Frozen prawns are a versatile ingredient for many dishes. If you choose to buy frozen prawns, look for BAP-certified IQF seafood with MSC accreditation. Some frozen prawns origins aren’t certified, which could cause harm.

This ensures that the prawns are processed professionally. Moreover, the quality of the prawns is maintained throughout the freezing process.

Quality

The frozen prawns you see on the seafood bay at your local supermarket are not always fresh. They may have been thawed out of their packaging and frozen again, making them not as tasty or nutritious as possible. However, frozen prawns handled and preserved properly can be just as good as their fresh counterparts.

The best prawns are double-frozen straight from the vessel they were caught. The prawns have more muscle and a firmer texture than their fresh counterparts. They also have a delicious, sweet, sea-salty flavour.

When buying frozen prawns, look for the following qualities:

A fresh prawn’s shell should be smooth and shiny. A slight dullness is normal, but it’s no longer fresh if the shell starts to look dark or dingy. Its head should be free of black spots and should have a natural reddish-pink colour. Its body should also be a uniform bright pink and have a firm texture.

You should also check the label for ingredients such as sodium tripolyphosphate or E223 (sodium metabisulphite) and avoid these if possible. This chemical keeps prawns from undergoing melanosis, a process where the heads and shells darken due to oxygen exposure. However, it doesn’t protect the prawns from deterioration or bacterial growth and can affect their cooked texture. You must be very cautious when determining frozen prawns origins.

Freshness

You might have heard that fresh seafood is better than frozen, but the truth is that many restaurants use frozen prawns for their dishes. They’re much cheaper than fresh prawns; you can get the same great taste and texture.

The prawns are harvested and quickly frozen to preserve their freshness during transport. Frozen prawns are just as good as fresh ones; you can cook them in any way you like. They’re also a healthier option because they contain less fat.

Price

Aside from being less greasy and healthier, frozen prawns are more affordable than fresh ones. In addition, they’re easy to store and keep for longer periods. However, you must be careful when buying frozen seafood because it can degrade easily if stored incorrectly. To avoid this, look for a seafood market that offers quality products at reasonable prices.

Whether you’re looking for an easy seafood recipe or a delicious take on a classic Chinese restaurant dish, frozen prawns are a great option. You can find them at most supermarkets and seafood markets. Ensure the prawns you buy are packaged correctly so they don’t thaw out quickly or get freezer-burned.

If you plan to serve these Honey Prawns with a family meal, you’ll need to prepare and cook the batter in batches. Add enough oil to cover the prawns and make them crispy when cooked. Then, you can pour the sauce over them and enjoy.

Try to use fresh raw prawns, medium to large size (34g each peeled / 17g whole) or even better jumbo prawns. If you have to go with frozen, choose large peeled prawns and ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry well. You’ll also need cold soda water, cornflour plus flour, and a double-fry, fast becoming the world’s worst-kept secret for less greasy and crisper fried foods.

Packaging

It’s important to remember that frozen seafood is still a food and that you should always store it properly to keep it fresh. This means storing it at the right temperature, packaging it securely and using the correct coolants. For example, dry ice and gel packs keep frozen seafood cold during shipping. This is another thing to factor in when determining frozen prawns origins.

It is also important to remember that frozen seafood should be stored in a freezer at or below -18 degrees Celsius and not be exposed to direct sunlight. These conditions are essential to preserving the quality of the product and ensuring that it is safe for human consumption.

Frozen prawns should be carefully packaged to protect them from any damage that could occur during shipping. They should be placed in a plastic bag and sealed tightly. It’s important to remove as much air from the package as possible and to use a high-quality freezer bag that is puncture-resistant. You can also seal your prawns in a heavy-duty plastic quart-sized container with a light brine or fresh water to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavour and texture.