Best Frozen Shellfish of 2026
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Frozen shellfish are a delicious and convenient way to enjoy seafood without the hassle of fresh preparation. From succulent shrimp to plump scallops, these frozen delicacies are perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressive entertaining. They're also ideal for those who don't live near the coast or have access to fresh seafood. Whether you're looking for a simple shrimp cocktail or a more complex seafood paella, frozen shellfish can be a versatile addition to any meal. Plus, they're often more affordable than their fresh counterparts, making them a budget-friendly option for seafood lovers.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Frozen Shellfish
Bumble Bee Premium Select Whole Canned Oysters
Bumble Bee Canned Oysters are delicious whole oysters packed in water and salt. They are high in protein, gluten-free, and perfect for keto or paleo diets. Enjoy them as a quick and tasty snack or use them in your favorite seafood recipes. With Bumble Bee, you can easily prepare a protein-packed meal for yourself and your family. These oysters are versatile, sustainable, and great for hors d'oeuvres or party snacks.
OCEANZEN New Zealand Half Shell Mussels
OCEANZEN Mussels bring the taste of New Zealand's pristine waters right to your kitchen. These nutritious mussels are high in protein and low in fat, making them a healthy addition to any family meal. You don’t need to be a master chef to enjoy them; with just a few simple cooking methods like steaming or sautéing, you can create delicious dishes in no time. Plus, with advanced packaging techniques, you can trust that each mussel retains its freshness and flavor from the ocean to your table. Enjoy hassle-free shopping with responsive customer service for any inquiries you may have.
OCEANZEN Large Alaska Wild-Caught Snow Crab Legs
The OCEANZEN Alaska Snow Crab offers a generous selection of wild-caught crab legs from Alaska’s North Atlantic and North Pacific waters, known for their freshness and flavorful, tender meat. You can pick the perfect size for your needs, ranging from 3 to 12 pounds, with each portion individually wrapped to maintain quality and prevent damage. These crab legs come fully cooked, so you can enjoy a delicious meal in just five minutes by steaming and adding melted butter—making preparation quick and easy. When storing, be sure to label any crab legs you refreeze and avoid freezing them for more than three months to keep the best taste and texture.
Maine Lobster Now 8-10oz Lobster Tails (2 Pack)
The Maine Lobster Now Lobster Tails come as two generous 8 to 10-ounce tails, giving you a perfect portion of fresh seafood to enjoy. These tails are flash-frozen, which locks in freshness and flavor until you're ready to cook. They arrive raw, so you have the flexibility to prepare them just the way you like. Whether you prefer grilling, baking, or broiling, these lobster tails are ideal for quick and easy cooking, making them a great choice for a delicious meal at home or a special occasion.
Today Gourmet Snow Crab Legs 5lbs
The Today Gourmet Snow Crab offers you sweet and delicate crab meat that's easy to enjoy. Its thinner legs make cracking simple, and the mild flavor works well in salads, pasta, or just dipped in butter. You can trust the quality since these crabs come from cold, deep waters near Greenland, known for premium seafood. Plus, the crab legs arrive fully cooked and frozen, so you save time on preparation. Just thaw them overnight in your fridge, then steam or boil for a quick, delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Rastelli's Egg Harbor Icelandic Cod Fillets 12 ct
Rastelli's Icelandic Cod Fillets offer twelve 6-ounce portions of wild-caught cod from the North Atlantic, ensuring a fresh and natural taste for your meals. Each fillet is boneless and skinless, making it easy for you to cook without extra prep work. The fillets are hand-trimmed for quality and individually vacuum-sealed, which helps keep them fresh and allows you to use only what you need, reducing waste. These fillets bring restaurant-quality seafood right to your kitchen, perfect for anyone who wants a premium fish experience at home.
OCEANZEN Jumbo Soft Shell Crabs
The OCEANZEN Soft Shell Crabs offer you premium quality wild-caught crabs that are handpicked from clean waters, ensuring a fresh and tasty seafood experience right at home. These jumbo crabs are flash-frozen individually to preserve their natural sweetness and delicate texture, so you enjoy ocean-fresh flavor even after freezing. They come fully cleaned and ready to cook, saving you time and hassle—just thaw and prepare them your favorite way, whether frying, grilling, or baking. Plus, with multiple pack sizes available, you can easily choose the right amount for family dinners, parties, or stocking up for seafood cravings.
