Wondering how to thaw frozen shrimp quickly, easily, and most importantly - safely? It's simple! Stop stressing and learn to how defrost shrimp using three different methods depending upon how much time you have to prepare for cooking.
Night Before (recommended method): Suspend a colander over a large bowl. Remove the frozen shrimp from their packaging and place into the colander. Cover the colander with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator. Let the shrimp thaw in the refrigerator for 8-12 hours, or overnight. Once the shrimp are thawed, be sure to use them within 48 hours.
45 Minute Thaw (second best method): Remove the frozen shrimp from their packaging, discarding the package. Transfer the frozen shrimp to a large resealable storage bag. Then press all the air out before sealing the bag. Fill a large bowl with COLD water. Place the sealed bag of shrimp into the cold water. Then use a plate or other small heavy object to weigh the bag down and keep the frozen shrimp submerged in the cold water. Set aside on the counter and let the shrimp thaw for 40-50 minutes. Once the shrimp are thawed, be sure to use them within 48 hours.
15-20 Minute Thaw (emergency back-up method): Fill a large with COLD water. Remove the frozen shrimp from their packaging, discarding the package. Transfer the frozen shrimp to the bowl of cold water. Set aside on the counter and let the shrimp thaw, stirring every 5 minutes or so to break up large clumps of frozen shrimp, for 15-20 minutes. Once the shrimp are thawed, be sure to use them within 48 hours.(Note: While this is a safe method, it's important to note that moisture is the enemy of shrimp. Soaking them in water may cause the meat to become waterlogged. Make sure you thoroughly dry the shrimp before using.)
Notes
CAUTION: Never thaw frozen shrimp in the microwave, at room temperature, or in hot water.
Thawing shrimp at room temperature will cause the shellfish to enter to temperature “danger zone” – this is the range of temperatures where bacteria grow the most rapidly (between 40-140 degrees.)
Defrosting shrimp in the microwave will destroy the shrimp's delicate meat and cause the shrimp the enter the "danger" temperature zone.
Likewise, thawing shrimp is hot water will destroy the shrimp’s delicate meat, causing your shrimp to taste rubbery and gummy.