How Long Can Thawed Shrimp Stay Out? Answering Common Questions About Properly Handling Thawed Shrimp

Shrimp is a beloved seafood enjoyed by many. Its versatility allows it to be prepared in endless recipes from shrimp scampi to coconut shrimp to shrimp tacos. However, to enjoy tasty shrimp dishes it’s important to handle shrimp safely after thawing. One common question is “How long can thawed shrimp stay out?”

As a delicate protein, thawed shrimp requires careful handling and storage to prevent spoilage or bacterial growth that can cause foodborne illness. Below we’ll explore everything you need to know about how long thawed shrimp can be left out at room temperature and how to store it properly.

How Long Can Thawed Shrimp Sit Out?

According to the USDA Food Safety guidelines raw shrimp should not sit out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours total. This includes time during initial thawing plus any time after that.

Once thawed, shrimp is highly perishable. Leaving it out too long gives bacteria an opportunity to multiply rapidly. Two hours is the maximum safe window for thawed shrimp to be left out before cooking.

It’s best to thaw shrimp in the refrigerator overnight. But if you need to thaw it quickly, do so in a bowl of cold water. Thawed shrimp should then be cooked, refrigerated, or refrozen promptly. Never leave thawed shrimp sitting on the counter for extended periods.

What Happens If You Leave Thawed Shrimp Out Too Long?

If thawed shrimp is left out at room temperature past the recommended 2 hour limit, bacteria will grow and increase the risk of food poisoning.

Signs that thawed shrimp has been left out too long and may be unsafe to eat include:

• Strong, unpleasant fishy odor
• Slimy texture and mucus-like coating
• Change in color from translucent to milky or yellowish
• Soft, mushy flesh

Shrimp that exhibits any of these qualities should be discarded. Do not taste or attempt to cook and eat spoiled shrimp. Potential bacteria cannot be eliminated simply by cooking.

Can Thawed Shrimp Be Refrozen?

If thawed shrimp will not be used immediately, it can safely be refrozen. However, freezing and thawing again affects the quality. The texture becomes softer and moisture loss can make the shrimp rubbery.

For best results, only refreeze thawed shrimp once. Be sure to tightly wrap or seal it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date so you know how long it has been refrozen.

Use refrozen shrimp within 3-4 months for optimal freshness and flavor. It’s better to refreeze extra shrimp than trying to use it past its prime.

How Should You Store Thawed Shrimp?

Proper storage is key to keeping thawed shrimp safe and fresh until ready to use. Here are some guidelines:

• Place thawed shrimp in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
• Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
• Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator, 35-40°F.
• Use within 2 days for raw shrimp or 3-4 days for cooked shrimp.
• Do not mix old and new shrimp when refrigerating.
• Check for any off odors before cooking or eating as an extra safety precaution.

Can Shrimp Be Thawed at Room Temperature?

Room temperature thawing is risky with shrimp. At temperatures between 40-140°F, bacteria grows rapidly. Thawing on the counter leaves the outer surface vulnerable even if the inside remains frozen.

For food safety, it’s always best to thaw shrimp:

• In the refrigerator
• Submerged in cold water (changing water every 30 mins)
• In the microwave using defrost setting
• As part of the cooking process

Thaw only what you plan to eat within the next day or two. Never attempt to quick thaw shrimp at room temperature.

Can Thawed Shrimp Be Used in Cold Dishes?

Thawed shrimp can safely be used in cold preparations as long as it was stored properly after thawing. Dishes like shrimp cocktail and shrimp salad provide the right environment for bacteria to grow, so freshly thawed shrimp is ideal.

Here are some serving tips:

• Use shrimp within 12-24 hours after thawing for peak quality.
• Keep cold dishes refrigerated until ready to serve.
• When in doubt, throw it out. Don’t taste questionable shrimp.

Cooking thoroughly kills bacteria, but cold dishes rely on proper handling. Take care that thawed shrimp intended for cold use does not sit out too long.

Is it Safe to Eat Raw Shrimp After Thawing?

Raw shrimp naturally hosts some bacteria. While healthy adults may consume raw thawed shrimp in small quantities, there are some health risks to consider:

• Vibrio bacteria is found in raw seafood. It can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
• Manganese levels may be dangerous for those with liver disease or weakened immune systems.
• Pregnant women should avoid raw shrimp due to risk of Listeria infection.

In general, cooking shrimp after thawing reduces the presence of bacteria and parasites. Those in high risk groups should avoid eating raw shrimp even if properly thawed and stored.

For most people, small servings of sushi containing raw shrimp or preparing dishes like ceviche are safe. But caution is advised, especially for those with underlying health concerns.

Storing Shrimp Long Term in the Freezer

For long term storage, shrimp can safely be frozen for 3-6 months if packed correctly. Here are some freezing tips:

• Buy fresh or previously frozen shrimp. Never refreeze shrimp that was thawed.
• Sort shrimp by size so they freeze evenly.
• Rinse, drain, and pat dry raw shrimp before freezing.
• Spread in a single layer on a tray and freeze initially for faster freezing.
• Once frozen, transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers.
• Remove as much air as possible and seal.
• Label bags with contents and freeze-by date.

With proper freezing methods, shrimp stays fresh longer so you always have it on hand for your favorite recipes.

The Takeaway on Thawed Shrimp Storage and Safety

Shrimp is enjoyable but also highly perishable after thawing. It requires meticulous handling to prevent bacterial growth or spoilage. Thawed shrimp should never sit out for more than 2 hours at room temperature. Refrigerating promptly is the safest practice, along with using thawed shrimp within 2 days.

By following these guidelines for how long thawed shrimp can be left out, how to store it, and how to determine spoilage, you can enjoy delicious shrimp dishes without the worries of foodborne illness. Always use caution with raw seafood and never take risks with shrimp that smells or looks questionable. Implementing safe shrimp handling will give you peace of mind when serving this tasty seafood to family and friends.