How Long Does Shrimp Last In The Fridge?
Many find seafood intimidating to handle – from prep to cooking.
They generally have shorter shelf life than meat and poultry, and many people don’t have experience handling this protein.
Many love to eat shrimp. Not only is it tasty, but it’s also quite versatile; you can prepare it in many ways.
However, proper storage is crucial to be able to cook delicious shrimp meals and avoid food poisoning.
Ever wondered how long is shrimp good for in the fridge? Read on to find out!
A Quick Look at Shrimp
Shrimp is a well-loved seafood eaten around the world. It’s a versatile and easy-to-cook crustacean or a type of shellfish.
From being cooked on the best grills, to stir fry and soups, learning how to prepare shrimp is easy.
Like most food, seafood that has gone bad can easily cause stomach issues in people who eat it. However, unlike most food, shrimp and other shellfish have shorter shelf lives.
Want to know how long is shrimp good for in the fridge? Here’s a simple guide.
How Long to Keep Shrimp in the Fridge
The shelf life of shrimp is short, but it can depend on how you prepare it for storage and how you store it.
Raw Shrimp in the Fridge
How long can raw shrimp stay in the fridge? The answer depends on different factors, but the shelf life doesn’t vary much.
If you’ve bought raw shrimp from the grocery store and refrigerated it, it could usually only last in the fridge for up to a few days, depending on whether it was shelled or not.
Shell-on and shelled fresh shrimp do not have the same shelf life. Shell-on shrimp can last in the fridge for three to four days. On the other hand, storing shelled shrimp is best for a day or two.
Usually, if the shrimp is pre-packaged, it will have a “best by” date, and it’s a good indication of when it’ll go bad.
For best results, store your raw shrimp on the bottom shelf of your fridge.
Although, depending on different factors, the shrimp may go bad before or after the given date, too.
It’s best to cook raw shrimp as soon as possible. Fresh shrimp is delicious, whether cooked in a soup or smoked in a backyard smoker, and you’re at less risk of getting food poisoning from it.
Also, look out for a foul smell or overly slimy shrimp, as these are two tell-tale signs of shrimp unsafe for human consumption.
Raw Frozen Shrimp in the Freezer
The rotting process of frozen shrimp or any meat is slowed, thanks to ultra-low temperatures, when stored properly in the freezer.
Given this, did you know that raw shrimp last in the freezer for up to a year without being rancid if properly stored?
However, the taste and quality of shrimp still diminish as time passes.
If you want to keep shrimp’s optimal taste and texture when you cook it, do it within three to six months.
Cooked Shrimp in the Fridge
How long can cooked shrimp last in the fridge? And how long can you store cooked shrimp?
If you’ve pre-cooked shrimp, ready-to-eat shrimp from the grocery store, or leftover shrimp dishes, storing it in the fridge for a few days is an excellent way to have some for later.
However, cooked shrimp goes bad after a short compared to other proteins. To stay safe, take note that cooked shrimp remain fresh and last in the fridge for around three to four days.
To avoid health risks, eat leftover shrimp immediately the next day.
Cooked Shrimp in the Freezer
When you freeze cooked shrimp, it can last for a long time. It can be kept in there indefinitely if you store cooked shrimp properly.
However, in freezing cooked shrimp, keep in mind that the quality still goes down as time passes.
Properly stored frozen cooked shrimp should be cooked within three months for the best taste and texture.
Canned Shrimp Shelf Life
Since canned shrimp has already been processed with preservatives, it can last in the fridge for anywhere between six to eight months.
Storebought shrimp in a can usually have a “best by” date, indicating whether your shrimp is safe to eat.
Taking the shrimp out of its can and storing it in the freezer can also last between six to nine months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Way to Store Raw or Cooked Shrimp?
Store Raw Or Cooked Shrimp in the Fridge
Whether shell-on or shelled, the best way to store this raw seafood is by keeping the original shrimp packaging to minimize contaminants from touching your food.
For best results, keep your raw shrimp on the bottom shelf of your fridge, and make sure the temperature is at 40°F or below. Prepare and consume within one to two days.
If you want to store cooked shrimp in your fridge, put it in an airtight container.
Place it in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F or below. Cooked shrimp stay safe if refrigerated for up to 2-3 days.
Freezing Shrimp
Storing shrimp in your freezer makes its shelf life significantly longer. If you want to freeze shrimp, whether cooked or raw, you need a proper freezer-safe container.
Use shallow airtight food containers, freezer bags, or Ziploc bags. Not only will these keep your shrimp fresh, but they can also help prevent freezer burn.
Make sure your freezer is at 0°F or below.
How Do You Thaw Frozen Shrimp?
Before you can turn your frozen shrimp into delicious dishes on your flat-top grill, oven, or stove-top, among others, you need to thaw it.
The best and safest way to thaw frozen raw shrimp is by transferring it to the fridge and leaving it there for 12 hours before cooking.
If you’re pressed for time, you can use the cold water method in thawing frozen raw shrimp, and thawed shrimp stay safe for four days in the fridge.
How Do Your Reheat Cooked Shrimp?
It’s not a good idea to eat cold cooked shrimp unless it’s a shrimp cocktail. The best way to reheat cooked shrimp is by cooking it in a pan on a stovetop, in an oven, or a microwave.
How Do You Know If Frozen or Fresh Shrimp Has Gone Bad?
You need to look out for three things to know if your shrimp is no longer safe for consumption, whether it’s raw shrimp or cooked shrimp.
Smell
After opening your packaging, try to smell the shrimp. If it smells like ammonia, it’s not safe to eat. Fresh shrimp usually have a fishy smell.
Texture
Good shrimp has a firm texture. Bad shrimp will have developed a mushy or slimy texture.
Appearance
Your shrimp has gone bad if mold has started to grow on them. As part of food safety, if you see white and black spots on your shrimp, it’s best to throw them away.
Keep Shrimp in the Fridge the Right Way
Shrimp is one of the tastiest healthy foods you can cook and prepare.
While beginner cooks may find it daunting to undertake, the proper way of handling, cooking, and storing shrimp is easy.
When it comes to storage, all you need to ask and find out is: “how long is shrimp good for in the fridge?” Ensure your seafood dishes are safe by having properly stored shrimp.
