Whether you’re purchasing frozen seafood online or at your local grocery store, it’s important to store it correctly. Proper storage will not only lower the risk of getting sick from food, but it will also keep the seafood fresh and full of flavor. So how long will frozen seafood last? It depends on how it’s handled.
In today’s blog, we’ll be going over the basics of seafood storage, focusing uniquely on freezer storage. You’ve come to the right place if you want to know how long that bag of shrimp or salmon will last in the back of your freezer.
Shrimp is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of delicious recipes. Its sweet, briny flavor pairs well with pasta, salads, soups and more. While fresh shrimp is always best, having a stash in the freezer is handy for putting together quick meals or whipping up an appetizer at the last minute.
But how long does shrimp last in the freezer before it goes bad? Here is a complete guide to freezing shrimp and how long it will maintain quality texture and flavor when frozen.
How to Freeze Raw Shrimp
To freeze raw, uncooked shrimp properly:
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Purchase fresh, raw shrimp and make sure they were refrigerated at the store. Avoid shrimp that smell fishy or look dull in color.
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Clean and devein the shrimp if desired. Leaving the shell on can protect flavor.
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Dry the shrimp thoroughly and arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place in the freezer until completely frozen about 2 hours.
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Transfer frozen shrimp to airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
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Label bags with contents and freeze-by date (3-6 months from freezing date)
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Return to freezer immediately at 0°F or below, Avoid exposing shrimp to temperature fluctuations
Proper freezing techniques prevent freezer burn and protect texture.
How Long Does Raw Shrimp Last in the Freezer?
When stored continuously at 0°F, here is how long raw shrimp will last in the freezer before losing quality:
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1-2 months: Best quality
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3-6 months: Good quality
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6-12 months: Edible quality but may suffer some texture/flavor loss
Frozen shrimp stored for over a year should be discarded. Portion shrimp before freezing so you can thaw just what you need.
Tips for Freezing Cooked Shrimp
It is best to freeze shrimp before cooking. However, cooked shrimp can also be frozen by:
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Allowing cooked shrimp to cool completely, about 20 minutes.
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Draining excess moisture to prevent ice crystals.
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Placing in airtight bags or containers, removing air.
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Freezing immediately at 0°F.
Cooked shrimp lasts about 2-3 months before noticeable quality decline occurs.
How to Thaw Frozen Shrimp
Always thaw frozen shrimp in the refrigerator, not on the counter or in warm water. This protects food safety.
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Place frozen shrimp in a bowl to catch drips and thaw overnight in the fridge.
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For quicker thawing, keep shrimp sealed and run cold water over the packaging. Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
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Cook thawed shrimp immediately for food safety. Do not refreeze.
Look for firm, plump shrimp with no odor. Discard any thawed shrimp that smell or look off.
Signs Frozen Shrimp Has Gone Bad
Frozen shrimp that is well wrapped and stored at proper freezer temperatures should last for several months before quality begins to decline. Signs that previously frozen shrimp has gone bad and needs to be discarded include:
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Unpleasant, fishy or ammonia-like odor
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Soft, mushy texture
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Grayish, dull color
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Dryness or white freezer burn spots
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Large ice crystals or frosty coating
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Sliminess on surface
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Mold growth
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Unusual dark spots or discoloration
If ever in doubt, remember the old adage “when in doubt, throw it out” applies to suspect seafood.
Freezing Shrimp for Long-Term Storage
For long-term freezer storage beyond 3-6 months, take these extra steps:
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Use extra durable airtight packaging like freezer bags designed for long storage. Vacuum seal if possible.
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Double wrap the packages.
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Ensure no openings in packaging for air exposure.
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Store at 0°F or below for entire storage time.
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Rotate stock by using oldest shrimp first.
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Monitor storage conditions like temperature and power outages.
With ideal freezing and storage methods, raw shrimp can retain quality texture and flavor for up to one year frozen before noticeable decline occurs. Cooked shrimp has a shorter shelf life of about 2-3 months maximum when properly frozen.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Shrimp?
Previously frozen and thawed shrimp should always be cooked immediately, not refrozen. Bacteria can start multiplying on thawed shrimp so freezing and thawing repeatedly is not recommended.
Only refreeze thawed shrimp if the shrimp:
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Still contains ice crystals and feels very cold throughout, indicating it has not fully thawed.
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Has been properly stored in the refrigerator no longer than 1-2 days after thawing.
Even then, quality decline may occur with multiple freeze-thaw cycles. For best flavor and texture, only thaw the amount of frozen shrimp needed per use.
