Shrimp is one of the most common and widely used seafoods around. No matter if you like it cold in a shrimp cocktail, on a kabob, or cooked into your favorite Italian pasta, shrimp can be used in a lot of different ways.
Being so versatile, it’s a nice protein to have around. Do not look any further if you want to know how long your favorite shrimp dish will last. We have all the answers you need!
Whether cooked or raw, shrimp should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. It’s not safe to eat food that is any longer because it gives bad bacteria too much time to grow on it.
The answer to this depends on whether you are storing raw or cooked shrimp. In the fridge, raw shrimp will last for one to two days if it is stored in a container that keeps air out or wrapped in plastic wrap that keeps air out.
Cooked shrimp can generally last a little longer than raw shrimp. If it is stored correctly, you can expect your cooked shrimp to last three to four days.
There may be a “best-by” or “use-by” date on the package of both raw and cooked shrimp that you buy at the store. In general, your shrimp should still be good a day or two after that date. However, I would make sure it hasn’t gone bad before eating or using in a recipe.
Happily, both cooked and raw shrimp freeze well! I always keep a pound or two of frozen shrimp in my freezer, since it’s so easy to thaw when I need it. If you want to save shrimp for later use, I think buying frozen shrimp is better than buying cooked frozen shrimp from the store.
Before putting raw shrimp in a freezer bag or container, make sure to clean and pat it dry. This is how I like to buy shrimp. Freeze as quick as you can to minimize the amount of time it is at room temperature. This helps keep it fresh for when you are ready to use it.
When freezing cooked shrimp you first want to pop it in the fridge until it is chilled. This will prevent it from letting off steam in the freezer and causing freezer burn. Use a paper towel to dry the cooked shrimp if you are freezing it by itself and not as part of a dish. This will keep the shrimp from sticking to each other. Last, put it in a freezer bag or container and press out all the air before sealing it. Then, put it in the freezer.
When freezing cooked or raw shrimp, it’s important to divide it up into portions that will be easy to thaw later. This step is often missed. If you don’t, you might have to thaw more than you can use and throw some of it away.
It should be possible for raw and cooked shrimp to stay frozen for up to a year if they were stored properly. However, the sooner you use the better. I try to eat my frozen leftovers no more than six months after I freeze them to make sure they are still good.
Putting frozen shrimp in the fridge overnight (or for 12 hours) is the best way to get it ready to use. I would put the frozen shrimp bag in a bowl just in case it leaks. Otherwise, you could have a puddle of shrimp water in your fridge when you take it out. You should cook or eat your shrimp no more than one to two days after letting it thaw in the fridge.
Put the freezer bag or container of shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about an hour. This will help the shrimp thaw faster. You may need to change the water periodically to avoid the water freezing around it. You can also run cold water over the freezer bag or container under the faucet to speed things up even more. I would make sure you cook or eat right away after thawing if you use this method.
Like most foods, the best way to tell if shrimp has gone bad is to use your senses.
Both fresh and cooked shrimp have similar signs they are going bad. The following things should make you suspicious of whether or not your shrimp is still good:
If you notice any of the above red flags or something just seems off, I wouldn’t eat it. As I always say, when in doubt, throw it out.
Shrimp is one of those versatile seafood ingredients that works great in everything from pasta and stir fries to shrimp cocktails and ceviche. Having a bag of frozen shrimp on hand makes whipping up these dishes easy anytime. But how long does frozen shrimp actually last before it goes bad and becomes unsafe to eat?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about maximizing the shelf life of frozen shrimp. You’ll learn proper storage methods, how to identify spoiled shrimp, and the important factors impacting how long frozen shrimp stays fresh. Let’s dive in!
The Shelf Life of Frozen Shrimp
When stored continuously at 0°F or below. the shelf life of raw frozen shrimp is approximately
- 6-12 months for wild-caught shrimp
- 9-18 months for farm-raised shrimp
The slightly longer lifespan of farm-raised frozen shrimp is due to the more controlled and sanitary conditions compared to wild harvests.
For best quality, frozen shrimp should be consumed within 6 months. But if stored properly, it can technically last between 1-2 years before becoming unsafe to eat. Always rely on your senses, not the calendar, to determine edibility!
