Buying Shrimp: A Practical Guide to Making the Right Choice

When buying shrimp, you're often faced with a wide selection: raw or cooked, with or without the shell, small or large. The right choice depends entirely on what you plan to cook. This guide will help you find the perfect shrimp for any dish by clearly explaining the key characteristics and introducing a curated selection of products for different uses.

Buyer's Guide: What to Look for When Purchasing Shrimp

To order the right shrimp online, it's helpful to know a few basic criteria. These three points will help you better understand product descriptions and make an informed decision.

1. State of Preparation: Raw vs. Cooked Shrimp

The first fundamental distinction is the state of the shrimp.

• Raw Shrimp: These are the top choice if you want full control over the cooking process and final texture. They are excellent for frying, grilling, or for use in sauces, as they absorb the flavours of spices and marinades intensely. You can recognise raw shrimp by their greyish, translucent colour.
• Cooked Shrimp: These products offer maximum convenience. Since they are already cooked, they can be used immediately after thawing for cold dishes like salads, cocktails, or as an addition to soups. For hot dishes, they should only be added at the very end and heated briefly to avoid a tough texture.

2. Understanding Sizing: What Does the Count Mean?

The numbers on the packaging, like "6/8" or "41/50", indicate the count. This refers to the number of shrimp per unit of weight (usually per pound or kilogram).

• A smaller number (e.g., 6/8) means there are fewer shrimp per kilogram. These are therefore very large specimens, often referred to as jumbo shrimp.
• A larger number (e.g., 41/50) indicates smaller shrimp.

This information is useful for estimating portion sizes and suitability for a specific recipe. Large shrimp are great on the grill, while smaller ones are ideal for pasta or stir-fry dishes.

3. Shell-On or Shell-Off: A Matter of Taste and Convenience

• Shell-on Shrimp: The shell protects the delicate meat from direct heat during cooking, ensuring it stays juicy. It also contains a lot of flavour that is released into the dish when frying or boiling. Ideal for grilled dishes or an aromatic broth.
• Peeled Shrimp: Peeled shrimp are convenient and ready to use. Many products are also labelled as deveined, which means the dark intestinal tract on the back has already been removed. This saves a crucial preparation step.

Recommended Shrimp for Your Aquarium

Here you will find a curated selection of frozen shrimp that cater to different needs—from quick everyday meals to special occasions.

Mooijer-Volendam Vannamei Shrimps, Cooked and Peeled

What makes this product stand out These Vannamei shrimp are already cooked, peeled, and deveined, offering the ultimate convenience and ready to use right after thawing.

Benefits

• Ready to use: No peeling or deveining required.
• Versatile: Ideal for cold dishes like salads and cocktails, or as a quick addition to hot meals.
• Mild flavour: The shrimp have a firm texture and a mild, sweet taste that complements many recipes.

Who is it for? This product is perfect for anyone looking for a quick and easy ingredient for everyday cooking. Ideal for those with limited time who still want to enjoy high-quality seafood.

BML Food Group Ben's Black Tiger Shrimp 6/8 (Head On Shell On)

What makes this product stand out These raw Black Tiger shrimp are supplied with the head and shell on. Their impressive size (6/8 count) and firm texture make them a highlight on any plate.

Benefits

• Intense flavour: The head and shell release intense aromas during cooking, enhancing sauces and broths.
• Firm texture: The Black Tiger shrimp is known for its firm, juicy meat that holds its shape even at high temperatures on the grill.
• Visually appealing: Their large size makes them perfect for an impressive presentation.

Who is it for? An excellent choice for ambitious home cooks and barbecue enthusiasts who appreciate the full, authentic flavour of shrimp. Anyone looking to buy jumbo shrimp to impress guests will find the perfect product here.

Ben's Raw, Peeled Shrimp Skewers

What makes this product stand out These shrimp skewers combine the benefits of raw shrimp with practical handling. The shrimp are already peeled and skewered, which significantly simplifies preparation for the grill or pan.

Benefits

• Grill-ready: The skewers can be marinated and cooked straight from the package.
• Easy portioning: Ideal for buffets, parties, or as a portioned main course.
• Flexible: As raw shrimp, you maintain control over the cooking time and seasoning.

Who is it for? Perfect for anyone who loves to grill or fry but wants to skip the time-consuming peeling and skewering. A convenient solution for social gatherings or a quick yet appealing dinner.

Looking for more options?

If you're specifically looking for shrimp where the shell provides maximum flavour, or want to discover other varieties, you can find more products in our range.

? Discover our selection of shell-on shrimp here

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do you properly thaw frozen shrimp?

For the best results, frozen shrimp should be thawed slowly in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Place them in a bowl to catch the meltwater. If you're in a hurry, the shrimp can be placed in their sealed bag in a bowl of cold water. Avoid thawing in warm water or in the microwave, as this can negatively affect the texture.

What does "deveined" mean?

"Deveined" means that the dark, thread-like intestinal tract located on the shrimp's back has been removed. Although eating the vein is harmless, many find it unappealing or slightly gritty in taste. Deveined shrimp therefore offer greater convenience and a more pleasant eating experience.

Can you eat shrimp raw?

Eating standard frozen shrimp raw is generally not recommended. These products are intended to be cooked. Only shrimp explicitly labelled as "sashimi-grade" or suitable for raw consumption should be eaten without cooking. Always follow the preparation instructions on the packaging.