Shrimp is one of the most common and widely used seafoods around. No matter if you like it cold in a shrimp cocktail, on a kabob, or cooked into your favorite Italian pasta, shrimp can be used in a lot of different ways.
Being so versatile, it’s a nice protein to have around. Do not look any further if you want to know how long your favorite shrimp dish will last. We have all the answers you need!
Whether cooked or raw, shrimp should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. It’s not safe to eat food that is any longer because it gives bad bacteria too much time to grow on it.
The answer to this depends on whether you are storing raw or cooked shrimp. In the fridge, raw shrimp will last for one to two days if it is stored in a container that keeps air out or wrapped in plastic wrap that keeps air out.
Cooked shrimp can generally last a little longer than raw shrimp. If it is stored correctly, you can expect your cooked shrimp to last three to four days.
There may be a “best-by” or “use-by” date on the package of both raw and cooked shrimp that you buy at the store. In general, your shrimp should still be good a day or two after that date. However, I would make sure it hasn’t gone bad before eating or using in a recipe.
Happily, both cooked and raw shrimp freeze well! I always keep a pound or two of frozen shrimp in my freezer, since it’s so easy to thaw when I need it. If you want to save shrimp for later use, I think buying frozen shrimp is better than buying cooked frozen shrimp from the store.
Before putting raw shrimp in a freezer bag or container, make sure to clean and pat it dry. This is how I like to buy shrimp. Freeze as quick as you can to minimize the amount of time it is at room temperature. This helps keep it fresh for when you are ready to use it.
When freezing cooked shrimp you first want to pop it in the fridge until it is chilled. This will prevent it from letting off steam in the freezer and causing freezer burn. Use a paper towel to dry the cooked shrimp if you are freezing it by itself and not as part of a dish. This will keep the shrimp from sticking to each other. Last, put it in a freezer bag or container and press out all the air before sealing it. Then, put it in the freezer.
When freezing cooked or raw shrimp, it’s important to divide it up into portions that will be easy to thaw later. This step is often missed. If you don’t, you might have to thaw more than you can use and throw some of it away.
It should be possible for raw and cooked shrimp to stay frozen for up to a year if they were stored properly. However, the sooner you use the better. I try to eat my frozen leftovers no more than six months after I freeze them to make sure they are still good.
Putting frozen shrimp in the fridge overnight (or for 12 hours) is the best way to get it ready to use. I would put the frozen shrimp bag in a bowl just in case it leaks. Otherwise, you could have a puddle of shrimp water in your fridge when you take it out. You should cook or eat your shrimp no more than one to two days after letting it thaw in the fridge.
Put the freezer bag or container of shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about an hour. This will help the shrimp thaw faster. You may need to change the water periodically to avoid the water freezing around it. You can also run cold water over the freezer bag or container under the faucet to speed things up even more. I would make sure you cook or eat right away after thawing if you use this method.
Like most foods, the best way to tell if shrimp has gone bad is to use your senses.
Both fresh and cooked shrimp have similar signs they are going bad. The following things should make you suspicious of whether or not your shrimp is still good:
If you notice any of the above red flags or something just seems off, I wouldn’t eat it. As I always say, when in doubt, throw it out.
Shrimp is one of those versatile ingredients that can be used in everything from seafood dishes to pastas and salads It’s delicious, easy to cook with, and freezes well. But how long does frozen shrimp actually last? Here’s a comprehensive guide on how long frozen shrimp stays fresh and safe to eat
How to Tell If Frozen Shrimp Has Gone Bad
Before getting into shrimp freezer life it’s important to know how to tell if your frozen shrimp has gone bad. Here are the signs
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Texture – Good shrimp should be firm and juicy when thawed. Bad shrimp will be mushy, slimy or chalky in texture.
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Smell – Fresh shrimp has a mild, briny seafood smell. Shrimp that has gone bad before freezing will have an offensive, ammonia-like odor.
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Color – When good shrimp is thawed, it should look opaque and white. Bad shrimp flesh will be yellowish or grayish.
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Discoloration – Look for black, blue or green spots on the shrimp flesh or shell. This is a sign of mold and spoilage.
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Freezer Burn – Shrimp suffering from freezer burn will have dry, icy sections or white-ish patches. It’s safe to eat but the quality is diminished.
So if your thawed shrimp passes the sight, smell and texture tests, it should be fine. When in doubt, remember the old adage – “When in doubt, throw it out.”
How Long Does Frozen Shrimp Last?
Now let’s discuss how long frozen shrimp keeps in the freezer:
- Raw shrimp – 9-12 months
- Cooked shrimp – 3-6 months
- Pre-cooked frozen shrimp – 18 months
These timelines are for unopened, store-bought frozen shrimp kept constantly at 0°F. Home-frozen shrimp has a slightly shorter shelf life – 8 months for raw and 3 months for cooked.
