6 Best Frozen Fried Shrimp Brands for Quick and Delicious Seafood
As a seafood lover, I’m always on the lookout for quick and easy ways to enjoy shrimp without all the fuss of deveining, peeling, breading and frying the shrimp myself. Frozen fried shrimp are a fantastic option for busy home cooks like myself who want that crispy, golden, fried shrimp flavor and texture without spending hours in the kitchen. But with so many frozen fried shrimp brands on the market, how do you know which one is best?
In this article, I’ll outline the top frozen fried shrimp brands I’ve tried based on flavor, texture, convenience and more. I’ve tried all the major national brands you’ll find at your local supermarket, so you’ll have the info you need to choose the right frozen shrimp for your next seafood dinner or appetizer.
How I Evaluated the Best Frozen Fried Shrimp
When comparing frozen shrimp brands, here are the key factors I considered:
- Breading – The texture and flavor of the breading or batter coating the shrimp is crucial. I wanted shrimp with a light, crispy coating that enhanced the flavor of the shrimp rather than overwhelm it.
- Shrimp Size and Quality – The ideal frozen shrimp should have plump, tender shrimp with the right balance of breading to shrimp. I avoided brands where the shrimp seemed skimpy.
- Cooking Options – The best frozen shrimp make it easy for you by being prepped for baking, frying, or air frying right from frozen. I preferred versatile options.
- Price and Value – To determine the best value, I compared price against shrimp count, shell-on vs peeled, and overall quality.
- Ingredients – I favored brands that used recognizable, natural ingredients over artificial additives and preservatives when possible.
After cooking and tasting my way through frozen shrimp from all the major national brands, these are my top picks in no particular order:
6 Best Frozen Fried Shrimp Brands
1. SeaPak Jumbo Butterfly Shrimp
Kicking off my list is SeaPak Jumbo Butterfly Shrimp. True to their name, these jumbo shrimp are some of the largest I tried, with an impressive tail-on size.
The golden breading on these shrimp is crispy and delicious. I like that the shrimp are peeled and deveined before being dipped in the light coating, so you get more plump, juicy shrimp in every bite.
Pros:
- Large, flavorful shrimp with crispy breading
- Peeled, deveined shrimp ideal for quick meals
- Versatile cooking options – bake or fry
Cons:
- Smaller package size for the price
- High sodium content
For the superior shrimp size and tasty breading, SeaPak Jumbo Butterfly Shrimp are hard to beat for everyday seafood meals.
2. Aqua Star Breaded Butterfly Shrimp
For a healthier frozen shrimp option, Aqua Star Breaded Butterfly Shrimp are a great choice. These medium-sized shrimp are coated in a light, crispy breading flavored with spices like paprika, garlic and celery salt.
What I like about Aqua Star is that they use all-natural ingredients without any artificial preservatives or colors. The flavorful seasoned breading also adds a nice bit of crunch to the tender shrimp inside.
Pros:
- Pre-breaded for convenience
- Natural ingredients only
- Generous shrimp count per bag
Cons:
- Smaller shrimp size
- Not ideal for shellfish allergies
Overall, Aqua Star makes it easy to enjoy deliciously seasoned seafood any night of the week.
3. Gorton’s Premium Butterfly Shrimp
When I tried Gorton’s classic Premium Butterfly Shrimp, I knew I was in for a treat. Each plump shrimp is coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs that bake up golden brown and delicious.
Gorton’s shrimp also come with the assurance of no artificial ingredients, colors or fillers. I like that these frozen shrimp offer a quick and easy seafood dinner without sacrificing quality or nutrition.
Pros:
- Tender shrimp with crunchy panko coating
- No artificial ingredients or fillers
- Versatile cooking methods
Cons:
- Smaller package size
- Can be pricier
For a premium seafood experience without the prep work, Gorton’s Premium Butterfly Shrimp deliver quality and convenience.
4. Gorton’s Crispy Pub-Style Beer Batter Shrimp
If you like a unique twist on fried shrimp, Gorton’s Crispy Pub-Style Beer Batter Shrimp are a fun choice. Each shrimp gets double dipped in a fizzy beer batter seasoned with spices.
The light, crispy coating gives a restaurant-quality crunch to these tasty shrimp. I also appreciate that you get a generous portion of wild-caught shrimp in each bag.
Pros:
- Unique beer batter flavor and texture
- Generous portion of shrimp
- Wild-caught shrimp
Cons:
- Breading not as crunchy for some
For frozen shrimp with a gourmet flair, you can’t top Gorton’s appetizing pub-style beer batter.
