Prawns are a tasty source of protein and healthy fats. Frozen prawns are an ideal way to enjoy the delicacy all year round.
However, before using easy-to-cook frozen prawns in recipes, you must know how to defrost them properly. Here are a few ways to do this quickly and safely:
Boiling
A quick and easy way to cook frozen prawns is by boiling them. All you need to do is bring them up to a boil and then simmer them for a few minutes. Then you can eat them immediately or add them to a soup, pasta or wok.
When cooking frozen prawns by boiling, make sure you use cold water. Warm water can cause bacteria to breed. It’s also essential to change the water frequently.
Be careful when buying frozen prawns from the supermarket that you don’t get ones processed with sodium bisulphite or sodium tripolyphosphate. These chemicals can give the prawns a strange taste or texture. You can find frozen prawns that have not been treated with these additives in the freezer section of most shops. This can cost a little bit more, but it’s worth it for tasty, fresh-tasting prawns. You can also find recipes online that tell you how to prepare these prawns.
Microwave
Most of the prawns you buy in supermarkets have already been frozen for a few days to months. Using the microwave is a safe and quick way to reheat them, and they will still be tasty and crunchy.
Be sure to use a microwave-safe dish and not an oven-based one. Also, keep the prawns in a single layer and loosely cover them with a paper towel for best results. Microwave in short bursts and monitor attentively to avoid overcooking them. For more easy-to-cook frozen prawns, click here.
If you’re planning to add the prawns to Fettuccine Alfredo or another sauce that will be heated, simply combine them with the warm pasta and stir well. If you plan to sauté or grill your prawns, place them on a non-stick baking sheet and scatter them evenly. This will prevent them from clumping together, and they’ll cook more evenly, too. Be sure to season them generously with salt and pepper, a Cajun spice blend or a mix of herbs such as parsley, rosemary and basil.
Grilling
Frozen prawns that are already fully cooked can be quickly and easily reheated in the oven. They’re well suited to marinades and will absorb the flavours of any sauce they are cooked in.
If you’re frying them, cooking them in small batches is best. You can ensure they are browned evenly and don’t overcook.
You can also grill a frozen prawn, but it’s important to remember that they will need more time than fresh prawns. So, you should thaw them overnight in the fridge first.
The most common method for defrosting prawns is to place them in a colander inside a large mixing bowl. Fill the colander with cold water and leave to sit for 15-20 minutes. After the thawing time, lift the colander from the bowl and drain thoroughly. Thoroughly rinse the prawns before you proceed with cooking. (Don’t reuse the colander to thaw more prawns; this is dangerous). Alternatively, you can use ice cubes.
Sautéing
Prawns are a delicious, easy-to-cook seafood option. They provide a healthy dose of protein and omega-3 fats, as well as many vitamins and minerals. They can be found in the freezer section of most supermarket stores and are an excellent choice for people who don’t have a lot of cooking experience. For more easy-to-cook frozen prawns, click here.
To prepare a prawn cocktail, brush some olive oil on the prawns and cook them for 3-4 minutes on each side. They should be cooked and a little pink in colour. You can also use the same method to sauté frozen prawns. They will take less time to cook and are more adaptable to marinades than fresh prawns.
Add any seasoning you like to your prawns, such as salt and pepper, a Cajun or taco seasoning mix, or even rosemary, basil and garlic. Just be sure to coat the prawns with oil before adding them to your pan, and ensure they are spread out evenly so they cook evenly.