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I bought “bad” shrimp, can I use them for anything?

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I purchased some “bad” shrimp—can I salvage them in any way?

Today, for the first time, I tried cooking a bag of frozen shrimp. I boiled them for about 10 minutes, but they still seemed undercooked, staying semi-translucent and rubbery.

After doing some research, I found out that shrimp treated with tripolyphosphate don’t cook like normal shrimp. Fantastic.

Unfortunately, they don’t taste great at all, and I have an entire bag of these shrimp. Is there any way I can use them, or should I just throw them away?

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One response to “I bought “bad” shrimp, can I use them for anything?”

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    It sounds like you’re dealing with shrimp that have been treated to retain moisture, which can definitely affect texture and flavor. While it might be frustrating, there are still ways you can use these shrimp instead of tossing them! Here are a few ideas:

    1. Shrimp Stock: Use the shrimp to make a flavorful stock. Simmer them with water, aromatics like onions, garlic, and spices. You can then use this stock as a base for soups or risottos.

    2. Shrimp Fried Rice: Chop the shrimp into smaller pieces and stir-fry them with vegetables, rice, and some soy sauce. The spices and flavors from the other ingredients can help mask the texture and taste.

    3. Shrimp Tacos: Season the shrimp with spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic, then sauté them briefly. Serve them in tacos with toppings like slaw, salsa, and avocado to enhance the flavor.

    4. Shrimp in Sauces: Try using the shrimp in a rich sauce, like Alfredo or a spicy marinara, where they can soak up some of the flavors. This can help improve their taste and texture when combined with pasta.

    5. Soup: Incorporate them into a hearty soup, where the flavors can blend together. Especially in soups with a strong base like a chowder or gumbo.

    If none of these options appeal to you or if the shrimp still taste off after trying, it might be best to let them go. Food safety is important, so if you have any doubts about their freshness or quality, it’s better to err on the side of caution.

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