Shrimp is without a doubt one of the most popular forms of seafood in the US and abroad. Compared to other types of seafood, like lobster for example, it is more affordable and can be just as delicious if prepared correctly. It is an extremely versatile shellfish and with a little experience, it is very easy to cook.

As the title of this article suggests, many people are looking for the best way to cook frozen shrimp. The reason this is such a popular question is because this shellfish freezes really well. Many of us, after buying a few, store them in the freezer for future use. In fact, most of the shrimp we buy is frozen before we buy it at the store. Even shrimp that are supposed to be fresh have most likely been recently thawed. There is nothing wrong with that, as I said before, this seafood freezes quite well.

Hopefully the shrimp you already have on hand are still in the shell. You should avoid, if possible, buying anything that has been peeled. Much of the flavor is in the skins, so if it had been previously peeled, it would have lost a lot of the essential flavor. Plus, if you peel it yourself, you can save the skins and use them to make a delicious stock that can be used in many other recipes.

Of all the various ways to cook shrimp, grilling and broiling are by far my favorite methods, as I believe they impart the best flavor and are fairly simple to prepare. Below is a recipe and instructions for marinating and grilling shrimp.

ABOUT THAWING FROZEN SHRIMPS

I recommend that you DO NOT use your microwave to thaw shrimp or any meat. I know from past experience that microwaving can partially cook meat during the defrosting process and also affects the flavor and texture of the meat. I usually take the shrimp out of the freezer a day or two before I plan to cook them, place them in a covered container, and thaw them in the fridge. If I’m in a hurry, I’ll put them in a colander and thaw them under cold running water.

ABOUT GRILLED SHRIMP

Grilling this delicious shellfish, preferably on a charcoal grill, provides intense flavor and holds up well on the grill. Some of the best types of ingredients that complement grilled shrimp are acidic like lemon, lime, orange, tomato, and vinegar. One of my favorite ways to grill them is to first marinate them in a citrus herb marinade. This is especially wonderful in the summer. It’s light, healthy, and goes great with an ice cold beer or glass of wine.

A NOTE BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Keep the shells on when marinating and grilling. Many recipes call for grilling without the shells. This is not recommended as the shells not only provide great flavor but also prevent the shrimp from overcooking and drying out. This isn’t necessary, but it’s also quite useful for keeping the tails on. After cooking, the tails provide an easy way to handle the shrimp as they are eaten.

GRILLED SHRIMP WITH CITRUS HERB MARINATION

INGREDIENTS

1 pound shrimp (thawed if frozen, in shell and deveined)

1/4 cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 1/2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

1/3 cup freshly chopped parsley

1/3 cup freshly chopped cilantro

2 garlic cloves minced

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

4 skewers – Bamboo or Metal. (If using bamboo, soak it in water for 15-20 minutes before grilling)

ADDRESSES

Step 1 – Devein Shrimp – Cut a 1/4-inch slit through the shell, on the back of the shrimp, and carefully remove the vein, leaving the shell intact.

Step 2 – In a large bowl, mix all ingredients except shrimp

Step 3 – Add the shrimp to the bowl with the marinade and toss to coat. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

Step 4 – When ready to cook, thread shrimp onto skewers and discard marinade.

Step 5 – Preheat grill to high and cook 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per side.

Well, there you have it. Now you have a good idea of ​​what to do with those frozen shrimp sitting in your freezer. I hope you enjoy the included summer roast recipe. Enjoy and happy eating!