A classic addition to any cocktail party, shrimp can be hard to resist. A cold bite of sea flavor mixed with tangy sauce is incomparable to any other appetizer. But shrimp can also be insidious. It only takes a couple of hours at the wrong temperature for your delicious shrimp recipe to turn into a disaster. Shrimp only lasts so long in the fridge. Even though the cooked kind lasts a little longer, you don’t want to take any chances.
According to the USDA, fresh, raw shrimp can only be refrigerated for up to two days. After this point, any type of shellfish should be cooked or frozen to avoid the growth of bacteria. For safety reasons, freezing fresh shrimp is the best way to keep the meat whole, especially if you don’t know when you can cook it. After the shrimp is cooked, it can last three or four days in the refrigerator. But you should still keep an eye out for signs of bacteria growth and make sure you know when shrimp has been used up.
Shrimp is one of those versatile proteins that works great in everything from pasta and stir fries to salads and tacos. But like any perishable food proper storage is key to keeping shrimp fresh and safe to eat. So how long can raw shrimp really last in your refrigerator? Here’s a complete guide to maximizing shelf life and avoiding waste.
The Fridge Shelf Life of Raw Shrimp
Raw, shell-on shrimp that has been continuously refrigerated can keep for 1 to 2 days after purchasing. If the shrimp came frozen and you defrosted it in the refrigerator, it should retain optimal quality for the same timeframe.
However, shrimp sold in vacuum-sealed packaging may last up to 3 days past its “best by” date thanks to the lack of air exposure Just be sure to check the texture and smell and discard any shrimp that seems slimy or gives off an ammonia odor.
Bottom line – for highest quality and safety it’s best to cook raw peeled shrimp within 1-2 days of bringing it home from the store.
Storing Shrimp Properly In Your Fridge
To get the maximum shelf life out of raw shrimp, proper storage is a must. Here are some tips:
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Keep raw shrimp in its original packaging or transfer to an airtight container. Exposure to air speeds spoilage.
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Place the shrimp on the bottom shelf of the fridge, away from other ingredients. This prevents cross-contamination if any liquid leaks.
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Make sure your refrigerator is at 40°F or below. Consistent cool temps help preserve freshness.
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Don’t wash or rinse the shrimp until you are ready to cook it. Excess moisture encourages bacteria growth.
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If brining or marinating raw shrimp, do so in the fridge to inhibit bacteria. Never leave shrimp in marinade at room temp.
Following these guidelines keeps raw shrimp optimally fresh for 1-3 days depending on type of packaging. But what if you need to store it longer?
Freezing Raw Shrimp For Extended Shelf Life
Freezing is the best method for long-term storage of raw shrimp. With proper freezing techniques, it can keep for up to 4 months before the texture and flavor start to decline.
Here are some freezing tips:
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Spread shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container.
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Label bags with contents and freeze-by date so you know when to use it within the 4 month window.
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For best texture, thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge. Don’t thaw at room temperature.
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Once thawed, use within 1-2 days. Do not refreeze previously frozen shrimp.
Follow these steps and your frozen shrimp will be nearly as fresh as the day you bought it when you go to cook it weeks later!
Identifying Spoiled Shrimp
Raw shrimp only lasts 1-3 days in the fridge, so it’s important to check your shrimp for signs of spoilage before cooking. Here’s what to look for:
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Ammonia odor – this strong, fishy smell means bacteria growth has caused it to spoil
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Slime formation – a slippery texture or mucus-like substance on the surface
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Discoloration – black spots or pronounced dulling of natural pink/orange hue
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Soft texture – musculature breaks down as proteins degrade over time
If you notice any of these traits in your raw shrimp, play it safe and throw it out. Consuming spoiled seafood can cause food poisoning.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Shrimp?
It’s generally not recommended to refreeze shrimp after it’s been thawed. The initial freezing process causes the structure of the shrimp meat to start breaking down. A second freeze-thaw cycle further degrades texture and flavor.
However, if thawed shrimp is still completely chilled and has not been left at room temperature at all, it may be refrozen for use in a future dish where texture is less important, like seafood soup or gumbo.
But for the highest quality taste and bite, avoid refreezing previously thawed shrimp. Only freeze raw shrimp once after purchasing.
Storing Cooked Shrimp In The Fridge
Proper storage guidelines also apply to pre-cooked shrimp you have leftovers of:
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Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
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Keep on a lower shelf away from fresh produce to avoid cross-contamination.
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Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and food safety.
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Do not refreeze previously cooked shrimp. Reheating can make the texture rubbery.
Follow these tips and both your raw and cooked shrimp will stay optimally fresh!
The Takeaway On Shrimp Storage
When stored properly in the refrigerator, raw shrimp keeps for 1-3 days before it needs to be cooked or frozen. Freezing extends the shelf life to 4 months and is the best way to save raw shrimp you can’t use right away.
To keep shrimp fresh and safe to eat, focus on limiting air exposure, keeping it chilled at 40°F or less, monitoring for spoilage indicators, and avoiding refreezing thawed shrimp. Follow these guidelines and you can enjoy the versatility of shrimp without needing to worry about wasting this delicious seafood. Let us know your go-to shrimp dishes in the comments!
When good shrimp goes bad
As with most foods, aroma is the biggest indicator that something has gone wrong. Every time we open the fridge, we’ve all smelled something that smells like old food. Not being happy about something you worked hard on going to waste is often paired with disappointment. But this is a skill that will save you a lot of pain and suffering later on. Shrimp has many telltale signs that it has crossed over to the dark side, whether it is cooked or raw.
Always trust your eyes. If something looks off about your shrimp, it has most likely gone to waste. Bad shrimp typically has a slimy sheen on the surface of the skin. The color of the shrimp will also lose its vibrancy and look even more unappetizing. If youre still unsure, the texture will usually be all the confirmation you need. Slimy or slick to the touch, bad shrimp is unmistakable. Shrimp that is still fresh should be firm to the touch. If there are even a few black spots, you can be sure that this is the end for the crustacean. It is time for its journey to end in the trash.
How Long Can Frozen Shrimp Stay in the Fridge? ANSWERED
How long can you keep cooked shrimp in the fridge?
Keep it in its original packaging if the shrimp is raw and make sure the refrigerator temperature is 40F degrees or less. To store cooked shrimp, place it in an airtight container and transfer it to the refrigerator that has a temperature of 40F or below. You can store cooked shrimp in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
How do you store raw shrimp?
To ensure that your raw shrimp stays fresh for as long as possible, it’s important to store it in an airtight container or resealable bag to prevent any air from getting in. It’s also a good idea to place the shrimp in the coldest part of the refrigerator, such as the back of the bottom shelf, where the temperature is most consistent.
Can raw shrimp be refrigerated?
To keep raw shrimp fresh for longer in the refrigerator, make sure to store it in an airtight container or resealable bag and place it in the coldest part of the refrigerator. 4. What is the best way to thaw frozen raw shrimp? The best way to thaw frozen raw shrimp is in the refrigerator overnight.
How long can you keep raw shrimp in the freezer?
You can store your raw shrimp in the freezer for three to six months, and they will retain their best quality. Even after this time frame, you do not have to worry about the shrimp going bad. As long as you maintain the freezer’s temperature at 28℉ or lower, your shrimps will be edible.