Food Hygiene and Safety

Can You Freeze Prawn Safely

Ricky Kambray
Ricky Kambray

In the UK, prawns are the most commonly eaten seafood. As per British Sea Fishing, “About 60–75% of seafood, including prawns, is consumed in the UK.” As a versatile item, it is preferred by most. So, it’s very common if you purchase a lot of prawns and intend to store them. This is why many people ask, Can you freeze prawn? Of course, you can.

It’s quite easy to do, and it keeps food safe.

Learn about whether you can freeze prawns, food hygiene rules and many more things about freezing prawns by reading this blog.

Food Hygiene Rules of Freeze prawn

It is easy to freeze seafood, but it must be handled carefully. Because of this, it’s important to follow the food hygiene guidelines when handling, cooking, or freezing prawns. By doing this, you can ensure that the prawn is safe to eat and won’t make you sick.

There are a few basic food hygiene rules that you should follow when freezing prawn:

  • Prawn is perishable and should be stored properly to prevent them from going bad. If it is not stored properly, it can develop bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
  • Don’t leave seafood in the car or on the kitchen bench; instead, put it in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as you get home.
  • When freezing prawns, first clean them properly. You can remove the heads, tails, and shells.
  • Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling frozen prawns.
  • Make sure that utensils and surfaces that come into contact with fresh prawns are cleaned with hot water and soap.
  • Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked prawns to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Keep it refrigerated at or below 4°C (40°F) at all times. Use a refrigerator thermometer to check.
  • Ensure that the prawns are completely thawed before cooking them. Do not cook them frozen.
  • Prawns should be cooked thoroughly until they are opaque and firm to the touch.
  • Avoid undercooking, as this can increase the risk of foodborne illness.

Keep these simple guidelines in mind and enjoy your prawn safely.

Wondering about the perfect temperature and time to store frozen food, including shellfish? Take a look at our newest blog post, “At What Temperature Should Frozen Food be Stored & How Long?” There, you’ll find handy tips to keep frozen food in top shape. Once you’ve got these tips down, you’ll know how to keep your food safe, stay healthy, and keep your frozen goodies tasting great.

Can You Freeze Prawn?

Prawn is a type of seafood that has a delicate flavour and is often used in salads, pasta dishes, and curry. They can be bought fresh or frozen, and can also be found canned. If you have prawns that you need to store for later use, freezing is an option.

Famous Italian dish Prawn Linguine served with herbs in a white dish

 

Because of this, the most common question is, can you freeze prawn? the answer is yes. Just follow the below rules –

  • To ensure the best quality, it is crucial to properly prepare them before freezing. They can be kept both peeled and unpeeled. 
  • Rinse the excess water from your prawns with a paper towel.
  • Keep them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them. 
  • The prawns can be transferred to a freezer bag or container. 
  • Wrap the prawns tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in the freezer. It prevents freezer burn.
  • In a closed bag or container, squeeze out as much air as you can.
  • Make a note of both the use-by date and the date you bought your prawns. Also, keep track of the frozen date.
  • When thawing frozen prawns, it is best to place them in the refrigerator overnight. This will help prevent bacteria growth. 

Can You Freeze Raw Prawn?

It is one kind of seafood that is high in protein and low in fat. They are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for your health. You can easily freeze raw prawns whenever you want.

Maintain the following advice while freezing it.

  1. Put them in bags in the freezer as soon as you get home from the store. Avoid leaving them out at room temperature.
  2. Use a paper towel to remove any excess water from your prawns.
  3. When freezing prawns, it is important to use an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag. 
  4. Place them in a single layer on a plate or tray, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and store them in the coldest part of the fridge. 
  5. If you add more than one layer, using greaseproof paper sheets will keep the layers from sticking together.
  6. To prevent the smell of the prawns from contaminating the other food in your freezer, avoid freezing them in bags.
  7. Write the date when you bought the prawns as well as the date that they should be used by.
  8. Take out as much air as possible from the bag or container before sealing it. This will prevent freezer burn and keep the prawns fresh for longer. 
  9. Do not use marinades or sauces in raw prawns before storing.


So, here you have it. Simply take the package out of the freezer when you’re ready to eat it and put it in the refrigerator overnight to thaw.

To quickly defrost them, submerge them in running water in a colander. Cook your delicious meal as soon as it has thawed. Don’t forget to add the sweet chilli sauce.

Frozen large prawns in a case with ice in it

Can You Freeze Cooked Prawn?

