Buying Shrimp Online: A Guide to Choosing the Right Selection

The online selection of shrimp can be extensive. Whether raw or cooked, shell-on or peeled, the right choice depends heavily on your intended dish and desired preparation time. This guide is designed to help you make an informed decision when you want to order shrimp online. We'll outline objective criteria and present a selection of products for various needs.

What to Look for When Buying Shrimp

To find the right product for your needs, a few fundamental distinctions are helpful. Your choice will affect both the flavour and the preparation effort.

1. Raw or Pre-Cooked?

The choice between raw and cooked shrimp is fundamental.

• Raw Shrimp: This option offers maximum control over the cooking process and final texture. They are excellent for frying, grilling, or adding to curries, as they readily absorb the flavours of spices and marinades. You can identify raw shrimp by their greyish, translucent colour.
• Cooked Shrimp: Pre-cooked shrimp are a time-saving option. They are ready to eat and ideal for cold dishes like salads, cocktails, or as a last-minute addition to soups. They have a characteristic pink colour.

2. Shell-On or Peeled?

The level of processing also plays a key role in flavour and handling.

• Shell-On Shrimp: The shell protects the delicate meat from drying out during cooking, resulting in a juicier finish. Many chefs value them because the shell imparts extra flavour, which is perfect for making rich stocks or sauces.
• Peeled Shrimp: Peeled and often deveined shrimp offer the ultimate convenience. They are ready to use immediately, significantly reducing prep time in the kitchen. This variety is especially practical for quick stir-fries or pasta dishes.

3. Common Types of Shrimp: An Overview

There are various types on the market, differing in size, flavour, and texture.

• Black Tiger Shrimp: Known for their firm, crisp texture and slightly sweet flavour. Their large size makes them a popular choice for grilling.
• Vannamei Shrimp: This type has a milder flavour and a more delicate texture. Its versatility makes it one of the most common shrimp used in a wide variety of dishes.
• Coldwater Prawns: Typically smaller and more tender, these come from cold waters. They are often sold pre-cooked and peeled and have a distinctly delicate, slightly sweet taste.

Our Selection of Frozen Shrimp

Frozen shrimp have the advantage of retaining their freshness thanks to being flash-frozen immediately after harvest. Here is a selection of products for different culinary purposes.

Ben's Black Tiger Shrimp 21/30 (Head-On, Shell-On) 800g

Why This Product Stands Out: These Black Tiger Shrimp are delivered raw, with the head and shell on. This format is designed to preserve maximum flavour. The heads and shells can be used to create a rich stock, serving as a base for soups and sauces. The size count 21/30 means there are 21 to 30 shrimp per pound (approx. 453 g), indicating a substantial size.

Benefits:

• Raw state allows for full control over the cooking process.
• Head and shell provide intense flavour for stocks and sauces.
• Firm texture that holds up well even at high temperatures.

Who It's For: For home cooks and gourmets seeking authentic, full shrimp flavour who don't mind the extra prep step of peeling for a superior taste experience. Ideal for grilled dishes, paella, or sophisticated curries.

Ben's Vannamei 750 g (Peeled and Deveined)

Why This Product Stands Out: These raw Vannamei Shrimp come already peeled and deveined, which offers significant time savings in the kitchen. Thanks to the IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) process, the shrimp are frozen separately and can be taken out as needed, which simplifies portioning and reduces food waste.

Benefits:

• High convenience with kitchen-ready preparation.
• Individually portionable for flexible use.
• Mild flavour and versatile in use.

Who It's For: For busy individuals and families looking for a quick and easy ingredient for everyday meals. Perfect for fast stir-fries, pasta, or as a protein-rich addition to salads.

Nordic Seafood 1kg MSC North Atlantic Prawns, Shell-On, Cooked (Net 800g)

Why This Product Stands Out: These coldwater prawns (Pandalus borealis) from the North Atlantic are already cooked and delivered with the shell on. They are ready to eat immediately after thawing. The shell protects the tender meat and preserves its juiciness. The flavour is delicate and slightly sweet, typical of coldwater shrimp.

Benefits:

• No cooking required; ready to serve.
• Delicate, sweet flavour.
• Ideal for cold platters, salads, or as a snack.

Who It's For: For quick, cold dishes, preparing seafood platters, shrimp cocktails, or as a simple addition to finished meals. A great choice for occasions where elaborate preparation isn't desired.

Looking for More Options?

The products featured cover common culinary uses. If you are looking for different sizes, processing levels, or specific types of shrimp, you may find the right product in our wider selection.

? Explore our entire range of Seafood

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do you properly thaw frozen shrimp? For optimal results, frozen shrimp should be thawed slowly in the refrigerator, ideally over several hours or overnight. To do this, place the shrimp in a bowl or on a plate. Avoid thawing at room temperature or in warm water, as this can compromise the texture and promote bacterial growth. After thawing, rinse the shrimp briefly under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.

2. What does the size count on shrimp, e.g., "21/30", mean? These numbers indicate how many shrimp are in one US pound (lb), or about 453 grams. A count of "21/30" means that one pound contains between 21 and 30 shrimp. The lower the numbers, the larger the individual shrimp.

3. How can I identify the quality of frozen shrimp? High-quality frozen shrimp should have a firm consistency and a neutral, fresh sea scent after thawing. When purchasing, check the packaging: a heavy formation of ice crystals (freezer burn) can indicate temperature fluctuations during storage and may diminish the quality. The shrimp themselves should have a uniform colour without any dark spots.