How Long Does Shrimp Last After It’s Cooked?

Shrimp is one of the most popular types of seafood. It’s delicious, versatile, and relatively easy to prepare. But like any type of fresh seafood, shrimp is perishable and has a relatively short shelf life. So how long does cooked shrimp last in the refrigerator before it goes bad?

Here’s a detailed look at shrimp’s fridge life, how to tell if cooked shrimp has gone bad, and the best way to store cooked shrimp to maximize its freshness.

How Long Does Cooked Shrimp Last in the Fridge?

Cooked shrimp will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container. The cold temperature of the fridge (40°F or below) slows down bacteria growth that causes shrimp to spoil.

Shrimp that has been cooked in a shrimp cocktail with acidic ingredients like lemon, lime, or tomato juice/sauce will also last a bit longer – up to 5 days The extra acidity helps prevent bacterial growth.

No matter what, cooked shrimp should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours At room temperature, bacteria can multiply very quickly.

Reheating Leftover Cooked Shrimp

When reheating leftover cooked shrimp, it’s best to use a lower temperature to avoid the rubbery texture shrimp can get when overcooked. You can reheat in the microwave at 50% power or in a skillet over low heat with a little butter or oil.

Alternatively, enjoy leftover cooked shrimp cold or at room temperature, depending on how it was prepared originally. Cold shrimp cocktail or shrimp salad tastes delicious!

How to Tell If Cooked Shrimp Has Gone Bad

It’s important to know how to tell if your cooked shrimp has gone bad before eating it, Here’s what to look for

• Slimy texture – Cooked shrimp that has gone bad will have a slimy, mushy texture instead of being firm.

• Ammonia smell – An ammonia or sour smell is a clear sign your shrimp is spoiled.

• Discoloration – Bad shrimp may be faded and dull looking instead of vibrant pink/orange.

• Mold – Mold or fuzzy growth on cooked shrimp means you should definitely throw it away.

If your cooked shrimp shows any of these signs, it’s best to throw it out. Don’t risk eating spoiled shrimp.

How to Store Leftover Cooked Shrimp

To help cooked shrimp stay fresh as long as possible:

• Refrigerate cooked shrimp within 2 hours of cooking.
• Store shrimp in an airtight container in the coldest part of the fridge (bottom shelf).
• Avoid moisture buildup in the container, which can accelerate spoilage. Pat shrimp dry before storing.
• Use shrimp within 3 to 4 days. Discard if it smells or looks off.
• You can also freeze cooked shrimp for longer storage. It will last for 3 months in the freezer before quality declines.

Vacuum sealing cooked shrimp in an airtight freezer bag removes air exposure, which extends its freezer life. Write the date on bags for easy tracking.

Do Shrimp Go Bad Faster After Thawing?

Previously frozen raw shrimp that has been thawed will go bad faster than fresh never-frozen raw shrimp. Thawed shrimp only lasts for 1 to 2 days in the fridge before cooking.

That’s because thawing allows bacterial growth to restart, reducing the time it can be stored afterward. This applies to both raw and cooked thawed shrimp.

So only thaw as much shrimp as you know you will cook within a day or two. Safely refreeze any extra raw shrimp rather than trying to store it thawed.

How Long Does Raw Shrimp Last in the Fridge?

For comparison, here is how long raw uncooked shrimp lasts in the refrigerator:

• Raw shrimp that was previously frozen – 1 to 2 days
• Fresh raw shrimp that was never frozen – 1 to 2 days

The shelf life of raw shrimp is quite short. It’s best to only buy raw shrimp when you plan on cooking it within a day or two.

Raw shrimp can be frozen for longer term storage. Frozen raw shrimp will last for 3 to 6 months in the freezer before losing quality. Vacuum seal or wrap tightly in freezer bags.

Tips for Cooking Shrimp so it Stays Fresh Longer

You can help maximize shrimp’s fridge life after cooking by:

• Buying high quality shrimp – Fresh shrimp from a trusted seller lasts longer. Avoid old, discolored shrimp.

• Cooking shrimp thoroughly – Cook until opaque and flesh reaches 145°F internal temperature. This kills bacteria.

• Cooling shrimp quickly – Don’t leave shrimp at room temperature after cooking. Refrigerate within 2 hours.

• Using ingredients like lemon or lime juice – The extra acidity helps inhibit bacteria growth after cooking.

• Storing properly – Refrigerate in sealed airtight containers to prevent drying out.

The Best Ways to Use Up Leftover Cooked Shrimp

Don’t let leftover cooked shrimp go to waste! Here are delicious ways to use it up:

• Toss into pasta, salad, fried rice or tacos
• Make shrimp cakes, fritters or croquettes
• Stuff into sandwiches or wraps
• Mix into pasta or potato salad
• Top pizza, nachos or baked potatoes
• Add to chowder, bisque or gumbo
• Fold into an omelette or frittata
• Mix with mayo or creamy dressing for shrimp spread
• Puree into a dipping sauce
• Make shrimp toast, eggs benedict or po’ boy

With endless possibilities for leftover shrimp, you can get creative with recipes to use it up before it expires. But remember – once cooked shrimp hits day 4 or 5 in the fridge, it’s time to say goodbye!

• Cooked shrimp lasts for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator
• Check for slimy texture, smell and discoloration to identify spoiled shrimp
• Refrigerate cooked shrimp within 2 hours after cooking
• Store in airtight containers in the coldest part of the fridge
• Frozen cooked shrimp keeps for 3 months
• Thawed raw shrimp only lasts 1 to 2 days

Knowing the fridge life can help you reduce food waste and safely enjoy delicious shrimp! With proper storage, cooked shrimp stays fresh for a few days past cooking.