When there’s leftover shrimp, it’s common to pop it straight into the freezer. However, this can lead to a loss of freshness, resulting in the shrimp becoming mushy when cooked.
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In this article, Bếp Eva will share three simple shrimp preservation methods used by fishermen. With these tips, your shrimp will stay fresh and firm, even after being frozen for several days.
Using Plastic Bottles
Don’t throw away those empty plastic bottles! They can be very useful for shrimp storage.
– Get some clean plastic bottles with a capacity of about 500ml.
– Rinse the shrimp and fill the bottles with water.
– Tighten the bottle caps and place them in the freezer compartment of your refrigerator.
When you’re ready to use the shrimp, simply soak the bottle in clean water. It will take about two hours for the shrimp to defrost, and then you can start cooking.
Using Ziplock Bags
If plastic bottles take up too much space, try using ziplock bags instead.
– Rinse the shrimp thoroughly, trim the whiskers and claws, and place them on a food tray.
– Add water to completely cover the shrimp and place the tray in the freezer.
– Once the water is frozen, take the tray out and gently tap it to separate the shrimp, ensuring each one is coated in a layer of ice.
– Place the iced shrimp into ziplock bags and store them in the freezer.
When you’re ready to use them, simply soak the bags in clean water to defrost the shrimp naturally.
Using Sugar
Rinse the shrimp and place them in a food container. For every layer of shrimp, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar. This will help maintain the moisture and freshness of the shrimp.
Cover the container tightly and place it in the freezer.
Some Tips for Shrimp Preservation
– It’s best to buy fresh shrimp for freezing. Avoid using dead or spoiled shrimp as they won’t have the same nutritional value or taste.
– Don’t put shrimp directly into the refrigerator without water, as this will affect their freshness.
– Make sure to package the shrimp properly to prevent their strong odor from affecting other foods in the fridge.
– Keep the shrimp submerged in water to ensure they stay moist.
– When defrosting, use cold water instead of hot water.
– Technically, frozen shrimp can be stored for up to a year. However, nutritionists do not recommend this, as the quality of the shrimp may deteriorate, and it could potentially affect your health.
Using the above methods, your shrimp will stay fresh for several months without turning black or spoiling. When cooked, the meat will be firm and tasty, and you won’t have to worry about it becoming mushy. With these preservation methods, you can enjoy fresh shrimp every day without having to go to the market early in the morning.
Check out this super simple and delicious shrimp recipe:
Shrimp in Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
– Shrimp: 500g
– Tomato sauce: 4 tablespoons
– Cooking wine: 1 teaspoon
– Salt
– Garlic: 5 cloves
– Sugar: 2 tablespoons
– Ginger: 1 knob
– Whole peppercorns: 1 teaspoon
– Cooking oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
– Rinse the shrimp and remove the claws and whiskers. Make a slit along the back and remove the vein.
– Marinate the shrimp with fresh ginger, cooking wine, and peppercorns for about 15 minutes.
– Mince the garlic.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
– Heat some oil in a pan and sauté the shrimp until both sides turn reddish. Then, turn off the heat.
Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce
– Add oil to the pan and fry the garlic until golden.
– When the garlic is fragrant, add 4 tablespoons of water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce. Stir well and let the sauce simmer.
Step 4: Add the Shrimp
– Put the shrimp into the pan and mix well to coat them with the sauce.
Step 5: Finish Up
– Dish out the shrimp and garnish with chopped scallions.
This shrimp in tomato sauce dish is perfect when served with white rice. The shrimp have a beautiful golden color, and the meat is firm and flavorful, with the delicious combination of tomato and garlic.
The Ultimate Guide to Storing Shrimp: A Simple Trick to Keep Them Fresh and Odor-Free
“Preserving fresh shrimp is an age-old culinary conundrum, but our expert chef has a sweet solution – a simple sugar syrup. In this insightful guide, we reveal the secrets to keeping your shrimp succulent and flavorful for longer. With this knowledge, you’ll never have to hesitate to buy shrimp in bulk again. Indulge in the delights of the sea without worry, and become a master of shrimp storage.”