You love to eat shrimp but can’t cook it! No problem; we are here to solve this problem for you. In this blog, we will present all the information about easy shrimp cooking recipes and great information on cooked vs raw shrimp taste.
Undercooked Raw vs Cooked Shrimp
The difference between uncooked raw shrimp and fully cooked shrimp is important for taste and food safety, which can help you enjoy shrimp meals with reduced health risks. The main difference between them is the method of preparation. However, uncooked raw and fully cooked shrimp are delicious options for seafood lovers and can be used in various dishes. Many prefer the texture and flavor of cooked shrimp, while others prefer the sweet and tender texture and taste of raw shrimp.
Undercooked Shrimp
Undercooked raw shrimp have a tender texture and a subtle sweet flavor that can vary depending on the species. This method results in shrimp with a soft texture, a gray color with hints of green and blue, and a translucent appearance with a meaty and somewhat spongy texture that can be unappealing. Raw prawns are bland and sweet, but cooked prawns become richer and tastier. However, some prefer to enjoy it as ceviche. However, undercooked shrimp risks foodborne illness due to bacteria and parasites. Undercooked shrimp appear straight or slightly curved like a “U.”
Properly cooked prawns
Cooked prawns are opaque with no gray parts remaining. It is boiled or steamed until it turns pink or reddish and becomes firm to the touch. Cooked shrimp can be eaten cold or hot as a stir-fry or in dishes like pasta. This way, shrimp provides lean protein and a good source of vitamins and minerals such as B12, selenium, and iodine. Cooked prawns are as appealing to look at as they are to taste. The ideal internal temperature for shrimp to be safe as food is 165°F (74°C). This temperature ensures that harmful bacteria are eliminated while maintaining a pleasant texture. Properly cooked shrimp curl into a “C” shape that is rubbery and hard to eat.
Frozen Cooked Shrimp vs Frozen Raw Shrimp
The differences between frozen cooked and raw shrimp are time, safety, taste, texture, and cooking. Both frozen cooked shrimp and frozen raw shrimp have certain advantages and disadvantages. Frozen raw shrimp offers more cooking and flavor absorption versatility but does not guarantee absolute safety. On the other hand, frozen cooked shrimp may lack the same depth of flavor and ideal texture as fresh-cooked alternatives. The taste of both depends on your specific culinary needs and preferences. Here is a detailed description of the difference between the two:
Frozen Cooked Shrimp
Cooked shrimp are generally entirely safe to eat. The cooking process kills most harmful microorganisms, but there are instances where live bacteria have been found in cooked shrimp due to improper processing or handling. So buy cooked prawns from reliable suppliers to ensure the safety of cooked prawns. Cooked shrimp may be less flavorful because it has already been cooked and frozen, affecting its ability to absorb additional flavor when reheated.
Cooked shrimp are best for quick meals or cold dishes such as shrimp cocktails or salads. It can be added directly to recipes without the hassle of extra cooking. Frozen-cooked shrimp is a convenient option for busy cooks. These shrimp may hold up poorly in prolonged heat, as overcooking during reheating may cause the shrimp to become rubbery.
Frozen Raw Shrimp
Raw shrimp contains harmful bacteria and viruses. Bacteria such as Vibrio and Salmonella can cause problems if not cooked properly. The FDA recommends cooking shrimp to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Raw prawns provide a firm texture when properly cooked. The freshness of raw shrimp makes dishes like stir-fries or grilled dishes more appealing. Frozen raw shrimp are ideal for recipes that require cooking, such as pasta dishes, curries, or grilled preparations. Raw shrimp allows for greater control over cooking time and method, which provides better texture and flavor.
Shrimp Raw vs Cooked Weight
The weight of raw shrimp versus cooked shrimp depends on how you cook them. Raw shrimp contains water by weight. Usually, it is about 75-80% water based on the weight of raw shrimp. This means this moisture is accounted for when raw shrimp are weighed. On the other hand, cooking prawns reduces their moisture, resulting in weight loss. Cooked shrimp weigh about 20-25% less than raw shrimp. For example, if you were to cook 1 pound of raw shrimp, you would get about 12 to 16 ounces of cooked shrimp, depending on your prep time.
Different cooking methods, such as boiling, grilling, Crystal Shrimp Sushi and frying, can result in varying degrees of moisture loss in shrimp.
For example, boiled shrimp will have more moisture than if you were grilling or frying shrimp. If shrimp are sold in the shell, the shell contributes a lot to the raw weight. Moreover, the shell is removed from the shrimp during cooking, reducing the final weight of the cooked shrimp.
How to Cook Shrimp
Ingredients:
- Raw shrimp – 1.15lbs (1 lb after it’s cooked)
- Mineral water – 8 cups
- Garlic salt – 1 Tbsp
- Ground black pepper – ½ Tbsp
- Bay leaves – 1 or 2
How to make
- First, fill a large pot with 8 cups of water. Then add one tablespoon each of garlic salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and bay leaf to the water and boil over medium/high heat.
- When the water boils, add the peeled prawns to the hot water. Boil until the shrimp turn pink, about 2-3 minutes, depending on their size. Be careful not to overcook them.
- After cooking, transfer the shrimp to a bowl of cold water. When the prawns are excellent, garnish as you like and serve.
Conclusion
What you prefer between raw and cooked shrimp depends on your preference and intended recipe use. While raw shrimp imparts a subtle sweetness and firm texture to certain foods, cooked shrimp provides improved flavor and safety in whole foods. I hope you are enjoying the shrimp recipe. You can easily prepare it with a few ingredients and enjoy it with family or loved ones, making your time more lovely.
