Avoid Frozen Shrimp With These Warning Signs

Frozen shrimp can be a great option, but you'll want to watch out for these red flags when buying it.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 5:31pm

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Frozen shrimp is often a convenient and tasty option, but not all frozen shrimp is created equal. According to chef Kelsey Murphy, you'll want to avoid frozen shrimp packages with a lot of ice buildup or excess water, as these can be signs of poor quality. Ideally, look for individually quick frozen (IQF) shrimp, which should have no ice crystals. You'll also want to check the packaging for information on whether the shrimp were wild-caught or farm-raised, as wild-caught shrimp often have better flavor.

Why it matters

Buying the right frozen shrimp can make a big difference in the quality and taste of your final dish. Knowing what to look for can help you avoid ending up with tough, watery, or freezer-burned shrimp that won't live up to your expectations.

The details

Chef Kelsey Murphy, who will be cooking for the Players Tailgate at this year's Super Bowl, advises looking for a few key things when buying frozen shrimp. Excess ice buildup or water in the package can indicate the shrimp have already been thawed and refrozen, which can negatively impact quality. Ideally, you want to see individually quick frozen (IQF) shrimp, which are flash-frozen separately and shouldn't have any ice crystals. The packaging should also provide information on whether the shrimp were wild-caught or farm-raised, as wild shrimp tend to have a better, more briny flavor.

  • The Players Tailgate event at the Super Bowl will take place this year in Santa Clara, California.

The players

Kelsey Murphy

A chef who will be cooking for the Players Tailgate event at the upcoming Super Bowl in Santa Clara, California.

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What they’re saying

“You want to make sure there is not a lot of ice buildup or water in the bag. Extra water is the enemy of seafood and will just leak out when cooking, leading to a tough and unappetizing product.”

— Kelsey Murphy, Chef (The Takeout)

“When thawed properly, frozen shrimp yield excellent results and cooking at home can allow you to cook only what is needed and keep the rest frozen for later use.”

— Kelsey Murphy, Chef (The Takeout)

The takeaway

Buying the right frozen shrimp can make a big difference in the quality of your final dish. By looking for signs of freshness like minimal ice buildup and information on the shrimp's source, you can ensure you're getting a high-quality product that will deliver great flavor and texture.