How Long Does Shrimp Last in the Fridge? The Complete Guide

Shrimp is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can elevate so many dishes. But like any perishable food, proper storage is key to enjoying shrimp at its freshest. So how long does shrimp last in the fridge?

In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about shrimp shelf life, plus tips for maximizing freshness.

Raw Shrimp Shelf Life

The shelf life of raw, uncooked shrimp depends on whether it was previously frozen or fresh.

• Raw shrimp that was previously frozen – 5 to 6 days
• Fresh, never frozen raw shrimp – 1 to 2 days

Raw shrimp that was frozen then thawed will keep longer since the freezing process eliminates bacteria that causes it to spoil quickly Fresh shrimp has a much shorter fridge life

For raw shrimp, it’s best to follow the “use by” date on the packaging. And if you don’t plan to eat it within 2 days, freeze raw shrimp for longer storage.

How Long Does Cooked Shrimp Last?

Cooked shrimp lasts 3 to 4 days in the fridge stored in an airtight container. To maximize freshness, cooked shrimp should be stored within 2 hours of cooking

The shelf life also depends on how it was cooked:

• Boiled/steamed: 3 to 4 days
• Grilled: 3 to 4 days
• Fried: 2 to 3 days

Fried shrimp tends to spoil faster than boiled or grilled since the breading retains more moisture, creating a favorable environment for bacteria.

How To Tell If Shrimp Is Bad

Here are signs that indicate raw or cooked shrimp has spoiled and should be discarded:

• Slimy texture and mucus-like coating
• Translucent appearance
• Dull, grayish color
• Ammonia or sour odor

Trust your senses – if shrimp smells bad or looks discolored and slimy, it has spoiled and is unsafe to eat. When in doubt, throw it out.

Storing Raw Shrimp Properly

To maximize raw shrimp shelf life:

• Keep raw shrimp chilled at 32°F to 40°F.
• Place shrimp in a container/bag over ice.
• Lay a damp paper towel over shrimp.
• Store in coldest part of fridge (bottom shelf).
• Use within 1 to 2 days or freeze.

An ice bath creates ideal storage conditions. The damp towel provides humidity while allowing airflow. Storing on the bottom shelf keeps shrimp coldest.

How To Store Cooked Shrimp

To store leftover cooked shrimp:

• Refrigerate in airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
• Ensure shrimp reaches 40°F within the first hour.
• Use leftover shrimp within 3 to 4 days.

Air exposure can cause cooked shrimp to dry out, so an airtight container is ideal. Refrigerating quickly prevents bacterial growth.

Can You Refreeze Thawed Shrimp?

Previously frozen raw shrimp can be refrozen after thawing, but its quality may start to decline after one freeze-thaw cycle.

For best quality, use thawed frozen shrimp within 3 to 6 days. Refreezing is not recommended for cooked shrimp.

Thawing Shrimp Properly

Here are safe methods to thaw frozen shrimp:

• In the refrigerator – Thaw overnight in a bowl in the fridge.
• In cold water – Place shrimp sealed bag in cold water for 15 to 20 minutes.
• As part of cooking – Add frozen shrimp directly to recipes like soup or pasta.

Never thaw shrimp at room temperature. This allows bacteria to grow rapidly.

How To Use Leftover Cooked Shrimp

Besides enjoying leftover shrimp cold, here are delicious ways to use it up within 3 to 4 days:

• Toss into pasta, salad, tacos or fried rice.
• Make shrimp cakes, shrimp burgers or shrimp cornbread casserole.
• Fill an omelet or breakfast burrito.
• Mix into seafood bisque or chowder.
• Top a pizza, nachos or baked potato.

Getting creative with leftovers lets you enjoy the full shelf life of cooked shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common shrimp fridge life questions:

How long does thawed shrimp last in the fridge?

Previously frozen raw shrimp lasts 5 to 6 days when thawed and kept chilled. Use within this timeframe for best quality.

Can you freeze cooked shrimp?

Freezing is not recommended for cooked shrimp. It tends to become rubbery when thawed.

How long can peeled & deveined shrimp sit out?

2 hours max. Refrigerate peeled/deveined raw shrimp right away for food safety.

Does cooking shrimp extend fridge life?

Yes. The fridge life extends from 1-2 days for raw shrimp to 3-4 days once cooked.

How long can cooked shrimp sit out at room temp?

Just 2 hours – bacteria grows quickly. Refrigerate or discard leftover shrimp after 2 hours.

Is shrimp safe to eat after the sell by date?

It’s best to cook or freeze raw shrimp by the sell by date. But you may have 1 to 2 days beyond it when shrimp is fresh.

Can you freeze raw shrimp in the shell?

Yes. Freeze peeled or shell-on raw shrimp packed in air-tight bags up to 3 months.

The Takeaway

Knowing the fridge life of shrimp lets you enjoy it at peak quality and avoid foodborne illness. Follow these shrimp storage guidelines:

• Raw shrimp: 1 to 2 days in fridge
• Previously frozen raw: 5 to 6 days
• Cooked shrimp: 3 to 4 days
• Store raw shrimp on ice
• Refrigerate cooked shrimp promptly in airtight containers

With proper handling, you can keep both raw and cooked shrimp fresh until you’re ready to use it.