5. AmazonFresh Crunchy Jumbo Butterfly Shrimp
As the name suggests, AmazonFresh Crunchy Jumbo Butterfly Shrimp certainly live up to the “crunchy” claim. These large, tail-on shrimp are coated in a sturdy layer of crispy breadcrumbs.
I love the satisfying crunch the coating adds to each bite. And with 16-20 shrimp per 9 oz. bag, you get plenty of bang for your buck. Even better, they have less carbs and calories than other frozen shrimp.
Pros:
- Satisfying crunch and texture
- Lower carb and calorie count
- Generous jumbo shrimp portion
Cons:
- Bland breading flavor
- Not ideal for shellfish allergies
For light and crispy seafood with nutritional benefits, you can’t go wrong with AmazonFresh’s crunchy butterfly shrimp.
6. SeaPak Tempura Shrimp
Rounding out my list is SeaPak Tempura Shrimp. Of all the frozen shrimp I tried, these jumbo-sized shrimp came the closest to restaurant-quality.
Each plump shrimp gets double-dipped in a light, crispy tempura batter. I love the sweet and spicy orange sauce that comes in the bag for dipping or drizzling. With versatile cooking options from oven to air fryer, these shrimp couldn’t be easier.
Pros:
- Light and crispy tempura batter
- Sweet and spicy orange sauce
- Multiple cooking methods
Cons:
- Smaller bag for the price
- Sauce isn’t for everyone
For the best restaurant-style tempura shrimp at home, SeaPak delivers convenience without compromising on flavor and quality.
Key Considerations for Choosing Frozen Fried Shrimp
After tasting and testing all these frozen shrimp options, I definitely have some recommendations for picking the right brand:
- Look for jumbo or extra-large shrimp sizes to get more plump, juicy shrimp per serving. The smaller the shrimp, the more likely you’ll end up with lots of coating but skimpy shrimp.
- Seek out natural ingredients and minimal processing for the freshest flavor and health benefits.
- Compare shrimp counts against package size and price to find good value. Brands that pack in more shrimp deliver better cost savings.
- Read cooking instructions carefully to ensure the shrimp will turn out crispy using your preferred method like oven-baking, frying, or air frying.
- Consider trying a fun, flavored coating like a beer batter or tempura for a unique twist. But stick with traditional breading if you want to control seasonings yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frozen Fried Shrimp
How should I cook frozen breaded shrimp?
There are a few easy ways to cook frozen breaded shrimp depending on your preferences:
- Oven baking – Place frozen shrimp on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake at 400°F for 9-14 minutes until shrimp are golden and cooked through, flipping halfway.
- Air frying – Air fry frozen shrimp at 380°F for 4-6 minutes until crispy. Flip shrimp halfway through.
- Pan frying – Heat 1⁄4 inch oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add shrimp and fry 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Microwave – Microwave individual portions 1-2 minutes until hot and breading is crisped. Check frequently to avoid overcooking.
No matter which hands-off cooking method you choose, frozen breaded shrimp deliver quick, fool-proof seafood with minimal effort.
Are frozen fried shrimp healthy?
Shrimp themselves are a lean source of protein and beneficial nutrients. However, the breading and frying process does add additional calories, carbohydrates, and fat compared to plain shrimp. The healthiness of frozen fried shrimp depends on portion size and how often they are consumed. Enjoyed occasionally as part of a balanced diet, they can be a tasty treat. But daily consumption may lead to excess calories, salt, and unhealthy fats. Moderation is key.
Why choose frozen vs. fresh shrimp?
There are good reasons to choose frozen over fresh shrimp:
- Convenience – Frozen shrimp are peeled, deveined, and ready to cook. No prep work needed.
- Consistency – Frozen shrimp deliver reliable quality and texture. Fresh shrimp can be hit or miss.
- Accessibility – Frozen shrimp are available year-round. Fresh shrimp may have limited seasonal availability.
- Price – Frozen shrimp are often more budget-friendly, especially out of season.
- Safety – Frozen shrimp are flash-frozen at peak freshness, so there are no risks of spoilage.
Both fresh and frozen shrimp can be delicious options. But frozen provides predictable quality and less hassle for busy households.
So don’t be afraid to take advantage of those freezers when a shrimp craving strikes! With so many quick-and-easy frozen shrimp now available, you can enjoy top-quality seafood any night of the week.
Final Thought
As a busy home cook that doesn’t always have time to prep and fry up shrimp from scratch, having delicious frozen fried shrimp on hand is clutch. With so many excellent national brands available at reasonable costs, there’s no reason to miss out on those crispy, golden seafood flavors we all love.
Next time the craving for shrimp strikes, try out one of my top-rated picks for perfectly crisped and breaded shrimp that tastes like you fried it fresh, without the hassle. Just heat and eat – now that’s my kind of easy weeknight dinner!
