The Shelf Life of Frozen Cooked Shrimp: How Long It Lasts and Storage Tips

Shrimp is a beloved seafood treat, and freezing cooked shrimp allows you to enjoy that sweet briny flavor anytime. But how long does frozen cooked shrimp stay fresh and safe to eat? Here’s a comprehensive guide to maximizing the shelf life of frozen shrimp.

Overview of Frozen Shrimp’s Shelf Life

When stored continuously at 0°F frozen cooked shrimp will keep safe indefinitely. However its quality and texture will start to degrade over time

• Peak Quality: 10-12 months
• Safe Beyond This But Lower Quality: 1-2 years

So for best flavor, texture and appearance aim to eat frozen cooked shrimp within about a year. But even if kept longer it can still be safe to eat.

Signs Frozen Shrimp Has Spoiled

Frozen shrimp can develop signs of spoilage that indicate it may be past its prime or potentially unsafe. Watch for:

• Strong, fishy or ammonia-like odors
• Dry, white freezer burn spots
• Change in color from translucent flesh to yellow or milky flesh
• Soft, mushy texture
• Sliminess

If you notice any of these, it’s best to discard the frozen shrimp rather than risk foodborne illness.

Proper Storage for Maximum Shelf Life

To get the full 10-12 months of peak quality shelf life

• Store shrimp below 0°F at all times.

• Use freezer bags, airtight containers or vacuum sealing to protect from air exposure.

• Avoid overcrowding the freezer, as this slows down freezing and encourages frost crystal formation.

• Prevent freezer burn by sealing shrimp properly. Dry shrimp will develop freezer burn more quickly.

• If any packages or containers show signs of damage, repackage the shrimp.

• Rotate oldest shrimp to front of freezer and use first. Follow FIFO: first in, first out.

Thawing Frozen Shrimp

Always thaw frozen shrimp properly in the refrigerator or cold water. Never leave it to thaw on the counter, as bacteria multiply rapidly in the “danger zone” between 40°F-140°F.

• Refrigerator thawing: Place frozen shrimp in a bowl and refrigerate overnight.

• Cold water thawing: Seal shrimp in a bag and submerge in cold water for 15-20 minutes.

Once thawed, use cooked shrimp within 1-2 days. Do not refreeze thawed shrimp.

Storing Thawed Shrimp

For best quality, follow these guidelines once cooked shrimp is thawed:

• Keep thawed shrimp chilled at 40°F or below.

• To retain moisture, store in its original airtight packaging or in an airtight container.

• If reheating, do so gently using low heat. High heat makes shrimp rubbery.

• Enjoy leftover cooked shrimp cold or at room temp if preferred.

• Use thawed cooked shrimp within 1-2 days for optimal flavor and texture.

Can You Refreeze Thawed Shrimp?

It’s not recommended to refreeze shrimp once it has been thawed. Refreezing causes greater moisture loss, resulting in a drier, tougher texture.

However, if thawed shrimp is still cold and was thawed properly in the fridge or cold water, it may be refrozen for short term storage of 1-2 months. Be sure to use it soon after refreezing.

Raw vs. Cooked Frozen Shrimp Shelf Life

Raw shrimp that was properly frozen can be kept frozen for 3 months beyond the cooked shrimp guidelines:

• Raw shrimp: 9-12 months peak quality
• Cooked shrimp: 10-12 months peak quality

So raw frozen shrimp lasts slightly longer. But once shrimp is cooked, it has a shorter shelf life. Eat thawed cooked shrimp within a few days but have longer to use thawed raw shrimp.

Buying Frozen Shrimp

To get the longest lasting frozen shrimp:

• Check manufacturer’s “best by” date and purchase well before that date.

• Avoid packages with signs of frost or ice crystals, which indicate improper freezing.

• Choose flash frozen shrimp for better texture over slow frozen.

• Opt for wild caught U.S. shrimp over imported when possible.

• Look for certification labels to verify quality, sustainability and safe processing.

Storing Leftover Cooked Shrimp

Leftover cooked shrimp that’s been thawed should be eaten within 3-4 days. To store:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container.

• Add a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.

• Use for seafood salads, pasta dishes, tacos, sandwiches and more.

• Reheat gently in sauces, soups or by steaming to restore moisture and juiciness.

So follow these freezing, thawing and storage tips to enjoy frozen cooked shrimp at peak quality! Properly handled frozen shrimp can stay fresh and delicious for up to a year.