Freezing Shrimp

To freeze fresh raw shrimp or prawns, head them and keep shells on, then pack in heavy-duty plastic quart-sized containers, completely submerged in a very light brine or just fresh water. Heavy-duty containers work better than plastic freezer bags because the shells don’t pierce the plastic. Freezing shrimp in water prevents freezer burn and dry-out, and retains flavor and texture. Shell and de-vein the shrimp after they defrost. Raw headless shrimp in the shell maintain quality during freezing longer than frozen, cooked shrimp and are best if frozen at the peak of freshness. Frozen raw shrimp stored like this maintains quality for approximately 6-7 months, though it can be kept longer with little loss in quality.