Have you ever wondered how long shrimp can stay in the fridge? We’ll tell you how long is too long for both raw and cooked shrimp, as well as fresh and defrosted shrimp.
We all love shrimp with its mouthwatering flavor and easy preparation. The trouble is that it’s also very perishable and when handled improperly can cause foodborne illness. And who wants that?.
How long does shrimp stay fresh in the fridge? It depends on what kind of shrimp you have—raw, cooked, fresh, frozen, etc. Keep reading to get all the guidelines!.
Shrimp is a delicious, versatile protein that can elevate salads, pasta, tacos and more. Its versatility also makes shrimp a popular leftover to have on hand. But can you still eat shrimp after 5 days in the fridge? How do you know when leftover cooked shrimp has gone bad?
The short answer is that properly stored cooked shrimp will usually last 3-4 days in the fridge. However, there are a few factors that affect leftover shrimp’s shelf life and safety to eat after day 5.
Here’s a thorough look at how long cooked shrimp lasts, how to tell if it’s gone bad and tips to extend its fridge life so you can enjoy every last bit.
How Long Does Cooked Shrimp Last in the Fridge?
The shelf life of cooked shrimp depends largely on how it was cooked:
- Boiled/steamed: 3-4 days
- Grilled: 3-4 days
- Sautéed/pan seared: 3-4 days
Cooked shrimp lasts for 3-4 days since cooking shrimp partially breaks down the proteins. This makes them more perishable than raw shrimp.
Make sure cooked shrimp is refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking. Store in an airtight container in the coldest part of the fridge.
Can You Eat Shrimp After 5 Days?
While 3-4 days is the standard for cooked shrimp, it is sometimes still safe to eat after 5 days refrigerated To determine if cooked shrimp is still good after day 5, it’s important to rely on your senses
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Look – Shrimp flesh should still be firm and moist, not dry or mushy. There should be no discoloration or sliminess.
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Smell – Undercooked shrimp gives off an ammonia-like smell. Cooked shrimp past prime has a sour, rotting odor. Fresh shrimp has a mild briny scent.
If the cooked shrimp passes the sight and smell tests, take a small taste. Be sure to cook the shrimp thoroughly before consuming larger portions past the use by date.
How to Tell If Cooked Shrimp Has Gone Bad
It’s important to know the signs of spoiled shrimp to determine if leftovers are still safe to eat. Here’s what to look out for:
- Slimy texture
- Dull, grey flesh
- Ammonia or sour, rotten smell
- Mold growth
- Unpleasant taste
If your cooked shrimp shows any of those signs, err on the side of caution and throw it away. Consuming spoiled seafood can cause foodborne illness.
Tips to Extend Leftover Shrimp’s Fridge Life
Follow these storage tips to get the maximum shelf life and enjoy shrimp for 5 days or more:
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Place on bottom shelf which is coldest.
- If reheating, use a low temperature to avoid overcooking.
- Freeze for longer storage (2-3 months).
Freezing Cooked Shrimp
For enjoying cooked shrimp past 5 days, freezing is your best bet. Here’s how:
- Let shrimp cool completely after cooking.
- Portion into freezer bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge before reheating gently either on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Reheating Leftover Shrimp
Since shrimp can dry out and get rubbery when cooked too long, use care when reheating:
- Microwave just until heated through, about 1 minute per serving.
- Simmer gently in a sauce, broth or baked into a dish.
Cook just until heated through to avoid overcooking.
How Long Does Shrimp Last in the Fridge When Raw?
For comparison, raw shrimp has a shorter shelf life than cooked. Raw shrimp lasts just 1-2 days max in the fridge. The breakdown of proteins speeds up once cooked, leading to the shorter lifespan.
So if you’re deciding whether to cook shrimp or store it raw, cook it within a day or two for maximum freshness. Cooked shrimp keeps longer than raw.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Shrimp?
Previously frozen raw shrimp can be refrozen after thawing, but cooked shrimp should not be refrozen for safety reasons. Thawing and refreezing will speed up the degradation.
For enjoying previously frozen cooked shrimp past the use by date, refrigerate for no more than 2-3 days after thawing before cooking.
Storing Shrimp for Maximum Freshness
To get the longest fridge life out of raw and cooked shrimp:
- Store in airtight containers or resealable bags.
- Place on bottom shelf or in deli drawer (the coldest spot).
- Keep raw and cooked shrimp separated to avoid cross contamination.
- Cook soon after thawing if frozen shrimp was thawed in fridge.
Following proper storage methods and looking for signs of spoilage will ensure you can safely enjoy shrimp for 3-5 days refrigerated. Freezing also lets you keep cooked shrimp on hand for months rather than days.
So don’t be afraid to cook up a big batch of shrimp and take advantage of the leftovers. With proper storage, you can continue enjoying it for almost a week!
Frequency of Entities:
shrimp: 58
cooked: 17
fridge: 14
days: 14
eat: 7
last: 6
leftover: 6
taste: 3
look: 3
smell: 3
raw: 5
frozen: 4
refrigerate: 3
storage: 3
reheat: 2
extend: 2
prime: 1
lifespan: 1
degradation: 1
leftovers: 1
How Do You Know If Shrimp Has Gone Bad?
There are several clues that shrimp has gone bad:
- It will have a strong, sour, and unpleasant smell.
- Appearance: it will take on a dull and slimy appearance. If the shrimp still have their shells on, you might see black spots. White spots, on the other hand, are usually a sign of freezer burn.
- Feel: The flesh will begin to break down and become soft.
If you detect any of these signs, it’s best to discard the shrimp to avoid getting sick.
Note: White spots on the shrimp usually mean they’ve been frozen, which won’t hurt the taste but will make it less tasty.
How Long Can Thawed Shrimp Stay in the Fridge?
Put shrimp out to thaw for tonight’s dinner but changed your mind and want to cook it tomorrow instead? There’s no need to freeze the shrimp again. Defrosted shrimp can remain in the fridge for up to 2 days only. The shrimp should be used right away, though, if you used warm water or the microwave to defrost them quickly.
How Long Can Frozen Shrimp Stay in the Fridge? ANSWERED
Can you eat cooked shrimp after 5 days?
If shrimp has been frozen, yes, you can still eat cooked shrimp after 5 days. However, if you just keep cooked shrimp in the fridge, it has to be consumed within 2 days. The same goes if it’s still unshelled. After 3 days, bacteria could start to grow already.
Can one eat raw shrimps?
While raw shrimp or shrimp sashimi can be consumed safely, raw shrimp is considered a high-risk food because it can harbour harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and various Vibrio bacteria. Although some people consider the seafood used in ceviche raw, it is actually cooked by immersing it in an acid rather than using heat. The acid from the citrus can reduce harmful bacteria but it is not as effective as using heat. The safest approach would be to consume only cooked shrimp from a reliable source. The US Food and Drug Administration(FDA) advises that pregnant women, those with weakened immunity, older adults, and young children are at higher risk of foodborne illness and its consequences and should avoid all raw seafood.
Can you eat cooked shrimp after its expiration date?
It’s not recommended to eat cooked shrimp that’s past its expiration date, as it may indicate that the shrimp has started to spoil. It’s best to consume shrimp before its expiration date, and if it smells or looks bad, err on the side of caution and discard it.
Can you eat cooked shrimp if left out overnight?
To steam, place the shrimp in a steamer basket over boiling water for 2-3 minutes. To sauté, place the shrimp in a pan with a little butter or oil and cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Is it safe to eat cooked shrimp that’s been left out overnight? No, it’s not safe to eat cooked shrimp that’s been left out overnight.