How to Prepare Fresh Shrimp for Freezing

Freezing fresh shrimp allows you to stretch the shelf-life of this delicacy. However, if you don't know what you're doing, you may find yourself with freezer-burned, inedible shrimp. Learn how to prepare your fresh shrimp for perfect freezing every time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fresh shrimp
• Airtight Containers
• Salt
• Water
• Freezer

1. Freeze the shrimp right after you bring them home. The colder your shrimp stay, the better they'll taste when thawed out.

2. Place the shrimp, shells on, in airtight containers. Fill the containers with water, nearly to the top,

3. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Place lids on your containers, making sure that they're sealed completely.

4. Place the containers in your freezer immediately. To thaw, place your airtight container in a larger container, and then fill with cold water. The water and shrimp will thaw completely within a few hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Freeze your shrimp in the portion sizes you expect to use them in, not as one large batch. That way you won't have to thaw all the shrimp each time you want some.
• Don't store frozen shrimp for more than 5 months. Even frozen solid in water, their quality will begin to deteriorate.
• Make sure that your shrimp never reaches room temperature for any extended period while raw. This will help you to avoid food-borne diseases and contamination.