Freezer storage times will be shorter if:
- Shrimp was not fresh when frozen
- Freezer temperatures fluctuate
- Package is opened/re-opened
- Shrimp experiences freezer burn
- Contamination from other foods
Proper freezing and storage techniques help maximize frozen shrimp’s shelf life.
Tips for Freezing Shrimp
Follow these tips for freezing shrimp at home:
- Buy fresh, high-quality shrimp and freeze immediately after purchase
- Rinse, peel and devein shrimp before freezing if desired
- Pat dry with paper towels
- Sort shrimp by size if freezing in bulk
- Package shrimp in a single layer to prevent freezing into a block
- Use moisture-proof material like zip closure bags or airtight containers
- Remove as much air as possible prior to sealing
- Label package with contents and date
- Freeze shrimp immediately at 0°F or below
With proper prep and freezing methods, you can enjoy quality shrimp for months after freezing.
Thawing Frozen Shrimp
Thaw frozen shrimp safely using one of these methods:
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Refrigerator – Thaw overnight in the fridge. This is the safest method and best for maintaining quality.
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Cold Water – Submerge sealed bag of shrimp in cold water. Change water every 30 mins until thawed. Cook immediately.
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Microwave – Microwave shrimp on defrost setting based on package instructions. Cook immediately after thawing.
Important tips:
- Only thaw the amount needed
- Cook thawed shrimp within 1-2 days
- Don’t refreeze thawed shrimp
- Don’t thaw shrimp at room temperature
Prevent bacteria growth and compromise in quality by thawing frozen shrimp properly before cooking.
Cooking Previously Frozen Shrimp
Previously frozen shrimp can be cooked just like fresh shrimp. Some cooking methods include:
- Sauteing in butter, oil or sauce
- Grilling or broiling
- Baking en papillote or casserole
- Boiling, steaming or poaching
- Skewering for shrimp kabobs
- Adding to curries, seafood pasta, gumbo or chowder
Frozen shrimp is great for all kinds of recipes. Just remember to thaw it first using one of the recommended methods.
Previously frozen shrimp does not have to be cooked longer than fresh shrimp. Cook just until the flesh becomes opaque – 1-3 minutes on each side depending on size. Do not overcook or shrimp will be rubbery.
The Best By Date For Frozen Shrimp
The “best by” date on a frozen shrimp package is basically the manufacturer’s estimate for how long shrimp will retain peak quality and flavor.
You can still safely eat frozen shrimp 1-2 months past the “best by” or “best before” date as long as it has been properly stored at 0°F. Look for signs of spoilage just to be sure.
The printed date is simply a general guideline for full quality. If your frozen shrimp looks, feels and smells normal, it should be fine to use after the “best by” date has lapsed.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Shrimp?
Previously frozen shrimp that has been thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen safely if necessary.
To refreeze thawed shrimp:
- Use within 1-2 days of thawing
- Do not refreeze shrimp left out at room temperature
- Cook shrimp before refreezing for best quality
- Package shrimp in an airtight container with as little air as possible
- Label package with new freeze date
- Only refreeze thawed shrimp once
While safe, refrozen shrimp may suffer further moisture loss and texture changes. It’s best to cook thawed shrimp immediately if possible. Only refreeze out of necessity.
Storing Thawed Shrimp
Thawed shrimp must be used right away. Store thawed shrimp:
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In a bowl covered with plastic wrap in the fridge
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Submerged in ice water in an airtight container in the fridge
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On a baking sheet covered with plastic wrap in the coldest part of fridge
Use thawed shrimp within 1-2 days for safety and quality. Do not refreeze thawed shrimp without cooking first.
Can Frozen Shrimp Make You Sick?
Frozen shrimp from reputable suppliers is very unlikely to make you sick. Shrimp harboing parasites, bacteria or viruses will not survive freezing temperatures.
The only risk with frozen shrimp is if it was contaminated after freezing, during storage, transport or handling. To be safe:
- Purchase frozen shrimp from a trusted brand
- Check packaging for damage or signs freezer burn
- Store frozen shrimp below 0°F at all times
- Avoid interruptions in the cold chain
- Thaw and handle shrimp properly
Healthy people rarely have issues with store-bought frozen shrimp from reliable retailers or brands when storage guidelines are followed. Those with compromised immune systems should take extra care.
In my personal experience, properly stored frozen shrimp lasts and stays safe for right around those recommended timelines of 9-12 months in an unopened package. Shrimp that has been in the freezer too long will smell funky and have an unappetizing mushy or mealy texture once thawed. If in doubt, just remember to rely on your senses. Frozen shrimp that looks, smells and feels normal can be cooked and enjoyed even if the “best by” date has passed.
Is shrimp good for you?
Yes! Shrimp is very healthy because it has all the protein, omega-3s, and other good things for you that most seafood does. In addition, it is low in the harmful mercury found in many types of seafood.
Can you refreeze shrimp?
If you buy frozen shrimp and cook them, you can refreeze what you don’t eat. But I wouldn’t freeze it again because the more times you do it, the more likely it is that the food will get freezer burn or lose its taste and quality.