Today Gourmet Maine Lobster Tails 5-6oz
The Today Gourmet Maine Lobster Tails offer a deliciously tender and naturally sweet seafood experience, thanks to lobsters caught in the cold Atlantic waters where their buttery texture is preserved. These tails are a healthy choice, providing lean protein with low fat and beneficial nutrients like omega-3s and selenium, making them a smart option for health-conscious eaters. Sourced sustainably from Maine’s coast and flash frozen on the day they’re caught, these lobster tails maintain peak freshness and flavor. The flash freezing process locks in moisture and texture, ensuring you enjoy a high-quality lobster meal that feels fresh and satisfying every time.
Cameron's Seafood Jumbo Cocktail Shrimp 2lb
Cameron's Jumbo Cocktail Shrimp offers large, shelled shrimp that deliver a rich and flavorful experience with every bite. These are the biggest shrimp available, known for their sweet and meaty texture that resembles a small lobster tail, making them a delicious treat. They’re an excellent choice as a side dish to complement your favorite meals, adding a touch of seafood luxury. Conveniently flash frozen, these shrimp lock in peak freshness, so you can simply thaw and enjoy without any extra preparation. This makes them a quick and easy option for busy cooks who want quality seafood in minutes.
Today Gourmet Maine Cold Water Lobster Tails 10-12oz
The Today Gourmet Lobster Tails offer a deliciously tender and naturally sweet flavor thanks to lobsters living in the cold Atlantic waters of Maine. This cold environment helps keep the meat soft and buttery, making every bite enjoyable. As a healthy option, these tails provide lean protein with low fat, packed with essential nutrients like omega-3s and selenium. You can feel good about including them in your meals. Plus, the tails are flash frozen right after being caught, preserving their freshness and texture. This means you get top-quality lobster that tastes as fresh as if it were just caught.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is frozen shellfish good?
Frozen shellfish can be safe to eat indefinitely, but the flavor and texture may deteriorate over time. For the best quality, it is recommended to freeze cooked shellfish for up to 3 months and raw shellfish for 3 to 12 months.
2. Can you cook shellfish from frozen?
Yes, you can cook shellfish directly from frozen. Rinse the seafood to remove any surface ice, pat it dry, and cook it as you would fresh shellfish. It is advisable to increase the cooking time by approximately 50% to ensure it cooks through.
3. Can frozen shellfish go bad?
Most commercially frozen shellfish can last in the freezer for up to six months, but it is recommended to check the package's 'Best By' date. It is best to use the 'first in, first out' method to maintain freshness and taste.
4. How do you cook frozen mixed shellfish?
To cook frozen mixed shellfish, you can boil them in water or a sauce. For a seafood medley, it is recommended to use 4 cups of boiling water for every bag of shellfish. Submerge the mix in boiling water, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer uncovered for about a minute.
5. Should you rinse frozen seafood?
When cooking frozen seafood, it is important to rinse it under cold water to remove any ice. Keep in mind that the cooking time should be doubled to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
6. Is frozen seafood as healthy as fresh?
Freezing seafood does not significantly reduce its nutritional content. Protein, fat, and vitamins remain largely unaffected by the freezing process. However, thawing the seafood can lead to some loss of water content.
7. Should you defrost frozen seafood before cooking?
While some fish can be cooked directly from frozen, it is generally recommended to fully thaw frozen seafood before cooking. Thawing allows for more even and consistent cooking.
8. How can you tell if shellfish is bad?
To determine if shellfish is bad, you can perform a tap test. Live clams, oysters, and mussels will close when the shell is tapped. Additionally, live crabs and lobsters should show some leg movement. If shellfish do not respond to these tests, they should not be selected or prepared.
During our frozen shellfish research, we found 24 frozen shellfish products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 7,260 customer reviews through our big data system to write the frozen shellfish list. We found that most customers choose frozen shellfish with an average price of $122.38.
The frozen shellfish are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of frozen shellfish, including Bumble Bee, OCEANZEN, Maine Lobster Now, Today Gourmet Foods of NC, Rastelli's. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!