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 one of my favorite quick proteins to have on hand. It cooks up lightning fast and goes well in a variety of dishes from pasta to stir fries. To make the most of buying shrimp in bulk when it’s on sale, freezing is key. But how long does shrimp actually last in the freezer before the quality deteriorates?
Knowing the shelf life of frozen shrimp can help you avoid waste and enjoy the best texture and flavor. In this article I’ll cover how long shrimp keeps frozen and best practices for storage, thawing and handling.
Frozen Shrimp Lasts 6-12 Months
Store bought frozen shrimp that is continuously kept frozen at 0°F can safely last in the freezer for 6 to 12 months before quality starts to decline However, shrimp that is home frozen may only last half as long – around 3 to 6 months – before becoming dried out or developing freezer burn
The wide range in freezer life accounts for variables like freshness when initially frozen and storage conditions. Properly stored, quality frozen shrimp should retain its firm texture, sweet flavor and moistness for the full duration of the 6 to 12 month freezer shelf life
Raw vs Cooked Frozen Shrimp
Both raw and cooked shrimp can be frozen, but they differ slightly in how long they will last.
Raw shrimp that is blast frozen right on the boat has a longer freezer shelf life. It can typically last up to 12 months frozen if packaged well.
Pre-cooked shrimp may start to suffer some texture and flavor loss after 3 months in the freezer. Cooked shrimp is best kept frozen for no more than 6 months.
No matter what form it’s in, shrimp that has been in the freezer for over a year is at risk of drying out or developing unpleasant tastes.
Proper Storage Is Key
To get the maximum freezer life out of shrimp, proper storage is crucial. Here are some tips:
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Use air-tight freezer bags or containers to prevent freezer burn. Squeeze out excess air.
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Portion shrimp into smaller bags rather than freezing big bulk packages.
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Lay bags flat in single layers to freeze quickly and prevent clumping.
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Label bags with type and date frozen for easy identification.
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Maintain constant freezer temperature at 0°F or below.
Following these guidelines keeps shrimp moist and limits ice crystal formation during freezing to prevent damage to the delicate flesh.
Signs Your Frozen Shrimp Has Gone Bad
If you’re unsure of how long that bag of frozen shrimp has been stashed away, check for these signs of spoiled shrimp before using:
- Unpleasant “fishy” or ammonia odor when thawed
- Soft, mushy texture instead of firm and fleshy
- Grayish, dull color instead of translucent pink/white
- Dry, frosty coating or ice crystals from freezer burn
- Discoloration or dark spots on the shrimp flesh
If frozen shrimp exhibits any of these traits, it’s best to discard it. While it may not make you sick, the quality will be poor.
Thawing Frozen Shrimp
For best flavor and texture, thaw frozen shrimp gradually in the refrigerator. Allow 12-24 hours for a 1 lb package. For faster thawing, place sealed bags under cold running water. Raw shrimp can also be thawed in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.
Cook thawed shrimp immediately, and do not refreeze. Microwave thawing is not recommended as it risks cooking the edges while the inside stays frozen. Always thaw in the fridge or cold water to be safest.
Optimal Storage of Raw Shrimp
Fresh raw shrimp bought from the store can be kept in the fridge for 1-2 days before use. Store in packaging on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to avoid cross contamination.
For longer storage, freeze raw shrimp on the day of purchase for best quality. Freeze in single layers on baking sheets before transferring to airtight bags.
Cooked shrimp lasts 3-4 days refrigerated in a sealed container. Maintain fridge temperature at 40°F and use cooked shrimp within 4 days for optimal flavor and texture.
Follow these storage, freezing and thawing guidelines to enjoy plump, tender frozen shrimp for up to a year! Proper handling keeps this convenient seafood staple fresh and delicious.
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 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.