Food safety is one of the most important aspects of cooking at home. Should you enjoy shrimp a lot, you should know how to keep it fresh when it’s raw and when it’s cooked. So, the last thing you want is for that tasty shrimp to go bad before you can eat it.
In two days, you should either cook or properly freeze the raw shrimp that you have in your fridge. You can freeze or eat shrimp that you cooked up recently up to four days after you cook it. That might sound a little short if you know how long the turf part of surf and turf stays fresh in the fridge.
But because shrimp and cattle live in different environments, shrimp will go bad faster than any land animal, even if they are kept cool. We’ll get into that, plus proper long-term storage practices, and we’ve even got a tasty grilled shrimp recipe. After all, it always comes back to a grill or smoker at some point here at Angry BBQ!.
Shrimp is a delicious and versatile seafood ingredient. It can be used in everything from shrimp tacos to shrimp scampi pasta. However, like all seafood, shrimp is highly perishable. Knowing how long shrimp lasts in the fridge and how to store it properly is key to enjoying it while it’s fresh.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about shrimp shelf life, including:
- How long raw shrimp lasts in the fridge
- How long cooked shrimp lasts in the fridge
- Signs of spoiled shrimp
- The best storage methods for raw and cooked shrimp
- How to freeze shrimp for longer storage
Follow these simple guidelines to get the most out of your shrimp and avoid wasting this precious protein
How Long Does Raw Shrimp Last in the Fridge?
Raw uncooked shrimp that has not previously been frozen will last for 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Shrimp is highly perishable since it’s low in fat and has a high water content. Bacteria grows rapidly on raw shrimp in the fridge, causing it to deteriorate quickly.
For best quality, it’s ideal to use raw shrimp within 1 day of purchase. Discard any raw shrimp that is past 2 days – the risk of foodborne illness increases greatly.
How Long Does Cooked Shrimp Last in the Fridge?
Cooked shrimp that has been refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Once cooked, shrimp will keep longer than raw but still has a relatively short shelf life. For best flavor and texture, try to eat cooked shrimp within 3 days.
After 4 days, discard any leftover cooked shrimp to be safe.
How To Tell If Shrimp Has Gone Bad
It’s important to know how to identify spoiled shrimp so you can avoid foodborne illness. Here are the signs that indicate raw or cooked shrimp has gone bad:
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Slimy texture – A slimy feel or appearance is a clear sign of spoiled shrimp. Good shrimp should feel firm.
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Fishy odor – Raw or cooked shrimp that has gone bad will have a noticeably fishy, ammonia-like smell. Discard if the smell is sour or ‘off’.
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Discoloration – The flesh should be shiny, translucent and pale pink/orange. Yellowing, graying or dull flesh indicates spoilage.
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Mold growth – Mold or black/white spots signal bacteria growth. Do not eat any moldy shrimp.
When in doubt, remember the old adage – if it smells bad, throw it out!
Proper Storage for Raw Shrimp
To help raw shrimp last as long as possible, use these storage methods:
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Keep raw shrimp as cold as possible by placing it on ice or on the bottom shelf of the fridge.
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Store shrimp in a bowl rather than in a plastic bag so air can circulate. Place a damp paper towel directly on the shrimp.
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If shrimp came in a bag, open it and place the opened bag in a bowl on ice.
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Only thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge or under cold running water. Do not thaw at room temp.
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Use raw shrimp within 1-2 days of thawing frozen shrimp.
Proper Storage for Cooked Shrimp
To maximize the shelf life of cooked shrimp:
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Refrigerate cooked shrimp within 2 hours of cooking – do not leave at room temperature.
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Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
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Place the container on the bottom shelf of the fridge furthest from the door.
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When reheating cooked shrimp, use a low temperature to avoid rubbery texture.
Freezing Shrimp for Longer Storage
You can easily freeze shrimp for longer storage. Here’s how:
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Freeze raw shrimp in its original packaging or place in an airtight bag. Squeeze out excess air.
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Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring to bags.
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Portion shrimp into meal-size bags for easier thawing.
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Raw shrimp can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cooked shrimp can be frozen for up to 1 month.
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Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge. Do not thaw at room temperature.
Following proper storage methods can help extend the shelf life of both raw and cooked shrimp. But remember – shrimp is highly perishable and has a relatively short fridge life. For best quality and food safety, use refrigerated raw shrimp within 1-2 days and cooked shrimp within 3-4 days. Employ quick freezing if you won’t be enjoying your shrimp right away.
How Long Does Raw Shrimp Last In The Fridge?
The USDA recommends your fresh shrimp should only hang out in the fridge for one or two days. Even if the temperature in your fridge is below 40°F, bacteria can still grow and make your shrimp go bad.
On the other hand, you might wonder why shrimp doesn’t last as long as meats like steak, chicken, or pork, which the USDA says can last up to five days. Let’s answer that question!.
How To Tell If Your Shrimp Has Gone Bad
You’ve tried to follow the directions, but sometimes you just aren’t quite sure. The only way to tell if shrimp is bad is to use your senses. But your taste buds should be the last ones you use, if at all.
How Long Can Frozen Shrimp Stay in the Fridge? ANSWERED
How long can shrimp be refrigerated?
In general, raw shrimp can be refrigerated for up to 2-3 days, while cooked shrimp can last for 3-4 days. However, it’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and the quality of shrimp can deteriorate faster depending on its condition.
How do you store cooked shrimp in the fridge?
When storing cooked shrimp in the fridge, using an airtight container or wrapping it in aluminum foil is essential. This will help prevent the shrimp from drying out and keep it fresh. Labeling the container with the date it was cooked is also a good idea so you know how long it’s been in the fridge.
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 you cook raw shrimp in the fridge?
It’s not recommended to cook raw shrimp that has been in the refrigerator for more than 3 days, as it may have spoiled and can lead to foodborne illnesses if consumed. It’s best to discard the shrimp. 11.