How To Store Prawns (Shrimp)

Once they’re taken out of the water, prawns oxidise quickly and blacken around the head and joints, just like some fruits turn brown shortly after being cut.

This harmless but unsightly discolouration can be prevented by adding sulphur, freezing, cooking or peeling them.

Peeled prawns can be refrigerated for a couple of days on a plate covered tightly with plastic wrap or in a sealed container, but there’s a better way.

Here’s the best way I’ve found to store prawns (see video below):

Place unpeeled prawns in a container of cold water so that they’re completely covered.
Seal container with lid or plastic wrap.
Store them like this in the coldest part of the fridge (usually bottom shelf) for 2–3 days.
Or freeze them like this for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge or in a sink of cold water and cook within a few hours.

Ready to cook your prawns? Here’s how to grill prawns so they’re juicy, tender and tasty every time. And how to boil prawns to serve cold in a salad or with a dipping sauce.