Can You Freeze Shallots?
Quick Answer : Can You Freeze Shallots?
You can freeze shallots to extend their shelf life considerably. However, the freezing process requires you to prepare them well. Therefore, let us learn how to freeze shallots and consume them later in various recipes.
How Do You Freeze Shallots?
Freezing shallots should not be a problem, provided you prepare them well for the process. It is advisable to slice or chop them before freezing, simplifying later usage.
So, the preparation starts by peeling the shallots and cutting them. Otherwise, there is nothing much to do. Besides freezing the sliced shallots, it is possible to make shallot-infused oil and butter and freeze them. These preparations can be added to various recipes to spice them up. Let us discuss multiple ways of freezing shallots.
Freezing Chopped Shallots
Though shallots can be frozen whole, it is better to chop or slice them into smaller pieces.
- Check the shallots you have purchased for sprouts or any signs of decay. You can discard the decaying shallots immediately. However, the sprouted shallots should be used in the food recipes without delay. So, identify the best shallots for chopping and slicing.
- Peel the shallots before chopping them. The outer skin comes off easily. You can chop them into small pieces or slice them, depending on the individual preferences. However, while freezing them, we suggest using separate bags for sliced and chopped shallots.
- Pop the sliced or chopped shallots in a freezer-safe ziplock bag and seal it properly after removing excess air from the pack. A vacuum sealer should be excellent, but a standard ziplock bag can also prove helpful.
- Label the ziplock bag with the freezing date and keep it inside the freezer near the top. Please note that the process is not over yet.
- Remove the ziplock bag from the freezer after 20 minutes to give it a gentle shake. It prevents the shallot pieces from freezing together in clumps. Keep the bag in the freezer again. Wait for half an hour and repeat the shaking process.
- Now, the shallots would remain separate. You can place the bag deep into the freezer to continue freezing the vegetable.
Freezing Shallot-Infused Oil
Using shallot-infused oil is a better way of adding shallot flavor to the recipe instead of using shallots. So, if you wish to freeze shallot-infused oil, you can do so.
Prepare the shallot-infused oil by submerging the shallot pieces inside a bottle containing freezable oil. Store the oil in the kitchen cupboard for a few days. The longer you store them, the better the shallot flavor. Remove the shallots from the oil when you wish to freeze it.
- Pour the shallot-infused oil into ice cube trays and leave a gap at the top for the oil to expand when freezing.
- Push the tray into the freezer allowing the oil to freeze for a few hours.
- Remove the frozen oil cubes from the tray and transfer them to a freezer bag.
- Seal the bag well after expelling excess air from it.
- Label the bags and freeze the contents in the freezer.
Freezing Shallot-Infused Butter
Shallot-infused butter allows you to add the onion flavor to the cooking when melted. In addition, you can freeze shallot-infused butter in the freezer for extended periods.
- Chop the shallots into fine pieces and stir them into the butter. You can add garlic and other herbs to infuse additional flavor to the recipe. Place the shallot-infused butter into the fridge for a couple of days to let the flavor seep into the butter.
- Scoop the shallot-infused butter into ice cube trays and let them freeze in the freezer for a couple of hours.
- The butter freezes well and solidifies. Remove the butter cubes and transfer them to a resealable ziplock bag. Remove excess air and seal the bag airtight.
- Label the freezer bag with the freezing date and place it again into the freezer to freeze.
How Long Will The Frozen Shallots Last In The Freezer?
The frozen shallots can remain fresh for three months inside the freezer. However, we suggest that you consume them within three months as otherwise, they could lose their flavor.
How Do You Defrost The Frozen Shallots?
Defrosting the frozen shallots depends on how you plan to use them. They do not need defrosting if you plan to use the chopped/sliced shallots. They can be directly used in the recipe from the frozen state. The same applies to shallot-infused oil and butter.
However, if you wish to use the shallots in salads, you can defrost them in the refrigerator for a few hours. But, defrosting shallots can result in a loss of crunchiness, and they would not taste the same as fresh.
Can You Refreeze Shallots?
We do not recommend refreezing shallots because it can damage their original flavor. However, if you have used them in your recipes and have leftovers, you can freeze them. There should not be any problems under such circumstances.
Can You Freeze Shallots Whole?
You can freeze shallots whole without chopping or slicing. Shallots and onions are among the few vegetables that do not need blanching before freezing. But, we advise peeling the shallots before freezing them.
Can You Freeze Shallot Puree?
It is possible to freeze shallot puree, with or without garlic. But, we recommend freezing them in small consumable portions.
Can You Freeze Cooked Shallots?
Freezing cooked shallots enhances their life span considerably. They can remain for ten to twelve months in the freezer.
Can You Freeze Fried Shallots?
You can freeze fried shallots. We suggest packing them into airtight containers and freezing them. However, exposure to air can spoil the fried shallots.
Can You Freeze Uncooked Shallots?
Yes, it is possible to freeze uncooked or raw shallots. We have already discussed various ways of doing it.
Can You Freeze Cut Shallots?
Yes, freezing cut shallots is possible the way described here.
Can You Freeze Sliced Shallots?
Sliced shallots freeze well. It is possible to freeze sliced shallots by packing them in airtight freezer bags and placing them in the freezer.
Can You Freeze Minced Shallots?
You can freeze minced shallots the same way you freeze sliced or chopped shallots.
Can You Freeze Green Shallots?
You can freeze green shallots after cleaning them with water and patting them dry with a paper towel.
Final Words
Shallots, or small onions as they are better known, are an essential aspect of South Indian cuisine. So, can you freeze shallots? Yes, it is possible to freeze shallots and consume them later.
