Adding shrimp to your meal is a fast and straightforward way to boost nutrition and flavour. Our shell-on frozen prawns are cooked whole and frozen to lock in sweet, succulent meat. Try something simple like salt and pepper, a Cajun spice blend or taco seasoning. It’s the perfect finishing touch to a meal and will impress your guests!
Cooking frozen prawns straight from the freezer is a fast and easy option for broiling, sauteing, air frying, or poaching. Just make sure to rinse off ice crystals quickly before cooking. For more information about the shell-on frozen prawns, click here.
Defrost
The most common way to defrost shell-on frozen prawns is by placing them in a colander inside a mixing bowl and running cool water over the top of the colander. This is safe if the water is changed frequently, every 15-20mins or so.
Using cold water rather than warm prevents bacteria from breeding and ensures that the prawns are evenly defrosted. Another method is to place them in a Ziploc bag and run cold water over the bag, periodically moving the prawns around. However, this is not the preferred method since it wastes water, and the prawns may soak up too much water and become waterlogged.
The most important thing to remember when defrosting prawns is never using a microwave. The heat from the microwave can cause bacteria to breed, and it can also cook the prawns unevenly so that some of them are overcooked when cooked in your dish.
Cook
For dinner, try a simple saute with garlic and butter. You can add rosemary or sage to the mix for extra flavour. The shrimp are delicious but fantastic. Pair them with pasta or rice for a more filling meal. For more information about the shell-on frozen prawns, click here.
When frying or grilling, it’s essential to cook the shrimp until they curl slightly and become pink and firm. To ensure they sear, don’t overcrowd the pan, and flip them regularly for an evenly cooked shrimp.
Frozen shell-on prawns also benefit from the same brining bath that peeled and deveined ones do, which helps enhance their juicy, succulent texture.
If you’re cooking these whole shell-on king prawns on the barbecue, add some melted butter mixed with a handful of minced garlic to the pan before adding the prawns. Then, baste them with the butter and season to taste. This is a quick and easy dinner that’s sure to impress.
Add Flavour
Aside from the convenience factor, shell-on frozen prawns add texture that may surprise your dinner guests. The shell becomes crisp when cooked over high heat, adding a crunchy texture to this delicious seafood dish.
Season your shrimp with desired spices or herbs, such as kosher salt, black pepper, cajun seasoning, taco seasoning, rosemary or paprika. Try different combinations until you find your favourite.
If you are sauteing the prawns, choose an oil suitable for high-heat cooking, such as avocado or olive oil. Add a few cloves of minced garlic to the pan for additional flavour.
Cook the prawns until they curl slightly and turn pink and firm. Remove from the heat and serve. Garlic is low in calories but packs a powerful punch of flavour. If you use a marinade, allow the prawns to cool in the liquid before serving. The acid in the marinade may break down the delicate prawn meat if it sits too long. For more information about the shell-on frozen prawns, click here.
Serve
Frozen shell-on prawns are as delicious and as versatile as fresh, without the risk of contamination or parasites. They’re also a nutrition powerhouse with plenty of vitamins and minerals.
When cooking from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results. Defrosting in the microwave or under running water can be unsafe as it will cook the prawns before they’re softened.
When grilling or sauteing, cook the prawns on skewers for easier handling and to avoid losing them to the coals. Brush the prawns with melted butter mixed with seasonings of your choice when they’re finished cooking to add flavour. Try something simple like salt and pepper, a Cajun spice blend or taco seasoning. It’s the perfect finishing touch to a meal and will impress your guests!