Cooked shrimp is safe to eat within two hours of cooking time at room temperature. However, there are other ways to store them properly so they can last even longer. If you keep reading, I’ll tell you how to store them best in the fridge or freezer so you can have them on hand quickly for quick meal prep.
Shrimp is one of those versatile ingredients that works great in everything from salads and pastas to skewers and tacos. It cooks up quickly and boasts a sweet, briny flavor that pairs well with a variety of seasonings. However, like many types of seafood, shrimp is highly perishable and has a relatively short shelf life compared to poultry, beef and pork.
Knowing how long cooked shrimp lasts in the fridge and how to store it properly is key to getting the most out of this tasty shellfish without accidentally consuming spoiled shrimp and getting sick. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about shrimp’s shelf life, storage methods and signs of spoilage
How Long Does Cooked Shrimp Last in the Fridge?
According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, cooked shrimp will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly. To maximize its shelf life, cooked shrimp should be refrigerated in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. The cold temperature of the refrigerator (40°F or below) helps slow bacterial growth, extending the shrimp’s shelf life.
However there are a few other factors that can impact how long cooked shrimp lasts
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Cooking method – Cooked shrimp that is peeled will spoil faster than unpeeled shell-on shrimp. The shell provides some protection against bacterial contamination. Shrimp that is boiled grilled or sautéed will also last a bit longer than shrimp cooked with milder methods like poaching or steaming. High cooking temperatures help kill off bacteria.
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Quality before cooking – Shrimp that was very fresh before cooking will last longer than shrimp that was on the brink of spoilage. Always start with high-quality, fresh raw shrimp within 1-2 days of purchase.
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How it was handled – Contamination from dirty hands, utensils or containers can shorten cooked shrimp’s shelf life. Handle it carefully with clean hands and tools.
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Storage container – Make sure cooked shrimp is transferred to an airtight, moisture-proof container like a snap-top container or resealable plastic bag. Open containers or permeable wrap allows moisture loss and introduces bacteria.
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Temperature fluctuations – Repeatedly allowing cooked shrimp to warm to room temperature then re-chilling shortens shelf life. Maintain a consistent fridge temperature below 40°F.
How to Tell If Cooked Shrimp Has Gone Bad
Cooked shrimp can be dangerous to eat once it has gone bad. Some common signs that cooked shrimp has spoiled and should be discarded include:
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Slimy texture – Fresh cooked shrimp has a firm, opaque and tender texture. Slipperiness or sliminess indicates bacterial growth.
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Mushy flesh – In addition to getting slimy, spoiled shrimp becomes soft and mushy as bacteria break down its flesh.
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Discoloration – Cooked shrimp flesh should be opaque and white. Yellowing, graying or unusual discoloration is a sign of spoilage.
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Fishy or ammonia smell – Fresh shrimp has a mild, briny smell. A noticeable fishy, ammonia or acidic odor means it has started to rot.
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Mold growth – The presence of fuzzy mold, an uncommon occurrence with shrimp, is a clear giveaway that it has spoiled.
When in doubt, remember the old saying “when in doubt, throw it out.” Shrimp poisoning, though uncommon, can be quite unpleasant, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
How to Store Cooked Shrimp for Maximum Freshness
Proper storage is key to preserving cooked shrimp’s freshness and shelf life. Here are some storage tips:
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Refrigerate cooked shrimp within 2 hours of cooking. Leaving it out too long allows bacteria to multiply quickly.
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Store cooked shrimp in a sealed airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Preventing air exposure prevents moisture loss.
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Place the storage container on the lowest shelf of the refrigerator, where temps are coldest.
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If storing for more than 2 days, place a piece of paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture and inhibit bacterial growth.
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Avoid temperature fluctuations by limiting the times you open the fridge. Keep fridge temp at 40°F or below.
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When reheating leftover cooked shrimp, use the stovetop, oven or microwave to reheat fully to 165°F. Avoid room temperature storage.
By cooling shrimp quickly after cooking and maintaining cold, constant temperatures, you can safely store cooked shrimp in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Can You Freeze Cooked Shrimp?
Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of cooked shrimp even further. Its shelf life in the freezer depends on storage method:
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In airtight freezer bags or containers: 4-6 months
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In freezer wrap or aluminum foil: 2-3 months
Proper freezing prevents moisture loss and limits oxidation that degrades quality and shortens shelf life. To freeze cooked shrimp:
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Cool shrimp completely before freezing, about 1-2 hours. Freeze immediately after cooking.
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Package shrimp in freezer bags, airtight containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Remove as much air as possible.
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Label packages with contents and date before freezing. Use oldest shrimp first.
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Freeze shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to packages to freeze quickly.
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Store shrimp packages in coldest part of freezer, at 0°F or below. Avoid repeated thawing and refreezing.
Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge or in cold water for faster thawing. Use thawed shrimp immediately for best quality.
How Long Can You Keep Thawed Shrimp in the Fridge?
Previously-frozen shrimp that has been defrosted can be kept refrigerated for 1-2 days before cooking. It’s best to cook thawed shrimp as soon as possible, since the freezing and thawing process causes some breakdown of the flesh.