Prawns are a popular choice for many people as they can be a great addition to any meal. They’re also relatively easy to prepare, which makes them a good option for busy weeknight dinners. But what if you have leftovers? Can you freeze cooked prawn? and still enjoy them later?

Cooked prawns can be frozen, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

  • Cooked prawns should be completely cooled before freezing. 
  • Place the cooked prawn in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour before transferring to a freezer-safe container. This will help to prevent them from sticking together. 
  • When freezing cooked prawn, be sure to use a freezer-safe container and seal it tightly. 
  • Label the bags with the date before you put them in the freezer. You will then be aware of their expiration date. 
  • Frozen cooked dishes will be good for up to six months. 

When you’re ready to eat, thaw the prawn in the microwave for 2-3 minutes before warming it up in a pan or oven. If you’re in a hurry, you can serve slices of bread and an omelette along with this dish for breakfast.

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Can You Freeze Smoked Prawn?

Smoked prawn is the perfect appetiser for special occasions. They’re easy to prepare and delicious too!

Fried prawns in a stick served with fresh lettuce, cucumber and tomatoes

 

Smoked prawns can be frozen, but there are a few steps to follow-

  • Wrapped tightly in freezer-safe packaging. This will help prevent freezer burn and preserve the quality of the seafood. 
  • Place them in an airtight container or into a heavy-duty storage bag.
  • You can also wrap prawns in foil and place them in an airtight container. 
  • Label and date the packaging. 
  • Smoked prawns should be eaten within six months of freezing. Beyond that, the quality of the seafood will start to decline.

When it comes to reheating frozen smoked prawns, the best method is to thaw the seafood overnight in the refrigerator and then cook it gently on the stovetop. Do not reheat smoked prawns more than once, as this can cause bacteria to grow and make you sick.

So, if you don’t freeze food properly, it can create more bacteria and potentially result in foodborne illnesses. Join the Foodborne Diseases Course – Bacteria and Risky Foods to discover various illnesses, their causes, and ways to keep them at bay. You’ll also get insights into microorganisms and contamination.

How Long Can You Freeze Prawn?

Prawns are delicious, but they don’t last long if you don’t know how to store them properly. Because correctly frozen foods are safe to eat for a longer period of time. The flavour and quality will suffer otherwise.

Do you have any idea how long you can freeze prawn?

Boiled prawns served with herbs and lemons

 

For more information, see the details below. 

  • According to Safe Food, cooked fish and other seafood can be stored safely in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Prawns can last in the freezer for between 6-8 months if stored below -18°C.
  • You can enjoy safe prawns all year long by following the SFA‘s “Storage Guide For Seafood.”
Product (Chilled & Frozen)Refrigerator (4 °C)Freezer (-18°C)
Prawns2-3 days2-3 months
Cooked Prawn3-4 days2-3 months
Frozen Prawn1-2 days9-12 months

It’s simple to maintain your health and eat safe food by doing this.

Mouthwatering garlic prawns served in a white dish

Is It Safe to Refreeze prawn?

Prawns are the type of shellfish that is popular in many dishes. Prawns that have been refrozen will be safe to eat, but they may not be as fresh as prawns that have only been frozen once.

Prawns that have been frozen can be refrozen, but the following issues must be taken into account first.

  • When refreezing prawns, be sure to wrap them tightly in freezer-safe packaging. 
  • USDA advises the following suggestions,
    • It is safe to refreeze cooked or raw food that has thawed in the refrigerator without cooking or heating, though there could be a loss of quality due to the moisture lost during thawing. 
    • It is secure to freeze the cooked dish with previously frozen raw foods. 
    • You can freeze the leftovers of previously cooked foods that have been thawed in the fridge.  
    • Never refreeze food that has been out of the refrigerator for more than two hours. 
    • If you buy previously frozen meat, poultry, or fish at a retail store, you can refreeze it if it has been handled properly.

Besides, if you’re in charge of food processing, whether it’s for your family or business, a Food Safety Training Course is a must. This course offers more than just knowledge of proper food storage and hygiene maintenance. It equips you with the expertise needed to confidently handle various food items, thereby reducing potential risks and ensuring the utmost safety.

Conclusion

Freezing prawn is an easy way to preserve food. It can be prepared in many ways, such as frying, grilling, and baking. I believe I have provided you with the essential information regarding your question can you freeze prawn?

So, don’t be late. It’s time to enjoy your delicious meals.

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Ricky Kambray

Hey this is Ricky Kambray an award-winning first-aid trainer with over 20 years of healthcare and teaching expertise. Highly certified general nurse regularly appears in the press discussing accident prevention and first aid advice.