It is generally recommended to thaw frozen shrimp before cooking them in a frying pan. Thawing allows for more even cooking and helps to prevent overcooking the exterior while the interior remains undercooked. Thawing also ensures that the shrimp cook more quickly and evenly, resulting in a better texture and flavor.
There are a few methods you can use to thaw frozen shrimp:
Refrigerator thawing: Place the frozen shrimp in a covered container and allow them to thaw slowly in the refrigerator. This method takes some time, usually several hours or overnight, but it is the safest way to thaw shrimp, as it prevents the growth of bacteria.
Cold water thawing: If you need to thaw shrimp more quickly, you can use the cold water thawing method. Place the frozen shrimp in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure it stays cold. This method usually takes about 1 to 2 hours.
Once the shrimp are thawed, you can proceed to cook them in a frying pan with your preferred recipe or seasoning.