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Given the wide variety of breakfast foods, desserts, pizzas, and vegetables, the supermarket freezer section could well be a store unto itself. But how do you decide from such myriad options? While the aisles are designed to be your last stop when grocery shopping, they are not to be missed. So I’ve gone ahead and narrowed down the best selections among frozen seafood dinners using a consensus of customer reviews and my personal experience.
This list encompasses crispy filets, sweet and savory salmon, and nearly a sea of shrimp prepared in different styles to provide both convenience and satisfaction. Tender noodles, buttery rice, and vibrant vegetables are just some of the accompaniments you’ll find courtesy of well-known brands. Both well-known brands and newer names have offerings reviewers deem worthy of being staples in your freezer. It’s only up to you whether Alfredo, scampi, or even grits sound most tantalizing.
Bertolli Shrimp Scampi & Linguine
A date night in is most definitely easier with Bertolli Shrimp Scampi & Linguine — and you aren’t going to be left feeling like the convenience came with a sacrifice on quality. Numerous reviews lament that the 2.5 servings in the container are a stretch. But even served as a light meal unto itself, the noodles and shrimp are certainly satisfying.
Speaking from personal experience, this single pan dish delivers tender noodles in a rather creamy sauce without feeling heavy. Some time covered and uncovered with a bit of stirring is all it takes to go from freezer to plate. While no one would complain about getting a few more bigger pieces of shrimp, it remains that frozen shrimp are typically fresher than the alternative, and that holds true in this dish.
There is none of the rubbery texture of overcooked shrimp, and the freshness is emphasized with the other ingredients. Pleasant for both the eye and the tongue, the pop of color from red bell pepper is as bold as the pop of flavor. What’s more, the slices of garlic should only scare off creatures of Bram Stoker’s imagination as, instead of overpowering, they add a subtle depth to the entree. Should you count yourself among those hungering for more, some cheesy garlic bread would pair easily without overdoing the spice.
Stouffer’s Fish Filet
It only takes 5 minutes to prepare Stouffer’s Fish Filet in the microwave. While it also holds that microwaved fish smells so much worse than fresh seafood, that isn’t the only reason you’re going to want to pick the air fryer’s longer cook time. Mind you, reviews mean no disrespect to the reliable nuker, which does no detriment to the flavor. It’s just that, by its very nature, the air fryer helps deliver a crispy exterior that contrasts well with the flaky fish.
Of course, breaded Alaskan pollock isn’t all the Stouffer’s entree has to offer. What makes this a meal is the inclusion of the macaroni and cheese. This also helps make this a staple purchase for some and a preferred TV dinner. Enjoying it as-is needn’t be the end of the line for one of the best frozen seafood dishes, as there is an alternative preparation many agree on. Customers say the meal makes for a great sandwich, especially when topped with a touch of tartar sauce. Just introduce a bun, some bread, or any preferred handheld food foundation.
Lean Cuisine Tortilla Crusted Fish
Be they coworkers or family members, I’ve already brought up how microwaving fish can put you on a fast track to losing friends and alienating people. That said, even seafood detractors find the aroma of Lean Cuisine Tortilla Crusted Fish enticing, marking just one of the ways it exceeds expectations. Promoted as a low-calorie dish to help those with weight management goals, the entree features Alaska Pollock with a flour-based exterior resting on a bed of rice. That rice includes corn, poblano peppers, and a sour cream sauce, each in fair quantities that enhance the flavor of the dish.
Where it concerns the star of the meal, the microwave is again outperformed by the air fryer in leveling up the satisfying bite of the crust. Still, on more than one occasion, the smell from the microwave has tempted the curious to try it for themselves. It is featured regularly in some shoppers’ rotations, and the texture helps promote repeat sales as the overall dish is compared to restaurant quality.
P.F. Chang’s Shrimp Lo Mein
Of all the facts about P.F. Chang’s you may not have known, the most pressing is that since 2010 the restaurant chain has made some of its popular dishes available to consumers at retail stores. Along with Mongolian Style Beef and Orange Chicken, shoppers should be on the lookout for P.F. Chang’s Shrimp Lo Mein. With a preparation much like Bertolli’s scampi dish, this meal is said to be 2.5 servings, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint on flavor.
My initial observation when I first opened one of the bags into a pan was the amount of frozen hunks of soy sauce mixed among the coils of noodles and array of shrimp and vegetables. Any concern about this entree being a salt bomb dissipated with the first bite. Instead, my taste buds were greeted with rich umami from both the sauce and the mushrooms. The succulent shrimp, of which there are a fair number, play well off the restaurant-quality noodles. Plus, an extra touch of freshness is introduced with every bite, thanks to bok choy, celery, and tender carrots.
Scott & Jon’s Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl
Between mainstays of the freezer aisle and an increased presence of restaurant chains offering at-home products, there is unquestionably stiff competition in the frozen food market. So for a meal to be lauded as the best among seafood options, and as the best overall to some consumers, is certainly saying something. That is exactly how many view Scott & Jon’s Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl.
It is one of several shrimp dishes offered by the brand; this one has a garlic butter sauce that ties the shrimp together with the rice, accented with bell peppers and parsley. While those who adore a pop of both salt and garlic may find this meal in need of some extra dashes of each — debatable given some reviews feel the opposite — the minor inconvenience is more than made up for in other ways.
The sensory experience begins with the nose as customers say the aroma while cooking is satisfying unto itself. Then, a good stir to work the sauce into every bite finds some likening the quality to Red Lobster. All told, evenly cut vegetables, shrimp cooked just right, and buttery flavor in every bite continue to make this a routine purchase for fans.
