Fresh Shrimp:
- Taste: Often fresher and has a sweeter flavor, especially if you can buy it directly from a fish market.
- Shelf Life: Needs to be cooked within a couple of days, so make sure you can use it soon after purchase.
- Texture: Usually more tender than frozen shrimp.
- Best for: Grilling, sautéing, or any quick-cook dishes.
Frozen Shrimp:
- Convenience: You can store frozen shrimp for longer, making it easier to have on hand for meals. It also tends to be more available year-round.
- Taste: Generally still good quality, but the freezing process may slightly alter the texture.
- Texture: Can be slightly less tender but still great in most recipes after proper thawing.
- Best for: Stews, soups, stir-fries, and dishes where they’re cooked with sauces.
Do you have a preference for one over the other, or are you still deciding what you’re cooking?