Don’t Put Shrimp Directly in the Freezer: Add One Small Step to Keep It Fresh and Sweet for a Whole Year

Many people think that simply putting shrimp in the freezer is enough to keep it fresh. But with this simple trick, your shrimp can stay delicious for up to a year — without any fishy smell or mushy texture, and it will taste just as sweet and fresh as the day you bought it.

Shrimp is one of the most popular types of seafood in Vietnam. It’s not only tasty but also packed with nutrients like protein, vitamin B12, iodine, and omega-3 fatty acids. That’s why many people buy shrimp in bulk for convenience. However, not everyone knows how to store shrimp properly to preserve its freshness.

Usually, after coming home from the market, people wash the shrimp, put it in a plastic bag or container, and place it directly in the freezer. This seems quick and easy but is actually a mistake that causes the shrimp to lose its natural flavor and texture.
When frozen this way, shrimp meat can become dry, tough, and dehydrated, developing a strong fishy odor over time. Once thawed, the shrimp loses its natural sweetness and may even have an off smell, making it far less appetizing.

Professional chefs often use a simple step before freezing shrimp to keep it tasting as fresh as newly bought. With just this small adjustment, you can preserve shrimp for a long time without it drying out or losing its flavor.

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Method 1: Preserve Shrimp in Water – A Surprisingly Effective Trick

This method sounds simple but delivers impressive results. You’ll need a few clean plastic bottles or containers and some filtered water.

First, choose the freshest shrimp — shiny shells, firm bodies, and tightly attached heads. The shrimp should still flick or move slightly when touched. Wash them thoroughly, drain, then divide into small portions for each use. Place the shrimp into each container or bottle.
Next, pour in enough clean water to completely submerge the shrimp, seal tightly, and put them in the freezer.

The water creates a natural protective layer, completely isolating the shrimp from air exposure. This prevents oxidation, dehydration, and unwanted odors from spreading in your freezer.

When you need to use them, simply take a bottle out, soak it in cold water for a few minutes to loosen the ice, then cut out the needed shrimp and cook as usual.

Shrimp stored this way will remain firm, juicy, and naturally sweet, just like fresh shrimp. The legs and shells stay intact, and there’s no lingering freezer smell like with regular freezing.

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Method 2: Lightly Steam Before Freezing – Keeps Shrimp Firm and Nutrient-Rich

Some experienced home cooks prefer to lightly steam shrimp before freezing. This method is perfect if you want to store shrimp for months while maintaining its color and texture.

After cleaning, steam the shrimp for about 3–5 minutes, until it’s around 70–80% cooked — when the shell turns light pink but the flesh inside is still slightly translucent.

Let the shrimp cool completely, place them in an airtight container, and freeze.
This light steaming helps “set” the shrimp’s protein structure, so when thawed, it won’t become mushy or watery. It also reduces the fishy smell and locks in the shrimp’s natural sweetness and bright color.

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Extra Tips for Keeping Shrimp Fresh

• Always choose shrimp that are still alive or freshly caught. Avoid those with darkened shells, separated heads, or bad odors.

• Never thaw shrimp in hot water — high heat breaks down proteins, making the texture soft and bland. Instead, soak them in cold water or move them to the fridge for a few hours before cooking.

• Divide shrimp into small portions to avoid repeated thawing and refreezing, which degrades quality.

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With these two simple tricks, you can confidently store shrimp for up to a year — keeping its natural sweetness, firm texture, and fresh flavor.
Proper storage not only saves time and money but also ensures you always have clean, delicious ingredients ready to prepare hearty, flavorful meals for your family.