Shrimp is one seafood I cannot live without. I’m sure the shrimp lovers around the world agree with me.
Not only does shrimp contain protein, but it may also have anti-aging effects as well as stimulate weight loss.
Furthermore, there are several ways to cook shrimp. You can make BBQ shrimp, broil or bake and even sauté them in a hot cast-iron skillet.
But before you purchase and cook shrimp, there is one thing you should know: how long they last in the fridge.
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How to Freeze Shrimp
On the one hand, shrimp will remain safe from bacteria while it is stored in the freezer.
On the other hand, the longer it is stored in the freezer, the more its quality will deteriorate.
Raw shrimp will become tough when they are cooked.
Cooked shrimp will be so soft that the succulent flesh becomes unappealing when they are frozen too long.
Shrimp will remain fresh in the freezer for up to 6 months.
However, just like you should not store your Tomahawk steaks in the freezer for 1 year because their quality will decrease, shrimp’s quality and flavor will decline if left in the freezer too long.
To freeze your shrimp, it’s best to double wrap it in a layer of plastic wrap or heavy-duty aluminum foil.
Double wrapping the shrimp will prevent freezer burn.
Next, you can place the shrimp into a freezer-safe resealable bag before freezing the shrimp.
Alternatively, you can use a vacuum-sealer to seal the shrimp in airtight pouches and place the shrimp into the freezer.
Cooked shrimp will last in the freezer for 2-3 months.
Even though raw shrimp will technically last for up to 6 months, use them within 4 months.
When you are ready to cook your frozen shrimp, defrost them in the fridge overnight or in cold water for 30 minutes.
How Long Does Shrimp Last in the Fridge
Unfortunately, shrimp does not last long in the fridge
. Whether it is shelled or unshelled, raw shrimp will only last in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
To make sure your shrimp lasts as long as possible, make sure your refrigerator is at a temperature of 40°F or lower.
Make sure your store the shrimp in the coldest section of the fridge and the lowest shelf on the refrigerator.
If your shrimp are open, wrap them with plastic wrap or place them into an airtight container.
Place the shrimp on a large plate to catch any condensation that could contaminate other foods and the fridge itself.
How Long Does Cooked Shrimp Last in the Fridge
The life span of cooked shrimp is a bit complicated. It depends on where the shrimp were brought from as well as if they are frozen or fresh.
If you have purchased fresh shrimp from your local seafood market, it will last for up to a week in the fridge.
In contrast, if you bought flash-frozen shrimp from your local grocery store, it has gone through a lot before it ended up on your plate.
Another factor that impacts the shelf life of cooked shrimp is the type of container it is stored in.
You must keep the shrimp in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
You can also store shrimp in heavy-duty aluminum foil. However, make sure you wrap it tightly to prevent the shrimp from being exposed to air.
If the shrimp are exposed to bacteria in the air, it will spoil faster.
Ultimately, if you prepare the shrimp and cook it to the recommended temperature, and chill it within 2 hours after it was cooked, it will last for 3-4 days.
How To Tell if Shrimp Is Bad
The amazing thing about shrimp is that it is easy to tell if your shrimp have spoiled.
As humans, we were gifted with senses that we can use to determine if shrimp is bad. You can use at least 3 senses to identify rotten shrimp.
For example, you can use your eyes to inspect the shrimp. The shrimp’s shell is a protective barrier. If it is broken, the shrimp is no longer good.
Shrimp should hold their shape. If the shrimp has no shape or is as floppy as a piece of string, it is most likely spoiled.
Another way to determine if shrimp is spoiled is by touching the shrimp. Shrimp should be firm but soft.
If the shrimp is as hard as a rock, it is most likely spoiled.
Rotten shrimp also takes on a slimy texture. Slime is a tell-tale sign that bacteria have multiplied on the shrimp, so avoid it at all costs.
Although it might be uncomfortable, smelling the shrimp is necessary before you cook them.
Your nose will literally tell you if the shrimp are fit for consumption.
A rancid smell means the shrimp is spoiled. If your shrimp smell like ammonia or rotten eggs, the trash is the only place, those shrimp should be going. If the shrimp do not have a smell, they are still fresh.
Lastly, cooked shrimp will have a bright red color. Raw shrimp is translucent in color.
If the shrimp has brown or dark spots, do not consume the shrimp. Any signs of discoloration mean the shrimp is not fresh.
Final Thoughts
I don’t know about you, but shrimp is a staple part of my diet. Not only do they cook in a few minutes, but shrimp are easy to reheat.
Whether you have bought a few bags of shrimp on sale or purchased a bag of shrimp from your local fish market, it is essential to know how long they last.
Knowing how long shrimp lasts will decrease your risk of eating rotten shrimp and developing a foodborne illness.
In addition to this, it will also save money since you won’t be throwing shrimp out because it has been in the fridge too long.
Remember raw shrimp only last in the fridge for 2-3 days while cooked shrimp lasts for 3-4 days.
You might also be interested in:
- How Long Does Steak Last In The Fridge
- How Long Does Rotisserie Chicken Last In The Fridge
- How Long Does Ground Turkey Last In The Fridge
- How Long Does Pork Last In The Fridge
- How Long Does Sausage Last In The Fridge
- How Long Do Hot Dogs Last In The Fridge
- How Long Does Salmon Last In The Fridge
I have been smoking and grilling meat from an early age and enjoy sharing my knowledge and expertise through the hundreds of articles I have written about BBQ. I hope to make everyone’s BBQ journey that little bit easier.