Proper Storage for Maximizing Shelf Life
To get the most mileage out of your frozen shrimp and avoid premature spoilage, be diligent about proper storage:
- Maintain freezer temperature at 0°F or below
- Use airtight packaging like zip-top freezer bags
- Squeeze out excess air before sealing
- Avoid storing in freezer door where temperature fluctuates
- Place in coldest part of freezer, away from air vents
- Don’t overload freezer, as this reduces air circulation
- Avoid repeated thaw/refreeze cycles
Following these simple frozen shrimp storage tips prevents freezer burn and other degradation for maximum freshness
Signs Your Frozen Shrimp Has Gone Bad
Frozen shrimp can still go bad after prolonged storage eventually. Here are the signs to watch out for:
- Unpleasant, strong fishy or ammonia odor
- Grayish, dull color instead of translucent pink/orange
- Dry, spongy texture instead of firm and shiny when thawed
- Signs of freezer burn like dry white patches
- Freezer-adhered pieces with thick ice crystals
Trust your senses! If thawed shrimp smells bad or shows visual cues of spoilage, it’s best to discard. When in doubt, throw it out.
Factors That Shorten Frozen Shrimp’s Shelf Life
A variety of factors can cause frozen shrimp to deteriorate faster and shorten its useable shelf life. Be aware of these common pitfalls:
- Improper storage temperature – Fluctuating temps above 0°F accelerate spoilage
- Poor packaging – Lack of airtight seal leads to freezer burn
- Repeated thawing and refreezing – Degrades texture and flavor
- Age of shrimp when frozen – Freshness impacts total shelf life
- Extended power outages – Partial thawing during an outage reduces shelf life
Monitor your freezer carefully and take steps to mitigate these risks for maximum frozen shrimp shelf life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frozen Shrimp Longevity
Freezing shrimp is convenient but also raises lots of common questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked frozen shrimp FAQs:
How can you tell if previously frozen shrimp has gone bad?
Check for an unpleasant sulfur odor, dull color, dry or mushy texture, freezer burn, and ice crystals. Always rely on your senses, not the timestamp, when assessing spoiled shrimp.
Is 2-year-old frozen shrimp still safe to eat?
While shrimp stored continuously at 0°F may technically last up to 2 years, its quality and flavor will decline over time. It’s best to eat frozen shrimp within 6-12 months for optimal freshness and taste.
Can thawed shrimp be refrozen safely?
It’s not recommended. Thawing and refreezing degrades texture and flavor. Only refreeze shrimp if it has been kept cold and not thawed completely. But use refrozen shrimp right away.
What happens if frozen shrimp is accidentally left out overnight?
Partially thawed shrimp left out over 2 hours should be discarded. Bacteria multiply quickly at unsafe temperatures. Never try to refreeze thawed shrimp left out too long.
How long does cooked frozen shrimp last in the freezer?
Cooked frozen shrimp lasts about 3-6 months, compared to 6-12 months for raw. The cooking process decreases its shelf life slightly.
Can you get sick from eating old frozen shrimp?
Yes, spoiled frozen shrimp can potentially cause foodborne illness if bacteria like salmonella or listeria have multiplied over time. Always inspect and smell before use.
Should you rinse thawed frozen shrimp?
Yes, rinsing thawed shrimp under cold water prevents any spoiled pieces from cross-contaminating the rest. Patting dry minimizes sticking when cooking too.
Can freezer-burned shrimp make you sick?
No, freezer burn only impacts taste and texture. It does not indicate spoiled or unsafe shrimp. Simply trim any damaged portions before cooking.
Is it better to freeze shrimp with shells on or peeled?
Shells help protect shrimp from freezer burn. Peel raw shrimp right before cooking for best flavor and texture. Leave shells on for extended freezing.
Can you freeze already cooked shrimp?
Yes, already cooked shrimp can be frozen too but has a shorter shelf life of 3-6 months. Cook from frozen, don’t re-cook thawed cooked shrimp.
Should you thaw frozen shrimp in the fridge or microwave?
Thawing slowly in the fridge overnight is best to prevent bacteria growth. Microwaving partially thaws shrimp too unevenly.
Is frozen shrimp still nutritious?
Yes, freezing preserves nutrients very effectively. Frozen and fresh shrimp have minimal nutritional differences when stored properly.
Can you cook frozen shrimp without thawing first?
Absolutely! Cooking from frozen requires a bit more time but it’s perfectly safe and convenient for quick weeknight meals.
Maximize Your Frozen Shrimp’s Staying Power
Equipped with this complete guide to maximizing the shelf life of frozen shrimp, you’ll be able to store, identify spoiled, and thaw it for optimal freshness, food safety, and taste.
Follow proper freezing guidelines and rely on your senses – you’ll be able to keep frozen shrimp stocked for months of quick, easy meals!
Is shrimp good for you?
Yes! Shrimp is very healthy because it has all the protein, omega-3s, and other good things for you that most seafood does. In addition, it is low in the harmful mercury found in many types of seafood.
Can you refreeze shrimp?
If you buy frozen shrimp and cook them, you can refreeze what you don’t eat. But I wouldn’t freeze it again because the more times you do it, the more likely it is that the food will get freezer burn or lose its taste and quality.