How you store crab meat and whether it is cooked affect how long it stays fresh in the fridge. Cooked crab meat tends to go bad very quickly if it isn’t stored correctly. Uncooked crab meat should be used within three to four days of purchase. Then, once it’s cooked, if you store it right, it will last another three to five days in the fridge.
Succulent crab meat is one of the great joys of seafood From Alaska king crab to blue crab from the Chesapeake Bay, crab is a delicious and versatile ingredient However, raw crab is highly perishable and needs to be stored properly to maintain freshness and avoid spoilage. This leaves many home cooks wondering how long can you keep uncooked crab in the fridge?
Knowing the shelf life for uncooked crab helps you store it safely and utilize it while it’s at peak quality. Here is a comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know about fridge storage times for various types of uncooked crab.
Overview of Uncooked Crab Storage
In general, live crab and fresh raw crabmeat should be stored in the refrigerator and used within a short window of 1-5 days for optimal flavor and texture. Proper storage methods help retain moisture, freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
How long uncooked crab lasts depends on several factors:
- Type and source of the crab
- Whether it’s live or cooked
- If it’s whole crab or cleaned meat
- Storage temperature
- Handling and preparation
Adhering to recommended storage times and methods is key Understand how to identify spoiled crab and when it’s no longer safe to eat,
Storing Live Crab
Live crabs can stay alive for several days out of water, so they’re often sold live. Follow these guidelines for storing live crab:
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Keep live crabs in a bushel or sturdy container fitted with a damp towel. Avoid using plastic bags.
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Refrigerate at 40°F or slightly below. Colder temperatures may weaken or kill the crabs.
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Provide adequate ventilation. Leave the damp towel partially open.
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Use live crab within 1-2 days for best flavor and texture. Cook immediately if any crabs have died.
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Cook live crab the same day of purchase, if possible, for ultimate freshness.
Raw Crabmeat Storage
For raw crabmeat that’s been removed from the shell:
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Refrigerate raw crabmeat at 40°F or slightly below to prevent spoilage. Do not freeze raw crabmeat.
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Place crabmeat in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
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Use within 2 days for top quality. Discard if it has an off smell or appearance.
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Cooked crabmeat lasts 3-4 days in the fridge. Pick leftover cooked crabmeat within 12 hours.
Whole Raw Crab Storage
For whole raw crabs:
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Store cleaned, whole raw crabs layered between damp paper towels in a container.
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Refrigerate at 40°F or slightly below. Do not freeze whole raw crabs.
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Use raw whole crabs preferably within the same day, especially for premium varieties like blue crab.
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Consume within 1-2 days if necessarry for good flavor and texture.
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Remove meat as soon as possible once cooked for best quality.
Storing Cooked Crab
Already cooked crab:
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Refrigerate cooked crab meat immersed in butter, sauce or juices in a sealed container.
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Eat refrigerated cooked crab within 3-4 days for optimum freshness.
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Pick crab meat from shells within 12 hours of cooking for best flavor.
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Discard cooked crab meat if it takes on a fishy smell or has a dull, grayish color.
Freezing Crab Meat
For extended storage, properly frozen crab meat can last 4-6 months in the freezer.
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Freeze only cooked crab meat, not live or raw.
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Cook, pick and clean crab meat thoroughly before freezing.
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Portion crab meat into airtight freezer bags or containers, removing air.
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Freeze at 0°F or below for 4-6 months maximum.
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Thaw frozen crab meat overnight in the fridge before using.
Signs Your Crab Has Spoiled
Watch for these indicators that your raw or cooked crab has gone bad:
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Strong, unpleasant seafood odor
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Grayish, dull color to the meat
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Dry, tacky feel and texture
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Milky liquid oozing from meat
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Presence of mold, sliminess or mushiness
When in doubt, remember the old adage: “When in doubt, throw it out!” Don’t risk eating spoiled crab.
Safe Handling Practices
To safely handle raw crab:
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Cook crab thoroughly to an internal temperature of 145°F to eliminate any bacteria, viruses or parasites.
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Avoid cross-contaminating utensils, surfaces, and hands when preparing raw crab.
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Refrigerate crab immediately after bringing home from the market or dock.
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When in doubt, throw it out! Don’t consume anything that smells or looks questionable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about storing uncooked crab:
How long can uncooked king crab legs last in the fridge?
Fresh, raw king crab legs will keep 2-3 days maximum in the fridge. Break legs into smaller sections for storage. Discard if they develop any fishy odors.
What is the shelf life of uncooked snow crab?
Store fresh snow crab at 40°F or below and use within 1-2 days for best quality. Pre-cooked snow crab legs can last 3-4 days refrigerated.
Can you freeze whole raw crab?
It is not recommended to freeze whole raw crabs. Freeze only the cooked meat after picking it from the shells.
How long does uncooked Dungeness crab last in the fridge?
Keep live Dungeness crab 1-2 days maximum. Refrigerate raw Dungeness crab meat 1-2 days. Cooked meat lasts 3-4 days.
Can you refreeze thawed uncooked crab?
Refreezing raw crab meat is not advised due to textural changes and moisture loss. Refreezing thawed cooked crab meat is more acceptable if done properly.
What happens if you eat spoiled raw crab?
Consuming spoiled raw crab can lead to food poisoning. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. Seek medical treatment if symptoms are severe.
How can you tell if cooked crab has gone bad?
Signs of spoiled cooked crab include sour or fishy odors, dry flaky texture, dull color, sliminess, and milky residue around the meat. Discard crab immediately if any signs appear.
The Bottom Line
When stored properly in the refrigerator, uncooked crab can stay fresh 1-5 days depending on the type. Employ recommended handling practices and watch for any foul odors, textures or appearance. Freeze only cooked crab meat for prolonged storage. Follow these guidelines to safely enjoy delicious crab any time you like.
How Do You Thaw Frozen Crab?
Put frozen crab in an airtight container and put it in the fridge overnight. This is the best way for it to thaw. Put the crab in a plastic bag and run cold water over it. If you need it to thaw quickly, put the bag under a sink or bowl full of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the crab is defrosted. Once thawed, the crab should be cooked or consumed immediately.
How Should Crab Be Stored?
Don’t leave cooked crab out at room temperature for longer than it needs to be. This will keep it fresh and help it last longer. The maximum amount of time it can sit outside the refrigerator is two hours. Keep it in its original box or a shallow container that won’t let air in. You can also wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Then place it in the coldest part of the fridge, usually the bottom, as the cold air sinks. To further extend its shelf life, you may freeze crab indefinitely. However, it will only be at its best quality if used within two to three months. Use an airtight container with a lid, a heavy-duty freezer bag, or tightly wrap it in freezer wrap or heavy-duty aluminum foil to store it in the freezer.