Freezer Burnt Shrimp: Can You Eat Them?

You’ve been craving shrimp and reach for a container in the freezer to start prepping your favorite meal when you notice that something about the shrimp isn’t quite right. Before assuming the worst, it may just be a case of freezer burn.

The good thing is that there are great ways to still cook and enjoy freezer burnt shrimp. All the same, learn to properly store shrimp to lessen the chances of it happening again and get the top methods for thawing frozen shrimp. 

What is Freezer Burn?

Freezer burn occurs when air gets into frozen foods causing them to dehydrate. This loss of moisture alters the texture and quality of the foods. It can occur due to freezing foods for too long, improper storage or changes in the freezer temperature. The first way you’ll be able to spot freezer burnt food is by the crystals that form on the packages of your food while they’re still frozen.  

How to Tell if the Shrimp is Freezer Burnt

You remove your shrimp from the freezer and something just doesn’t look right. Oh no! If you’re not too sure, look for a few or all of the following signs which will confirm that your shrimp is in fact freezer burnt: 

• They look dry and tough  
• They’re opaque
• White spots and discolouration is visible 

What Does Freezer Burnt Shrimp Taste Like?

Freezer burnt shrimp still tastes good especially when incorporated into an amazing recipe. However, depending on the extent of the freezer burn, you may find that it loses some of its flavor. 

Is It Safe to Eat Freezer Burnt Shrimp?

Freezer burn affects the quality and texture of the shrimp. That said, the safety isn’t compromised so it’s definitely safe to consume freezer burnt shrimp.  Just bear in mind that recipes with sauces and broths are preferred as they are better able to restore some of the moisture to the shrimp. 

How to Freeze Shrimp

The best way to freeze shrimp is to vacuum seal it before placing it in the freezer. If using an airtight, freezer-safe container then wrap it in foil or plastic first before placing it in the container. Be sure to write the date you placed it in the freezer and use it within 6 months for the best results. 

Tips for Preventing Freezer Burn 

• Vacuum sealing the bag: This is one of the best ways to freeze foods if you happen to have a vacuum sealer at home or you’re willing to invest in one. It’s always better to have 2 layers of protection so vacuum seal the food in a bag and repeat with another bag before placing it in the freezer. 
• Best containers to prevent freezer burn: Freezer burn is caused by air entering foods so that’s exactly what you want to avoid. Therefore, the best containers to use are any airtight and freezer-safe containers. 
• Don’t leave them in the freezer for too long: Against your best efforts, foods that have been left in the freezer too long won’t stand much of a chance. Use labels to keep track of all the dates on your frozen foods. 

How Long Does Frozen Raw Shrimp Last in the Freezer?

Once packaged well as indicated above, shrimp can last for anywhere between 3 to 6 months in the freezer. For best results, don’t go beyond the 6-month mark.  Refer to the dates on the packaging or if you purchase shrimp that isn’t pre-packaged and labeled then be sure to add your dates when freezing. A good tip when freezing shrimp is to package it in servings as refreezing thawed shrimp can significantly damage the quality.

How to Defrost Shrimp

Defrost shrimp by placing the package or container in a bowl of cold water for 45 minutes. Use a heavy object or lid to ensure that it remains fully submerged. To speed up the process, empty the shrimp directly into the cold water and it’ll be ready in approximately 20 minutes.

If you’re planning in advance then you can simply thaw it overnight. Place the package of shrimp in a bowl and leave it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. 

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How to Cook Freezer Burnt Shrimp

While you can cook freezer burnt shrimp in the same way as shrimp without freezer burn, it won’t be as soft and juicy. It’s therefore recommended that you cook it in dishes with broth or sauce which help to restore some of the moisture. Some ideas include shrimp scampi, seafood boil, marinated shrimp, jambalaya, paella as well as soups and chowder

Keyword Freezer Burnt Shrimp

Servings 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound frozen burnt shrimp
• seasonings such as salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Fill a large pot halfway with water and bring it to a boil.
• Add frozen shrimp to the pot, submerging completely.
• Cover the pot and cook for 2-5 minutes depending on size.