Seafood represents a wealthy source of protein, essential fatty acids, many vitamins, minerals, and other valuable nutrients. Nevertheless, the proper handling and storage of seafood stand as critical factors. The question of how long seafood can stay in the fridge is one of the most common ones we get. We all want to buy fresh fish food when we need it, but what if we can’t?
This guide will help you figure out how long fresh fish will stay good in the fridge and how to tell if it’s ready to eat.
Shrimp is one of those ingredients that goes bad pretty quickly, which can lead to throwing it out and wasting money. Knowing exactly how long shrimp lasts in the fridge can help you make the most of what you buy. In this article, I’ll go over everything you need to know to maximize shrimp’s shelf life.
How Long Does Raw Shrimp Last in the Fridge?
If uncooked and unshelled, shrimp will generally last 1-2 days in the refrigerator. The reason for the short shelf life is that shrimp has natural enzymes that start breaking down the flesh quickly after death. Keeping shrimp chilled helps slow that process, but only to a point After 2 days, raw shrimp tends to develop an unpleasant odor, mushy texture, and dull or slimy appearance as it starts decomposing At that point, it needs to be discarded.
Here are some tips to help raw shrimp last as long as possible:
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Buy it as fresh as possible Shrimp that was frozen and thawed will have a shorter lifespan
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Keep it on ice or in the coldest part of the fridge, usually the bottom shelf.
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Place in a container or plastic bag and leave it uncovered or open so air can circulate,
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Lay a damp paper towel over top but don’t wrap it up tightly.
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Plan to use within 1-2 days of purchase for best quality.
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Freezing extends the lifespan.
How Long Does Cooked Shrimp Last?
Cooked shrimp lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator stored in an airtight container. The cooking process stops the enzymatic breakdown, so cooked shrimp keeps longer. However, being cooked makes it more prone to spoiling from microbes, so proper storage is important.
Signs that cooked shrimp has gone bad include an unpleasant “off” smell, slimy texture, and discoloration. At the first signs of spoilage, it should be discarded.
To maximize the lifespan of already-cooked shrimp:
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use within 3-4 days for optimum freshness and flavor.
- Freeze for longer storage.
How to Tell if Raw Shrimp Has Gone Bad
It’s easy to tell if raw shrimp in the refrigerator has gone south and needs to be tossed. Signs that raw shrimp is spoiled and potentially unsafe to eat include:
- Slimy appearance and texture
- Dull, fading color instead of translucent and glistening
- Ammonia or rotten scent
- Black spots or streaks on the flesh
- Soft, mushy feel
Any of these signs mean the shrimp has outlived its very short fridge lifespan and should be discarded. It’s not worth risking foodborne illness.
How to Store Shrimp in the Fridge
To help shrimp stay as fresh as possible for as long as possible, use these storage tips:
Raw shrimp: Leave unshelled and place in a shallow container or bag uncovered or loosely wrapped. Drape a damp paper towel over the top and place on ice or bottom shelf.
Cooked shrimp: Place in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store on the bottom shelf. Glass storage containers work well.
Frozen shrimp: Freeze raw shrimp in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet until hard. Transfer to freezer bags or containers. It will keep for 2-3 months.
Thawing shrimp: Thaw overnight in the fridge in a colander over a bowl. Or do a quick thaw in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Cook immediately after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about shrimp’s refrigerator lifespan:
How can I tell if cooked shrimp has gone bad?
Check for an unpleasant odor, slimy texture, and discoloration. When in doubt, throw it out.
Can I freeze raw shrimp after 1-2 days in the fridge?
Yes, as long as it hasn’t shown signs of spoilage yet. Freeze immediately.
Should I rinse raw shrimp before refrigerating?
No. Rinsing removes the natural slime layer that protects it from microbes. Pat dry instead.
Can I eat shrimp that smells a little off?
No, it’s risky. Shrimp goes off quickly after death. Discard at the first “off” sign.
Does freezing extend shrimp’s lifespan?
Yes, freezing preserves it. Raw shrimp keeps 2-3 months in the freezer and cooked keeps 4-6 months.
Can I refreeze thawed shrimp?
Refreezing thawed shrimp is not recommended, as it can compromise texture.
Should I peel shrimp before storing?
No, leave shells on raw shrimp for storage. Peel just before cooking.
What’s the best temperature for storing shrimp?
As close to 32°F as possible. The bottom fridge shelf is ideal.
Tips for Cooking Shrimp from the Fridge
If you have raw shrimp that’s nearing the end of its refrigerator lifespan, cook it right away using these tips:
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Smell before cooking. Discard if it seems off. Better safe than sorry.
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Peel and devein before cooking, rinsing briefly if needed.
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Pat dry with paper towels. Wet shrimp releases more moisture when cooked.
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Use high, dry heat. Pan frying, broiling, grilling, or roasting are good options.
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Cook briefly just until opaque and cooked through. Overcooking makes it rubbery.
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Enjoy immediately after cooking for best flavor and texture.
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Refrigerate leftovers promptly. Use within 3-4 days.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp is definitely a fast-spoiling protein. But by buying fresh, storing properly, and using quickly, you can still enjoy delicious shrimp dishes. Follow these refrigerator storage guidelines, cook shrimp on days 1-2 after purchase, and freeze any extras right away. Then you can make the most of shrimp’s sweet flavor and tender texture before it goes bad.
Shellfish (shrimps, crab, lobster)
Cooked shellfish, such as shrimp, crab, and lobster, maintain their quality for 1-2 days when refrigerated. For raw shellfish in the shell, the same thing applies. It’s advisable to consume them within the next couple of days for optimal taste and safety.
Always store them in airtight containers to prevent cross-contamination.
While seafood like scallops and mussels is considered delicate and highly perishable, it should be eaten within 48 hours of being bought for the best freshness. Keep them refrigerated, and if they are packaged, check the expiration date. For example, before cooking mussels, look at them and tap on the shell of a few to see if they are cracked or open. If they instantly close their shells, they are good for cooking. If not, they may be dead and may pose a health risk.
Fresh, raw oysters should be consumed as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of purchase. Cover them with a damp cloth and put them in the fridge. Throw away any that have cracked shells or don’t close when tapped.
Squid and octopus
These types of seafood should be eaten within the next two days at the latest and kept in the fridge’s coldest drawer. Ensure theyre well-sealed to prevent them from drying out and absorbing odors from other foods.
As we already said, fresh fish, whether it’s filets or whole fish, usually only stays good in the fridge for 24 to 48 hours. Cooked fish, on the other hand, stays good for longer. How long does cooked fish stay good in the fridge? Well, if you put it in a container that doesn’t let air in, it should last about 4 days.
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