Food safety is one of the most important aspects of cooking at home. Should you enjoy shrimp a lot, you should know how to keep it fresh when it’s raw and when it’s cooked. So, the last thing you want is for that tasty shrimp to go bad before you can eat it.
In two days, you should either cook or properly freeze the raw shrimp that you have in your fridge. You can freeze or eat shrimp that you cooked up recently up to four days after you cook it. That might sound a little short if you know how long the turf part of surf and turf stays fresh in the fridge.
But because shrimp and cattle live in different environments, shrimp will go bad faster than any land animal, even if they are kept cool. We’ll get into that, plus proper long-term storage practices, and we’ve even got a tasty grilled shrimp recipe. After all, it always comes back to a grill or smoker at some point here at Angry BBQ!.
Raw shrimp is a versatile protein that can be used in many dishes, from pasta to stir fry. Its sweet, briny flavor and firm yet tender texture when cooked just right make it a pantry staple. But like any perishable food, proper storage is key to keep raw shrimp fresh and safe to eat. When kept chilled in the fridge, here’s exactly how long you can expect raw shrimp to last.
The Shelf Life of Raw Shrimp
In general, raw shrimp that has never been frozen can be kept refrigerated for 1 to 2 days from the date of purchase If the shrimp smells overly fishy, feels slimy, or has discolored, it is past its prime and should be discarded
For shrimp that was previously frozen before being thawed in the fridge, it can last a bit longer – up to 3 to 4 days from the date it was thawed. However, it is best to cook thawed shrimp within 1 to 2 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
Freezing is the best way to extend the shelf life of raw shrimp if you can’t use it within a couple days Frozen properly in an airtight container or bag, raw shrimp will keep for 3 to 6 months in the freezer.
How To Tell If Raw Shrimp Has Gone Bad
It’s important to know how to spot signs of spoiled shrimp, as eating bad shrimp can cause foodborne illness. Here are a few ways to tell if raw shrimp has gone bad:
- Strong, fishy odor
- Slimy, sticky texture
- Dull, milky color instead of translucent
- Blackened spots or streaks on the flesh
- Pitted surface instead of smooth
If you notice any of these characteristics or the shrimp has been in the fridge longer than 2 days, it’s best to play it safe and discard it. Always do a thorough smell and visual check before preparing raw shrimp.
Tips For Storing Raw Shrimp
Proper storage helps raw shrimp retain quality and freshness for as long as possible. Follow these tips:
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Keep raw shrimp chilled at 40°F or below. Store in a refrigerator, not on the counter.
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Place shrimp in a sealed container or resealable plastic bag. Limit air exposure.
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Place the container on the bottom shelf of the fridge or in the coldest area. Avoid the door.
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Separate raw shrimp from other foods, especially ready-to-eat items, to prevent cross-contamination.
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Wash hands before and after handling raw shrimp to prevent bacteria spread.
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Use thawed or fresh shrimp within 1 to 2 days for best flavor, texture and safety. Discard if older.
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Freeze uncooked shrimp if you can’t use within 2 days. Portion into meal-sized bags.
Following proper refrigerator storage guidelines helps minimize bacterial growth and deterioration of the shrimp’s quality.
Freezing Raw Shrimp For Long Term Storage
Freezing is an easy, convenient way to stash raw shrimp for later use, especially when you find a good sale on large bags. Here are some freezing tips:
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Freeze shrimp in the shell or peeled. Peeled may stick together more when thawing.
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Rinse shrimp and pat dry with paper towels. Freeze unwashed or marinated.
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Place shrimp flat in freezer bags or containers in single layers. Avoid large clumps.
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Squeeze out excess air and seal bags. Use freezer-grade storage containers for best results.
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Label bags with contents and freeze-by date (3 to 6 months from freeze date).
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Freeze shrimp immediately. Do not store in the fridge for extended periods before freezing.
