed salad, spring rolls, or a poké bowl.

Who is it for?

For those who love to entertain without spending hours in the kitchen, or who simply want to add a chic, marine touch to their starters and salads.

Want to Explore Other Flavours?

Shrimp are excellent, but the culinary adventure doesn't stop there. To add variety and surprise your guests with exceptional products, explore our other gems.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do you quickly thaw frozen shrimp? The best method is a slow thaw in the refrigerator (allow several hours). In a hurry? Place the shrimp in a colander and run them under a stream of cold water for a few minutes. Warning: never use hot water! It will start the cooking process and ruin their texture.

2. Can you cook frozen shrimp without thawing them? This is strongly discouraged, especially for frozen raw shrimp. Cooking them from frozen can lead to uneven cooking, and your dish will be flooded with water, diluting all the flavours. The only exception: adding pre-cooked shrimp to a very hot soup at the end of cooking.

3. What's the difference between deveined and non-deveined shrimp? The "vein" is actually the shrimp's digestive tract, the thin black line on its back. Rest assured, it is perfectly edible. However, it's often removed for presentation and to avoid a potential sandy taste or slight bitterness. Choosing deveined shrimp saves you this step.