Storing Shell-On Versus Peeled Shrimp
You can freeze shrimp with or without the shell, though leaving the shell on may better protect flavor and texture over time. Peel shrimp before or after freezing – be sure to cook it properly after thawing.
Freezing Marinated Shrimp
Shrimp can be frozen after marinating in sauces, though there are some risks:
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Acidic marinades may start “cooking” the shrimp, leading to a mushier texture.
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Freezer burn can occur if marinade leaks, exposing shrimp.
For best results:
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Use a milder marinade, not something highly acidic.
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Seal shrimp tightly in freezer bags, removing any excess air.
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Freeze for no longer than 2-3 months for best flavor and texture retention.
Storing Frozen Shrimp for Quality and Safety
Properly stored frozen shrimp can last for surprisingly long periods while retaining good eating quality. Follow these guidelines for storing shrimp in the freezer:
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Use fresh, high quality shrimp to start.
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Clean, peel, devein, and dry shrimp thoroughly before freezing.
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Package shrimp tightly in freezer-safe wrap. Exclude air and moisture.
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Label packages with contents and freeze-by date.
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Freeze shrimp immediately at 0°F or below.
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Once frozen, do not re-expose to warmer temperatures.
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Monitor freezer temperature and conditions. Do not refreeze thawed shrimp.
Storing shrimp correctly in the freezer preserves both quality and safety over time. With the right techniques, you can enjoy frozen shrimp for up to a year for convenience, savings, and great seafood meals year-round.
How Long Does Frozen Seafood Last?
You can keep most commercially frozen seafood in the freezer for up to six months, but you can also check the “Best By” dates on the packages. The less time seafood is stored, the more freshness and taste preservation you can expect. Use the “FIFO” (first in, first out) method to keep your seafood as fresh as possible.
The temperature inside your freezer should be 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Check your freezer periodically with a thermometer as temperatures can change over time, especially with shifts in weather and as your freezer ages. Freezer and refrigerator thermometers are widely available at culinary, department, grocery, and appliance stores and online.
You’ll want to store your seafood in the coldest part of your freezer. This is usually in the rear center. Seafood that needs to be frozen shouldn’t be kept in the door or at the very front of the freezer. The door is usually the warmest part of the freezer.
More Basics of Seafood Freezer Storage
First, it’s important to remember that frozen seafood should always be hard when you purchase it. If the seafood you’re purchasing is bendable, it’s not fully frozen, and that’s a red flag.
Next, make sure that your seafood stays frozen and cold for as long as possible on the way from the store to your house. If needed, bring along a clean cooler packed with ice, and use it to transport your seafood home. Always remember to wash and sanitize your cooler between uses.
Put your seafood directly into the freezer as soon as you arrive home from the store. Or, if you want to eat it the next day, put it in a container that won’t leak in the fridge to thaw.
Frozen seafood can be safely thawed in the refrigerator overnight at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below (check the temperature in your refrigerator to be sure it’s cold enough). If you’re in a bind and need to thaw your seafood more quickly, you can also put it in a sealed plastic bag that is immersed in cold water (do not use warm or hot water). Change out the cold water for fresh water every 30 minutes until the seafood is completely thawed.
We do not recommend thawing frozen seafood on the counter at room temperature. In fact, never leave frozen seafood at room temperature for too long. Two hours is the limit according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Finally, remember that thawed frozen seafood will only last so long in the refrigerator. One to two days is the best time to eat it, or you can refreeze it again if you used the overnight thawing method and are sure the seafood hasn’t gone bad. If you thawed your frozen seafood using the cold water method, however, do not refreeze it.
How Long Can Frozen Shrimp Stay in the Fridge? ANSWERED
How long can shrimp stay in the freezer?
Shrimp can be kept in the freezer for an extended period, but the length of time can vary depending on how it’s stored. If frozen correctly, shrimp can last for up to 6-12 months in the freezer. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the shrimp is properly sealed to prevent freezer burn and maintain its freshness.
Can You Freeze frozen shrimp?
To ensure that your frozen shrimp stays fresh and safe to eat, it’s essential to store it properly. Make sure to keep your freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or lower to maintain the quality of the shrimp. It’s also important to seal the shrimp tightly in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn and maintain its flavor.
Can you freeze marinated shrimp?
Shrimp should be stored at 0°F or below to maintain its quality in the freezer. It’s important to ensure that the freezer is set to the appropriate temperature to keep the shrimp fresh. Can I freeze shrimp that has been marinated?
How do you store frozen shrimp?
Proper storage is the key to keeping your shrimp fresh for longer periods. It is important to store frozen shrimp in a freezer that maintains a constant temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below. Any temperature fluctuations can negatively impact the quality and shelf life of the shrimp.