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.
As a seafood lover, I always keep a bag or two of frozen shrimp in my freezer to use for quick weeknight meals or dinner parties. Frozen shrimp provides a convenient protein source that’s ready when I need it. But I used to worry – how long could frozen shrimp really last before going bad?
After some research, I’ve learned proper frozen shrimp storage goes a long way Follow these guidelines for maximizing the shelf life of frozen shrimp You’ll be able to enjoy frozen shrimp for months before it needs to be tossed out.
How Long Does Frozen Shrimp Last?
Frozen shrimp that is continuously kept frozen at 0°F can last in the freezer for up to 12 months before deteriorating in texture and flavor. However, frozen shrimp will maintain best quality only during the first 6 months of storage.
So for highest quality, it’s best to eat frozen shrimp within 6 months. But even keeping shrimp frozen for up to a year is safe, as long as it has been stored properly and consistently at freezing temperatures.
Does Frozen Shrimp Expire?
Yes, frozen shrimp does eventually expire and go bad. Shrimp has a high moisture and fat content. Even when frozen, over time these compounds can degrade, causing rancidity and freezer burn.
Signs that previously frozen shrimp has expired and may not be safe to eat include:
- Strong, unpleasant fishy odor
- Unnatural brown, yellow or gray discoloration
- Dry, spongy texture
- Signs of freezer burn like ice crystals or dry spots
If your frozen shrimp shows any of these signs of spoilage, it’s best to throw it out. Don’t risk foodborne illness.
Proper Storage for Maximum Frozen Shrimp Shelf Life
To get the full 12 months of freezer life out of your shrimp, be diligent about optimal frozen storage:
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Use freezer-grade airtight packaging. This prevents freezer burn.
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Exclude as much air from packaging as possible. Air speeds freezer burn.
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Portion shrimp into meal-size servings before freezing. Thawing smaller amounts at a time preserves quality.
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Arrange shrimp in single layer on a baking sheet and freeze solid before packaging. This prevents clumping.
Always label frozen shrimp packages with contents and freeze date. Track shelf life for best quality.
Where to Store Frozen Shrimp
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Store shrimp flat on a freezer shelf, not in the door. The door warms up each time it’s opened.
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Don’t overfill your freezer. Too much food prevents even, consistent freezing.
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Set freezer temperature to 0°F or below. Higher temps shorten shelf life. Use a thermometer to monitor.
Following proper frozen shrimp storage truly helps maximize the shelf life and quality.
Thawing Frozen Shrimp
I always thaw frozen shrimp before cooking or eating raw. Here are some safe methods:
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Refrigerator: Thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge. Keeps it at a safe 40°F temperature.
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Cold Water: For faster thawing, submerge sealed bag of shrimp in cold water, changing water every 30 mins.
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Microwave: I don’t recommend microwaving frozen shrimp to thaw – it can start to cook the outside before the inside thaws.
Always cook or use thawed shrimp immediately, and don’t ever try to refreeze thawed shrimp as the texture and taste deteriorate rapidly.
How Long Does Thawed Shrimp Last?
Once thawed, here is how long shrimp will last refrigerated:
- Raw shrimp: 1 to 2 days
- Cooked shrimp: 3 to 4 days
The fridge slows bacterial growth but doesn’t stop it. Use thawed shrimp ASAP for safety and quality.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Shrimp?
It is unsafe to refreeze previously frozen raw shrimp once it has thawed. Any bacteria present could have started growing again when the shrimp thawed. Refreezing won’t kill the bacteria.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture advises against refreezing raw thawed shrimp or any thawed seafood.
If cooked shrimp thaws in the fridge, it is not recommended to refreeze it either. Always discard thawed shrimp that you don’t use right away. Don’t take risks with seafood!
Signs of Bad Shrimp
Always inspect thawed shrimp before cooking or eating. Throw away any shrimp with an off smell or appearance:
- Slimy, mushy texture
- Dull, grayish color
- Ammonia or sour odor
- Black band along back of shrimp
Discarding questionable shrimp is better than getting sick!
Freezing Cooked Shrimp
For the best results, I recommend freezing shrimp raw and cooking just before serving. But leftover cooked shrimp can also be frozen by:
- Waiting until completely cool
- Packaging in airtight freezer bags or containers
- Removing as much air as possible
- Freezing up to 3 months for best quality
When ready to eat, thaw cooked shrimp in the fridge. Use within 3-4 days or toss it out.
Can You Freeze Previously Frozen Shrimp?
It’s actually fine to refreeze unthawed shrimp, as long as it has been kept frozen continuously and never thawed. So shrimp straight from the store can be repackaged for longer frozen storage.
But if you thaw frozen shrimp in the fridge and decide not to use it, throw it away. Do not refreeze thawed shrimp. Any bacteria growth will continue deteriorating it during additional freeze/thaw cycles.
Shrimp Freezing Tips
Follow these recommendations when freezing shrimp yourself for best safety and quality:
- Buy fresh never-frozen shrimp when possible
- Freeze raw shrimp in its shell – the shell protects from freezer burn
- Rinse shrimp first and drain thoroughly
- Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze individually before bagging
With proper handling, shrimp can be frozen for up to a year and retain good eating quality for 6 months.
The Bottom Line
It’s safe to keep raw shrimp frozen for about 12 months. But the quality starts diminishing after 6 months. For best results, try to use frozen shrimp within 6 months. Store shrimp at 0°F or below, using freezer-safe packaging to prevent freezer burn.
Once thawed, cook raw shrimp within 1-2 days and use cooked shrimp within 3-4 days. Do not refreeze thawed shrimp as it poses a food safety risk.
Follow these frozen shrimp storage tips, and you’ll be able to enjoy fresh-tasting frozen shrimp for months on end!
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 does frozen shrimp last?
Frozen shrimp can last in the freezer between twelve to eighteen months. However, for the best quality and taste, it is recommended to consume frozen shrimp as soon as possible within three to twelve months. To ensure a longer shelf life, it is important to store the shrimp in an air-tight container to prevent freezer burn.
Can You Freeze frozen shrimp?
Ice crystals can form on the shrimp, leading to freezer burn and a change in texture and taste. To prevent this, it is essential to properly seal the shrimp in airtight packaging, such as a freezer bag or vacuum-sealed container. This will help to maintain the quality of the frozen shrimp for as long as possible. 1.
Can frozen shrimp go bad?
It is best to store frozen shrimp in airtight packaging to prevent freezer burn. This can be done using a freezer bag or vacuum-sealed container to maintain the quality of the shrimp. 2. Can frozen shrimp go bad in the freezer? While frozen shrimp can last for up to 6 months in the freezer, the quality can start to decline after this time.
How to store frozen shrimp?
To prevent this, it is essential to properly seal the shrimp in airtight packaging, such as a freezer bag or vacuum-sealed container. This will help to maintain the quality of the frozen shrimp for as long as possible. 1. How should I store frozen shrimp in the freezer?