Frozen Prawns: Things You Should Know
Most prawns you buy in stores are frozen. That’s a good thing. Freezing stops enzymes that break down the prawn’s body and slows bacteria growth.
Frozen prawns are safe to cook and taste as delicious as fresh ones. These gourmet frozen prawns can be boiled, grilled or sauteed in many ways.
Freshness
When choosing frozen prawns, look for high-quality, fresh products. You should choose a supplier awarded the BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices) or Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) accreditation. These certifications indicate that the prawns have been harvested in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. The premium you pay may be worth it for the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your prawns have been treated well and are safe to consume.
To determine the freshness of a prawn, you can test its body by pressing on it. A healthy prawn should have a smooth and shiny shell. It should also have a pleasant smell rather than a foul odour. If a prawn is dead, its head will turn black and produce a foul smell because of its decomposing protein.
Prawns have a short shelf life and are often frozen right after being caught to preserve their freshness. This process is important because it prevents bacterial growth and ensures the prawns are safe when thawed. This method also helps preserve the texture of the prawns and reduce the amount of water they release during thawing. The result is a prawn with the same appearance and taste as before freezing. This makes frozen prawns suitable for all fresh prawn cooking methods.
Quality
From prawn sandwiches to a tray of hors d’oeuvres, prawns are an all-year favourite. Their rich protein content makes them an excellent dietary choice, and they are also low in fat. However, many different species of prawns are on the market, varying in size, quality and price.
To determine the best gourmet frozen prawns, you should look for various labels on the packaging. Typically, the count (a number indicating how many prawns are in a kilo) and the source are important quality indicators. In addition, look for the BAP label, demonstrating that the prawns have been raised sustainably. The MSC label, on the other hand, identifies wild prawns that have been caught responsibly.
The quality of frozen prawns depends on the processing and freezing procedures they undergo. Ideally, you should avoid those that have been treated with sodium bisulphite or with sodium tripolyphosphate. These additives make a prawn absorb water, affecting its cooked texture and increasing the product’s weight. If you cook your prawns in too much water, they won’t sear or saute as well and will have a rubbery texture.
Frozen prawns should be defrosted overnight in the refrigerator before being cooked. You can also place them in a bowl of cold salt water for a few minutes to defrost them quickly. If you buy IQF prawns, they can be defrosted in the sink in under an hour.
Reliability
Frozen prawns are handled professionally and hygienically to avoid cross contamination, making them as safe as fresh ones. They are also much more convenient and affordable. It is a common myth that frozen seafood is of inferior quality, but this is not true. Ryan Chee, who handles the prawns at FairPrice’s fresh seafood department, says that frozen-thawed prawns are just as good as those sold at restaurants and supermarkets. The key is to choose a reliable supplier and buy from them when the prices are low.
Price
It’s important to know that the fresh prawns at the seafood counter of your local grocery store have most likely been frozen at some point. These prawns are typically sold at a higher price to compensate for their time in a display case. If you’re shopping for the best frozen prawns online, you can get more bang for your buck by buying them from a supplier that has invested in high-quality freezing technology.
One of the simplest ways to compare prices is to look at the count per pound. This number will tell you how many prawns are in a pound. Generally, the more prawns in a pound, the better the quality. You can also check a prawn supplier’s website to see how many prawns they sell in a pound.
The most expensive gourmet frozen prawns are those caught in the wild. These prawns are more flavorful and succulent, and their premium price reflects their superior quality and stewardship of the ocean. If you’re comparing prices for a bag of prawns, be sure to factor in the shipping and processing costs.