Buying fresh seafood is part of a festive Australian tradition, but with queues and price pressures on the rise, are there hip-pocket benefits to buying frozen?
Freezing seafood can be done while still at sea, which prevents it from spoiling until it reaches the store shelf. And it’s excellent for prawn lovers as it preserves their firm texture and sweetness. For more fresh frozen prawns, check this out!
How are they frozen?
Prawns are one of the most popular seafood choices in the UK. They’re easy to cook, versatile and taste delicious. If you have leftovers or are cooking more than you can eat, it’s essential to know how to store them correctly to keep them fresh for longer.
Ryan Chee, who works in FairPrice’s seafood department, explains that frozen-thawed prawns are almost the same as ‘live’ ones. They are alive before quick freezing, which helps lock in the nutrients and the prawn’s juices.
Frozen prawns can be kept in the freezer for up to 18 months if stored properly. They can be frozen in a bag or a container but remember to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag or container with the date you bought them and when they need to be used. Keeping them in the freezer this way makes adding them to soups, stir-fries, and grilling more accessible, as you can quickly break off whatever amount you need.
How long do they stay frozen?
When frozen correctly, prawns will stay fresh for up to three months. It is advisable to use them within that timeframe to ensure their quality and flavour are preserved.
Seafood can deteriorate rapidly in the fridge if not appropriately handled. Prawns can carry harmful bacteria if not kept cold enough. This can cause food poisoning, resulting in vomiting or diarrhea. For more fresh frozen prawns, check this out!
When you purchase your prawns, run them under cold water before placing them in the freezer. You can also choose to peel them at this point. However, keeping the shells on as they insulate and protect the prawns during freezing is a good idea.
Place the prawns in a freezer bag or container, ensuring you squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Label the container with the date of purchase and the date they should be used. Place the bag in the coldest part of your freezer, usually the rear centre.
How do I know if they’re fresh?
Shrimps sold in the grocery store have been thawed and refrozen before reaching you. Therefore, they can only stay fresh briefly before spoilage sets in. Frozen prawns, on the other hand, have been frozen immediately after they are caught or harvested. This ensures that they are fresher than any shrimp you could buy at the grocery store that has been thawed and refrozen a few times.
Fresh prawns have a light, ocean-like smell and are firm to the touch. They also have tight, curled tails that are not dry or mushy. Avoid buying prawns with cracks or damage to their shells or tails, as this may indicate they are no longer fresh.
Prawns are individually quickly frozen (IQF), meaning each prawn is kept separately from others, making it easy to separate them when defrosted. This ensures that your prawns will be plump and juicy without any of the indicators of spoilage that you might find in a mushy or slimy prawn. For more fresh frozen prawns, check this out!
How do I defrost them?
The best way to thaw raw prawns before cooking is in cold water. Ensure that the water you’re using is icy – warm water can cause your prawns to boil before you’re ready to put them on heat, resulting in overcooked or chewy prawns.
Fill a colander or large bowl with cold water and place the frozen prawns into it, ensuring they’re completely submerged. Leave them to thaw for about 15 minutes. When the time is up, lift the prawns and pat them dry with a paper kitchen towel.
This method is perfect if you know you’ll be out all day and must make something quick for dinner. It’s also the fastest and safest way to defrost prawns. Avoid microwaving prawns or any other seafood.