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Once frozen, store shrimp at 0°F or below. Avoid temperature fluctuations.
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Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge, never at room temp.
With proper freezing and thawing methods, previously frozen raw shrimp retains the same safety and quality as fresh never-frozen shrimp. The freezing process simply presses pause on the clock.
What If My Shrimp Has Been In The Fridge Too Long?
We’ve all been there – you buy a package of raw shrimp planning to use it right away, and it gets shoved to the back of the fridge only to be found a week later. At this point, it’s no longer safe to eat if it’s been more than 2 days. Here are your options if your raw shrimp has overstayed its welcome in the fridge:
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Toss it – When in doubt, throw it out. Not worth risking food poisoning.
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Cook and freeze – If shrimp was fridge-stored for 3-4 days maximum and still looks and smells normal, cook fully then freeze. Use in casseroles or seafood dishes only.
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Compost – Raw shrimp shells and heads can be added to a compost pile or used as fertilizer in the garden.
No matter which option you choose, do not take risks by eating shrimp that is past its prime. Play it safe when dealing with refrigerated seafood products that are beyond their normal usage time.
Time For a Shrimp Dinner!
Hopefully this gives you a better understanding of how long you can keep raw shrimp in the fridge before it starts deteriorating. The 1-2 day rule of thumb provides wiggle room for meal planning and prep. Just be diligent checking for signs of spoilage.
How Long Does Raw Shrimp Last In The Fridge?
The USDA recommends your fresh shrimp should only hang out in the fridge for one or two days. Even if the temperature in your fridge is below 40°F, bacteria can still grow and make your shrimp go bad.
On the other hand, you might wonder why shrimp doesn’t last as long as meats like steak, chicken, or pork, which the USDA says can last up to five days. Let’s answer that question!.
How Does Your Shrimp Look?
Fresh, raw shrimp is translucent or slightly gray or white. If the shrimp have discolored or even developed spots, throw them out.
Cooked shrimp develops a distinctive pinkish color. If the color has faded or turned gray, or if you see mold, you should throw it away.
Shrimp doesn’t have much of a smell, just a slightly salty smell from the sea. If you smell ammonia, an overly fishy, sour, or spoiled smell, you should toss it without hesitation.
Shrimp should have some moisture, but it shouldn’t ever feel slimy. The shrimp will feel like it has a slimy film on it if you pick it up. This means that bacteria are reproducing. It should be thrown away.
Remember, if you are at all concerned that shrimp have spoiled, throw them out. The potential for food poisoning is far worse than having to get more shrimp from the store.
How Long Can Frozen Shrimp Stay in the Fridge? ANSWERED
FAQ
Is raw shrimp good after 3 days in the fridge?
Is shrimp still good after 5 days in the fridge?
How long can I keep thawed shrimp in the fridge?
Can you eat 2 week old shrimp?
How long does raw shrimp last in the refrigerator?
But if you have a batch of raw shrimp in your refrigerator, you may find yourself wondering how long it will stay fresh. The good news is that raw shrimp can last in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days if it is stored properly.
How long can you keep thawed shrimp in the fridge?
You can keep raw shrimp in the fridge for about two days and cooked shrimp for up to four days. Ensure the shrimp is stored in an airtight container, or it’ll go bad even faster. Is Thawed Shrimp Safe to Eat After 4 Days?
How long does cooked shrimp last?
Cooked shrimp lasts for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. When reheating leftover shrimp, it’s best to use a low temperature to avoid the rubbery texture shrimp can get when overcooked. Alternatively, enjoy leftover cooked shrimp cold or at room temperature, depending on how it was prepared.
Can raw shrimp be stored at room temperature?
Raw shrimp should never be stored at room temperature, as it can spoil quickly. It’s important to always store raw shrimp in the refrigerator or freezer. 6. Can I use raw shrimp that has been frozen for a long time? Yes, you can use raw shrimp that has been frozen for a long time, as long as it has been stored properly.