How to Buy Shrimp Online

As your Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my goal is to provide you with clear, objective information to help you find the right products for your kitchen. The world of shrimp can be overwhelming: raw or cooked, shell-on or shell-off, small or large. This guide is designed to help you make an informed decision when you plan to order shrimp online.

We will focus on the key features relevant for home cooking and present a selection of products that cater to different needs—from quick weeknight dinners to special occasions.

What to Look for When Buying Shrimp

Choosing the right shrimp depends entirely on what you plan to cook. To make your decision easier, here are some objective criteria to consider.

1. Preparation State: Raw vs. Cooked Shrimp

The first decision is about the state of the shrimp. Both options offer specific advantages.

• Raw Shrimp: These are the top choice if you want full control over the cooking process and the final result. They are excellent for grilling, pan-frying, or adding to curries, as they absorb the flavors of marinades and spices beautifully. Be sure to cook raw shrimp thoroughly until they turn pink and have a firm texture.
• Cooked Shrimp: When you're short on time, cooked shrimp are a convenient solution. Since they are already cooked, they can be used straight from the package for cold dishes like salads, cocktails, or as an addition to soups. For warm dishes, they should only be added at the very end and heated briefly to prevent them from becoming tough.

2. Size and Count: What Do the Numbers Mean?

The size information on packaging, such as "21/25" or "41/50," indicates how many shrimp are in one pound (approx. 450g). The lower the number, the larger the individual shrimp.

• Large Sizes (e.g., 6/8, 21/25): These are jumbo shrimp, also known as prawns. They are ideal for the grill or as the star of a dish. Varieties like Black Tiger shrimp often fall into this category.
• Small Sizes (e.g., 41/50, 100/200): Smaller shrimp are well-suited for pasta, rice dishes, fillings, or salads, where they can be distributed evenly throughout the dish.

3. Types of Shrimp: Vannamei vs. Black Tiger

Two of the most commonly available types are Vannamei and Black Tiger.

• Vannamei Shrimp: This variety is known for its firm texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor. It is versatile and a popular choice for a wide range of dishes.
• Black Tiger Shrimp: These shrimp are often larger and have a more pronounced, robust flavor. Their firm texture makes them particularly sturdy for high-heat cooking methods like grilling.

All products mentioned here are frozen shrimp. This ensures that freshness and quality are preserved from catch to your kitchen.

Exceptional frozen shrimp selections

Here is a selection of products curated for different culinary needs.

For Quick and Easy Meals: Mooijer-Volendam Vannamei Shrimp

Why It Stands Out: These shrimp are already cooked, peeled, and deveined. They offer maximum convenience and are ready to use, which significantly reduces prep time in the kitchen.

Benefits:

• Ready to use: No peeling, deveining, or cooking required.
• Versatile: Ideal for cold dishes like salads and shrimp cocktails or for quickly finishing warm meals.
• Mild flavor: The Vannamei shrimp have a firm texture and a subtly sweet flavor that complements many dishes.

Who Is It For? For busy individuals looking for a quick, high-protein ingredient for salads, pasta, or fast stir-fries without compromising on quality.

For Creative Home Cooks: BML Raw Vannamei Shrimp

Why It Stands Out: These raw, peeled, and deveined Vannamei shrimp provide the perfect canvas for your own creations. They are ready for the pan or grill, giving you full control over the cooking time and seasoning.

Benefits:

• Ready to cook: Already peeled and deveined, which simplifies preparation.
• Flexible preparation: As raw shrimp, they are ideal for frying, grilling, or steaming.
• Good size: The 21/25 count provides an appealing size for main courses.

Who Is It For? For home cooks who want to control the final flavor and texture of their dishes and prefer a high-quality, pre-prepped base for their recipes.

For Special Occasions: BML Black Tiger Prawns

Why It Stands Out: These jumbo shrimp are for those seeking an impressive presentation and intense flavor. The shrimp are delivered with head and shell on (HOSO), which adds extra flavor during cooking and keeps them especially juicy.

Benefits:

• Impressive size: With a count of 6/8, these Black Tiger shrimp are a real showstopper.
• Intense flavor: The shell protects the meat during cooking, ensuring a juicy, aromatic result.
• Ideal for grilling: Perfect for the grill or a hot pan, where they can truly shine.

Who Is It For? For gourmets and grilling enthusiasts looking for a visually and tastefully outstanding product for special occasions or a festive meal.

Looking for More Options?

The selection presented here covers common culinary needs. However, if you have a different size, variety, or preparation style in mind, you can find more options in our full assortment.

Discover Our Entire Selection of Shrimp Here

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do I properly thaw frozen shrimp?

For best results, you should thaw the frozen shrimp overnight in the refrigerator. If you're in a hurry, you can place the sealed bag under cold, running water for about 10–15 minutes. Do not thaw shrimp at room temperature or in the microwave, as this can negatively affect the texture. Thawed shrimp should not be refrozen.

2. What do the numbers on shrimp packaging, like 21/25, mean?

These numbers indicate the count, which is the number of shrimp per pound (approx. 450g). A count of "21/25" means that one pound contains between 21 and 25 shrimp. The lower the numbers, the larger the individual shrimp.

3. Is it safe to order shrimp online?

Yes, buying frozen products online is a safe and convenient method as long as the cold chain is maintained. Reputable suppliers like Joybuy use an unbroken cold chain logistics to ensure products like frozen shrimp arrive at your door in perfect condition. Upon receipt, be sure to immediately store the goods in your freezer at -18°C (0°F) or colder.