Quickly cook thawed shrimp within these guidelines for best results:
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Cook raw thawed shrimp within 1-2 days
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Cook previously cooked thawed shrimp within 1 day
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Do not refreeze thawed shrimp
Signs of Spoiled Frozen Shrimp
Occasionally frozen shrimp can go bad before the expiration date. Signs that frozen shrimp has spoiled and should be discarded include:
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Unpleasant “off” or ammonia odor upon opening
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Extremely dry, flaky texture indicating freezer burn
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Frozen into a solid block indicating long-term thawing and refreezing
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Wet areas or crystallized ice indicating repeat temperature fluctuations
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Significantly past its prime according to tracking dates
If in doubt, remember the motto: when in doubt, throw it out! Don’t risk getting sick from spoiled shrimp.
Storing Shell-On Versus Peeled Shrimp
In their shells, shrimp will last a day or two longer than peeled. The shell acts as an armor against contaminants. To store:
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Shell-on shrimp keeps 1-2 days in the fridge, up to 6 months in the freezer
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Peeled shrimp keeps 2-3 days in the fridge, up to 4 months in the freezer
However, shells are porous and can trap bacteria. Serve peeled shrimp when possible or peel just before serving.
Can You Eat Leftover Shrimp After 4 Days?
It is not recommended to eat leftover cooked shrimp after 4 days in the refrigerator, even when stored properly. Shrimp that has been refrigerated for over 4 days has a high risk of harboring dangerous levels of bacteria that can cause illness.
Leftover cooked shrimp that is 4 days old should be discarded, especially if it has an off smell or appearance. Reheating old shrimp doesn’t make it safe to eat again.
For maximum food safety, eat leftover cooked shrimp within 3-4 days. Discard uneaten portions after that time, or freeze for longer storage. When in doubt, throw it out and stay safe.
Properly stored, cooked shrimp can last 3-4 days in the fridge or 4-6 months in the freezer. Keep shrimp cold at 40°F or below, stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Signs of spoiled shrimp include sliminess, discoloration, foul odors and mold. For safety, discard leftover shrimp after 4 days in the fridge. Following these tips for shrimp storage, usage and visual assessment can help protect you and your loved ones from accidental foodborne illness.
How Long Does Cooked Shrimp Stay Fresh in the Fridge
Cooked shrimp lasts 3-4 days in the fridge. Put cooked shrimp right away in a container that won’t let air in so you can have them on hand for a quick weeknight dinner.
If you only have 30 minutes to cook a tasty, low-calorie dinner, this Pancit Canton with Shrimp and Vegetables recipe is just what you need! Just toss the shrimp with the vegetables, and if you want to save even more time, use frozen vegetables!
How to Thaw Frozen Cooked Shrimp
The safest and best way to thaw frozen shrimp is to put them in the fridge and let them slowly defrost for eight hours or overnight.
Cold water method: If you need to thaw seafood quickly, you can either put it in a plastic bag and put it in cold water, making sure to change the water every 30 minutes.
Microwaving: If the food will be cooked immediately, microwaving the shrimp is another alternative for thawing. Place the shrimp in a microwave-safe container and set the microwave to the “defrost” setting. I personally don’t think it’s a good idea to thaw cooked shrimp in the microwave because the shrimp can get tough and rubbery.
Having cooked fresh shrimp on hand is a great way to make healthy and tasty meals for your family now that you know how to store cooked shrimp properly.
Listed below are different ways how you can prepare delicious meals using shrimp.
How Long Can Frozen Shrimp Stay in the Fridge? ANSWERED
How long does cooked shrimp last?
Cooked shrimp lasts for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. When reheating leftover shrimp, it’s best to use a low temperature to avoid the rubbery texture shrimp can get when overcooked. Alternatively, enjoy leftover cooked shrimp cold or at room temperature, depending on how it was prepared.
Can one eat raw shrimps?
While raw shrimp or shrimp sashimi can be consumed safely, raw shrimp is considered a high-risk food because it can harbour harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and various Vibrio bacteria. Although some people consider the seafood used in ceviche raw, it is actually cooked by immersing it in an acid rather than using heat. The acid from the citrus can reduce harmful bacteria but it is not as effective as using heat. The safest approach would be to consume only cooked shrimp from a reliable source. The US Food and Drug Administration(FDA) advises that pregnant women, those with weakened immunity, older adults, and young children are at higher risk of foodborne illness and its consequences and should avoid all raw seafood.
Can you eat cooked shrimp after its expiration date?
It’s not recommended to eat cooked shrimp that’s past its expiration date, as it may indicate that the shrimp has started to spoil. It’s best to consume shrimp before its expiration date, and if it smells or looks bad, err on the side of caution and discard it.
How long can cooked shrimp stay in the fridge?
Cooked shrimp can stay in the fridge safely for three to four days. Because shrimp is seafood and has already been cooked, it is not recommended to eat it after this period due to two reasons. It may lose flavor and consistency, and not be as appetizing after a few days.