Frozen Prawns: How to Prepare Gourmet Frozen Prawns
Frozen prawns are an excellent alternative to fresh. They are safe, super convenient, and can take on a range of flavours when cooked.
Thawing prawns quickly is easy and only requires two essential kitchen equipment: a colander and a mixing bowl big enough for them to sit in. Be sure to change the cold water frequently, as this helps to prevent bacteria from breeding. For more gourmet frozen prawns, check this out.
Quality & Freshness
Whether you’re planning to make Sambal Petai Prawns for the kids or a quick and easy Zi Char Cereal Prawns, the quality of your frozen prawns is crucial. High-quality prawns that have been well-packaged help you get the best results when making these popular seafood dishes.
Seafood can spoil rapidly, mainly when transported long distances and stored improperly. Fortunately, modern freezing techniques allow seafood to be frozen adequately while still at sea within minutes of being caught. It ensures that fresh seafood’s texture, flavour and aroma are retained until it’s ready to be eaten.
Moreover, a good seafood distributor will have rigorous checks and controls to ensure their frozen prawns meet the highest quality standards. Likewise, they will also only carry certified fish with sustainable and environmental credentials. It will ensure that your prawns have been ethically and sustainably sourced. As such, you can be confident that your gourmet frozen prawns will taste great and cook just as deliciously as their fresh counterparts.
Cooking Instructions
Frozen prawns can be cooked just as you would fresh ones. They can be boiled, steamed, grilled, baked or sauteed. They can also be added to pasta or stir fry dishes. To ensure that your prawns are fully cooked, look for the tail and body to curl into a “C” shape and check that they’re opaque or pinkish-white. For more gourmet frozen prawns, check this out.
Always change your thawing water frequently to prevent bacteria from growing in it. You can thaw your prawns in the refrigerator overnight or, if time is of the essence, seal them in a leak-proof plastic bag and submerge them in cold water for 30 minutes. Remove them from the bag and pat them dry before cooking them.
Storage
Prawns can be stored in your fridge at a temperature between 32 and 38 degrees Celsius (ideally at the bottom of your refrigerator). To help them last as long as possible, place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. It will prevent any leakage or odours from ruining them.
If you plan on freezing your prawns, we recommend first soaking them in cold water with a bit of baking soda (around 1 tsp per 2 cups) for about half an hour before placing them in the freezer to prevent shrinking. It also helps to prevent freezer burn.
It is essential to store all foods properly to maintain their quality and safety. Food left out at room temperature will deteriorate and may become dangerous to eat. Prawns that smell fishy or have a slimy texture are likely to be spoiled and should not be eaten.
Recipes
Prawns are undeniably a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes. These crustaceans can elevate any dish, whether served dangling over martini glasses for a prawn cocktail or paired with a simple mâche salad for a quick and easy seafood dinner. For more gourmet frozen prawns, check this out.
Frozen prawns are also great for seafood dishes requiring quick cooking, such as this pan-fried garlic butter prawn recipe. This effortless recipe is a perfect meal for a busy weeknight. It can be served with creamy mousseline potatoes or caramelized Brussels sprouts for an impressive party-worthy dinner.
Frozen prawns are safe to cook directly from frozen, but if you choose to thaw them first, they are recommended to be boiled, steamed, grilled, or baked. For best results, thaw the prawns in the refrigerator overnight or submerge them in cold salt water for up to 30 minutes (refer to cooking instructions on the package for specific timing). When cooked, a prawn should curl slightly and become pink and firm. For more gourmet frozen prawns, check this out.