Dolly Parton’s Shrimp & Grits
Be it music, movies, or philanthropy, of all the things Dolly Parton became known for, her line of food is likely at the bottom of the list. That doesn’t mean she didn’t apply the same gusto to the project as any other endeavor. In fact, by bringing a Southern favorite to the freezer section, she nearly brought at least one customer to tears. I’m, of course, talking about Dolly Parton’s Shrimp & Grits.
I appreciate the depth of flavor in this meal. First off, the fragrance of garlic when you remove the dish from the microwave feels like an invitation to peel back the film. After a stir to incorporate all the ingredients, you’ll quite literally be surprised by the amount of shrimp as the creamy grits coat the protein. Breaking up what could otherwise be an experience lacking dimension are the juicy tomatoes. The acidity cuts through the cheesy grits like windshield wipers for the palate, allowing you a better look, as it were, at the taste. This is also aided by the scallions and the stark contrast of flavor.
Zatarain’s Shrimp Alfredo
Available in various sizes, Zatarain’s Shrimp Alfredo makes sure to cover all manner of appetites. For the regular 10.5-ounce package, reviews suggest you shouldn’t let the compact package fool you. There is plenty of creamy goodness to fill you up, and possibly a second diner if you introduce some sides. On top of celebrating the portion sizes, the flavors provide more than enough for consumers to rave about.
A big highlight is the sauce, which is plentiful and thick, likely aiding in satiating reviewers. Much like our own shrimp linguine Alfredo recipe, you may find yourself wanting to add some vegetables to the mix or — as some detail — a bit of black pepper or Cajun spice. Either way, the quality of the shrimp, tender bite of the pasta, and hearty sauce may not amount to 5-star restaurant cuisine, but they get about as close as you can for coming out of the supermarket freezer aisle.
Tai Pei Shrimp Fried Rice
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When you pick up a package of Tai Pei Shrimp Fried Rice, you aren’t just getting a quality frozen seafood meal, you’re also getting an experience fairly similar to ordering in from your favorite local Asian restaurant. That’s partially because, unlike frozen entrees served in plastic trays, this one comes in a tub that calls to mind takeout containers in your hand. Of course, more important than the vessel is the food itself, and that too gives off a restaurant feel.
Portion-wise, I find these to be just enough for lunch or a light dinner. The package isn’t kidding when it says “succulent shrimp,” and they’re supported by a bed of well-seasoned rice and crisp vegetables, namely corn and peas. Each provides a delightful pop of sweetness mixed throughout the dish that has a buttery undertone. The quality should come as no surprise given Tai Pei is distributed by Ajinomoto, known for supplying restaurants as well as retailers. I’m not alone in thinking it’s great, as many reviews compliment the textures and flavors.
Healthy Choice Cajun-style Chicken & Shrimp Cafe Steamer
If you prefer fresh Cajun food, give Healthy Choice Cajun-style Chicken & Shrimp Cafe Steamer a chance. It is meant to laissez les bons temps rouler, not melt your tongue off. How exactly does it let the good times roll? The spicy sauce isn’t too hot, meriting just one out of five on the spicy scale, but others give it a 2.5. It’s a matter of flavor, not heat, and reviews agree the dish has a quality kick.
This product is the only one on the list that has two proteins: chicken and shrimp. The result is an extra texture and flavor profile from the chicken without introducing a glaring contrast to the shrimp. Plus, neither is lacking in quantity for the size of the meal. Both are blended with the sauce and cuts of bell pepper, celery, onion, and tomato. Everything is served on a bed of rice, amounting to a satisfying meal ready in under 5 minutes.
Scott & Jon’s Honey Sesame Salmon
As previously stated, Scott & Jon’s has a number of shrimp dishes that fans adore, so this one offering salmon is not the only reason the meal stands out. Bucking taboos and dancing a fine line with complexity, reviews say Scott & Jon’s Honey Sesame Salmon comes fairly close to restaurant quality.
The oft-concerning microwave fish odor is said to be a non-issue with this frozen meal. Rather, the reviews tell of a pleasant aroma even before peeling back the cover. Dining next with the eyes, you’re greeted with a generous portion of salmon in large chunks rather than a smattering of pieces blended into the bed of rice. Reviewers note that the vegetables cook without losing crispness, and the salmon isn’t overdone. Flavors mark a striking blend of savory and sweet thanks to the honey sesame sauce. That said, some less keen on sweet eats see fit to add in a touch of their own spice to better balance the dish.
Marie Callender’s White Wine & Butter Shrimp Mac & Cheese Bowl
To some, there is no greater comfort food than a bowl of macaroni and cheese. Over time, the dish has permeated all levels of dining, with many people trying their hand at crafting decadent mac and cheese recipes. You’ll find a touch of seafood among those dishes, and though I’ve never counted the meal among my personal go-tos, I can definitely see Marie Callender’s White Wine & Butter Shrimp Mac & Cheese Bowl changing my mind.
This entree is creamy with a decent amount of shrimp despite numerous reviewers always wanting more. The overall quality is reminiscent of a home-cooked meal: familiar, inviting, and relaxing. While it would be plenty satisfying with just the shrimp, pasta, and rich, buttery sauce, all of this is accented by the parsley. On top of the herbaceous quality, it also adds a delightful contrast to what would otherwise be a rather monochrome meal just this side of beige. While some customers would appreciate a little something extra in the entree, the biggest gripe remains availability. Of course, perhaps stores wouldn’t need to restock so much if some fans weren’t ordering almost 10 at a time.
Methodology
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Out of the myriad frozen seafood meals available, this list relied on customer reviews and personal experience to narrow down a consensus of the best. In addition to Facebook and Reddit, reviews on retail sites for Walmart, Target, and Kroger were considered, along with public commentary on various brands’ own websites. Taste, textures, appearance, and aroma remained paramount in making the list. Balance of flavors, portion size, and convenience were also weighed, as was customer willingness to make the same purchase again and again.
