Frozen prawns offer the convenience of seafood without visiting the fishmonger every time. Their flavour is as good as fresh and can be used for all cooking methods without worry.
Defrosting prawns before cooking them is an essential step, as it prevents overcooking and guarantees they remain soft and juicy when done.
Defrost
Frozen prawns offer the convenience of seafood without the hassle of finding fresh catch. They can be frozen ahead and thawed when needed, making them an excellent option for those far away from the ocean who cannot travel to get fresh fish.
Defrosting frozen prawns NZ is simple and can be used in numerous recipes. But, if you want to do it safely, you should follow a few steps to ensure the quality and health of your seafood remains unharmed.
One of the essential steps you can take when defrosting frozen prawns is keeping your water super cold. It will guarantee optimal results when thawing out your frozen seafood.
Another essential step before cooking your prawns is to season them with salt. It will make them more juicy and aromatic.
Defrosting frozen prawns NZ is possible through several methods, but placing them in cold water is the most efficient. It will thaw them quickly and evenly, taking only minutes!
When cooking prawns using this method, ensure they are taken out of their water before being cooked. Doing so will help them cook evenly and prevent overcooked spots on the outside.
Another safe way to defrost frozen prawns is to place them in a polybag and leave them in the refrigerator for 8 hours. It will guarantee they are completely thawed before cooking while helping reduce any bacteria present.
Cook
Frozen prawns are an ideal way to increase the seafood you consume in your diet. You can use them for dishes like fish soups, pasta and stir-fries; plus, they take very little time to prepare if you’re short on time.
However, it is essential to properly defrost frozen prawns to preserve their freshness and prevent food poisoning. Several methods are available for defrosting prawns; each will produce a high-quality product ready for use.
Defrosting prawns quickly and efficiently is done by running them under cold water. It will expedite thawing, decreasing cooking time significantly.
To guarantee the prawns are cooked thoroughly, add salt to the water. It will enhance flavour and prevent them from overcooking. Mix a small amount of salt with 8-9 cups (1.9-2.1 L) of water – enough for 1 pound (0.45 kg) of prawns.
You can also add some aromatics and flavourings to the water. For example, try half a lemon with its juice squeezed, 3-4 garlic cloves, 1/4 of an onion, parsley leaves, or 12-15 peppercorns–all are easy additions that enhance the dish without compromising the quality of the prawns.
It is also beneficial to change the water frequently during thawing, as hot water can leach the flavour out of prawns, affecting the overall taste of your dish.
Defrosting prawns as soon as possible after purchase is essential to guarantee they’re safe to consume. Left unchecked, they become vulnerable to bacteria and may become unsafe, mainly if you use them in dishes requiring more prolonged cooking, such as curry or stir-fries.
Preparation
Prawns are an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes. They can be boiled, steamed, sauteed or grilled. Before cooking prawns, it is essential to defrost them thoroughly; otherwise, your cooked ones may become rubbery and chewy, making for an unpleasant and unappealing dish.
Thankfully, it’s simple to prepare frozen prawns for cooking. The first step is thawing them at room temperature or in the microwave in short bursts of 10-15 seconds, preventing them from sticking together and allowing you to cook quickly.
Prawns can be pan-fried or stir-fried to enhance their flavour. Do this in a wok or pan over medium heat, occasionally tossing until evenly coated.
Grilling prawns over high heat can add a barbecue flavour. It is an excellent way to get them extra crispy. To marinate them, mix up either a sauce or mayonnaise-based dressing before cooking them.
For this dish, you will need tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and some Tabasco sauce for extra heat. Serve it atop warm crusty bread as a sandwich, or toss it with cooked pasta and grains for an energising salad.
Creamy Garlic Prawns, a classic comfort food, are easy to make and the perfect addition to any meal. They can be served as the main course or side dish and take only 20 minutes to complete.