Shrimp is one of the most versatile and delicious types of seafood out there. It can be prepared in endless ways – boiled grilled sautéed, breaded and fried. We love to cook up a big batch of shrimp for tacos, pasta, salads and more. But what do you do when you have leftover cooked shrimp that you want to save for later? Freezing is the perfect way to preserve shrimp so it stays fresh for future meals. But how long does cooked shrimp actually last in the freezer?
Can You Freeze Already Cooked Shrimp?
The good news is – yes, absolutely! Pre-cooked shrimp freezes very well with minimal quality loss. Many stores sell packages of pre-cooked, frozen shrimp. So you can certainly freeze any extra shrimp from your own kitchen with great results.
Freezing stops enzyme activity and bacteria growth that would normally cause cooked shrimp to spoil quickly at fridge temperatures. Properly frozen shrimp locked at 0°F or below maintains its texture, moisture and flavor for an extended period of time.
It’s ideal to freeze shrimp as soon as possible after cooking. Chilling fully first helps prevent freezer burn The key is protecting the shrimp from exposure to air during the freezing process
How to Freeze Cooked Shrimp
Follow these simple steps for freezing cooked shrimp:
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Allow shrimp to cool completely after cooking. Shrimp need to be chilled to 40°F or less before freezing.
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Pat dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture prevents clumping in the freezer.
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Place chilled shrimp in a single layer on a sheet pan or plate. Freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.
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Transfer frozen shrimp to freezer bags or airtight containers. Squeeze out air and seal tightly.
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Label bags with type and date. Store flat in freezer
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For best quality, use freezer bags designed for long-term freezing. Or double wrap shrimp with two layers of bags.
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You can also flash freeze shrimp pieces on a baking sheet, then transfer to bags once frozen.
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Sauce or liquid can be frozen right in bag with shrimp. Just leave a bit of headspace.
Follow proper handling and sanitation during prep and cooling to keep shrimp safe before freezing.
How Long Does Cooked Shrimp Last Frozen?
Cooked shrimp that has been continuously frozen at 0°F will maintain best quality for:
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3-6 months for best quality
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Up to 9 months before noticeable decline in texture/flavor
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1 year maximum for safe consumption
The freezing time clock starts ticking as soon as shrimp is initially frozen. The colder your freezer temperature, the better. Fluctuating temperatures or freezer burn will shorten shelf life.
Portioning shrimp into smaller bags rather than one big block makes for quicker thawing and using. Avoid letting frozen shrimp thaw and refreeze.
Tips for Freezing Shrimp
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Freeze raw shrimp with shells on for better texture but peel before cooking.
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Brine shrimp in saltwater solution for a few minutes before freezing to boost flavor.
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Chill cooked shrimp down to at least 40°F before freezing.
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Use plastic freezer bags, aluminum foil, freezer paper, or airtight containers.
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Remove as much air as possible and seal tightly.
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Label packages with contents and freeze date.
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Layer parchment between shrimp layers to minimize sticking.
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Freeze cooked shrimp sauces, fillings, or marinades in batches to pair with shrimp later.
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Defrost overnight in fridge or add frozen shrimp directly to hot dishes.
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Use thawed shrimp within 1-2 days for maximum freshness.
Freezing Raw Shrimp
Freezing raw shrimp with the shells on helps protect texture and moisture, but it’s fine to freeze peeled shrimp as well. For raw:
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Peel, devein, rinse and dry shrimp. Leaving shells on is optional.
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Arrange in a single layer on tray and freeze 1-2 hours.
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Transfer to freezer bags, excluding as much air as possible.
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Squeeze out air, seal bag, and return to freezer.
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Use frozen raw shrimp within 3 months for best flavor, up to 6 months maximum.
Always thaw raw shrimp before cooking. Place frozen bags in the refrigerator or immerse sealed bag in cold water. Don’t thaw shrimp at room temperature.
Can You Refreeze Shrimp?
Previously frozen shrimp should not be refrozen after thawing. The additional freezing and thawing will degrade texture severely.
However, if cooked shrimp is incorporated into a dish or sauce that is then frozen, that’s fine. For example, sautéed shrimp in a tomato pasta sauce, shrimp tacos, or shrimp casserole can all be frozen after shrimp is added. Just avoid freezing the shrimp alone more than once.
Thawing and Using Frozen Shrimp
- Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the refrigerator. Don’t thaw at room temp.
- Cook thawed shrimp within 1-2 days for best quality.
- Add frozen shrimp directly to soups, stews, pasta dishes etc. No need to thaw first.
- Reheat thawed shrimp gently on the stove, in the microwave, or oven.
- Use leftover thawed shrimp for shrimp salad, tacos, sandwiches etc.
The simplicity of freezing cooked shrimp means you never have to waste leftover shrimp again! Enjoy your delicious shrimp for up to a year by properly storing it in the freezer. Just follow these guidelines for freezing and thawing to get the most out of your shrimp supply.
Is it recommended to blanch vegetables before freezing?
Yes. Blanching slows or stops the action of enzymes which cause loss of flavor, color and texture. Blanching cleanses the surface of dirt and organisms, brightens the color and helps retard loss of vitamins. Blanching also wilts or softens vegetables and makes them easier to pack.
How can I become a Master Food Preserver?
“Master” volunteer programs, like Master Food Preservers and Master Gardeners, are part of the Cooperative Extension System. Currently, these programs are run by the state or county and are linked to land grant universities and the Cooperative Extension Service in the state. In exchange for a lot of education, the master volunteer does things for the local Extension office, like answering the phone, setting up and hosting exhibits, judging competitions, and so on. People who do work, even volunteer work, in the name of a state university are responsible for it, so each state will have its own rules and management procedures. At this time, the National Center can’t help people get the credentials and title of Master Food Preserver that they need to meet state requirements.
If you would like to find out if your state offers this opportunity to become a Master Food Preserver, contact your local Extension Office (usually listed in local government pages of the phone book under Cooperative Extension Service, Ag Extension Office and/or 4-H Office). You could also contact someone at the state university to either ask your questions or let them know of your interest. These contacts can be found on a website managed by USDA: https://nifa.usda.gov/nutrition-and-food-safety-directory
Most states do not sell their Master Food Preserver curricula or notebooks to the general public. If someone wants information on preserving, they have other publications available with the actual recommendations and procedures. This website from the National Center is full of “How To” information for various types of food preservation. We will eventually have tutorials and a correspondence type course on line for self-study.
How Long Can Frozen Shrimp Stay in the Fridge? ANSWERED
Can you freeze cooked shrimp?
Place cooked shrimp into a heavy-duty freezer bag. Alternatively, you can wrap the shrimp in foil and place it into an airtight container. Label and date packaging. Store in this manner in the freezer for up to 6 months. When you are ready to use your frozen cooked shrimp, you can take it directly from the freezer to your pan for reheating.
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.
How long does shrimp last in the freezer?
Properly stored, shrimp can last in the freezer for up to six months without compromising its taste or texture. It’s important to note that while shrimp can be frozen for an extended period, it’s best to consume it within the first three months for optimal flavor and quality.
What happens if you freeze shrimp?
When shrimp are frozen, the freezing process turns the water inside the shrimp into ice crystals. These ice crystals, though microscopic, can cause damage to the shrimp’s cellular structure. As a result, when thawed, the texture of the shrimp may undergo a slight change.