Essential Foods You Should Always Have in the Freezer

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Shrimp

Whether cooked or raw, frozen shrimp is an excellent healthy and low-calorie protein that can be used in countless recipes. Like frozen fruit, it thaws pretty quickly compared to other foods, making it the perfect no-fuss addition to your meals. Cooked shrimp obviously just needs a quick reheat, but even raw shrimp cooks up in minutes, no matter the cooking method. The only disadvantage with unpeeled raw shrimp is the time it will take you to peel them, but other than that, they're still a worthy food to keep in the freezer.

If you're pressed for time, one safe way to thaw frozen shrimp is to dump them in a strainer and run cold water over them for about five minutes until they're softened. Avoid hot water, which may trigger the cooking process. Use them in stir-fries or pasta dishes, or serve them cold in shrimp cocktail or ceviche. The possibilities are endless!

Here are 30 delicious recipes to make with shrimp.