How Long Does Cooked Shrimp Last? And How To Extend Its Shelf Life
Though these shellfish are relatively easy to cook, it’s very convenient to have them cooked on hand. You just need to thaw it and toss it into your meal. It would also need less cooking time as it is already cooked. This is very convenient when you’re making a quick dinner and you just came home from work.
But how long does cooked shrimp last in the refrigerator? And how long does cooked shrimp last in the freezer? Read our simple article below to find out how long cooked shrimp lasts under these circumstances.
How Long Does Cooked Shrimp Last in the Fridge
How long is cooked shrimp good for? To be able to use cooked shrimp longer, you have to refrigerate it. Cooked Shrimp lasts in the fridge for 3-4 days. However, you have to toss it in the refrigerator no longer than an hour after you’ve cooked it. Also, you have to properly store cooked shrimp to ensure that it lasts for the estimated time frame which is 3 to 4 days.
| Conditions | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| In Refrigerator | 3 to 4 days |
| At Room Temperature | 2 hours |
| In the Freezer | 10 to 12 months |
How to Store Cooked Shrimp in the Fridge to Extend Its Shelf Life
It’s quite easy to store cooked shrimp in the refrigerator. You can do it in 2 ways.
- One, you can wrap it in aluminum foil and toss it in the freezer. This will help retain the freshness.
- And two, you can get storage containers and put them in the freezer. The second option, however, is more advisable as you can also see the contents inside the translucent container.
Also, ensure that the storage containers have a lid. This will help retain the freshness of the shrimp.
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How Long Does Cooked Shrimp Last at Room Temperature
You should not keep cooked shrimp outside the refrigerator longer than 2 hours. Especially if the temperature is 90 degrees Fahrenheit, bacteria can thrive easily.
How to Properly Store Cooked Shrimp in the Freezer
Freezing is another way to preserve these cooked shellfish. Frozen shrimp actually has a longer shelf life, an indefinite one.
But it’s not actually recommended to keep cooked shrimps that long in the freezer. It would result in a shrimp that has lost its flavor. Also, the shrimp would accumulate a ton of water and it would not be as soft and palatable. You’ll end up with tough and flavorless shellfish.
For best quality, you should consume frozen cooked shrimps within 10-12 months. After that period, it will still be safe to eat but it will not taste okay.
And it’s best to place cooked shrimp in freezer bags or airtight containers. Freezer bags will prevent these shellfish from getting freezer burned.
How to thaw frozen cooked shrimp? Place the frozen shrimp in the refrigerator for one night. And in the morning it will be ready to add to your salad or your tomato and seafood stew.
How About Raw Shrimp?
If you’re wondering how long raw shrimp can keep in the ref. We’ll also toss in a few tips.
When raw and left at room temperature, they can expire faster. The most critical temperature is from 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s at these temperatures that bacterial growth is faster. So ensure that you’re not keeping shrimp, or any foods for that matter in this temperature, especially if it’s still uncooked.
Raw shrimp kept at room temperature can only last for 2 hours. So it’s advisable to either put them in the refrigerator or the freezer immediately after buying.
How long does raw shrimp last in the fridge?
You can keep raw fresh shrimp in the fridge for 1-2 days. And even if it has gone beyond its best before date during this period, as long as it’s still in the refrigerator, it will still be safe to devour. And to better extend the shelf life of raw shellfishes, it’s advisable to not open the packaging. Opening the package will make it possible for some bacteria to grow.
How long does frozen raw shrimp last?
And to make the raw shrimp last longer, it’s best to have it frozen. If you won’t be able to cook them in 2 days, it’s better to transfer them from the refrigerator to the freezer. You can also wrap the original packaging with aluminum foil or a freezer bag to avoid freezer burns.
Raw shrimp can keep in the freezer at its best quality for 3-6 months. And it will still be safe to eat after that, it just won’t be as palatable and juicy.
How long can I store shrimp that has been thawed in the fridge?
Raw thawed shrimp can be kept for an additional 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
Can I thaw raw shrimp in the microwave?
Yes, but you have to cook it immediately after thawing.
How Do You Know if Cooked Shrimp Is Bad
Cooked shrimp that has gone bad should never be eaten. Otherwise, it can be a quick trip to the hospital. And these are some of the signs that cooked shrimp is no longer good to eat
1. if it has developed a slimy layer. There will be a significant change in texture.
2. If the shrimp smells off. Spoiled shrimp will smell sour.
So if you notice any two of these signs, don’t attempt to taste them. Otherwise, it can end badly. Scroll to the next section to see what can happen if you try to eat badly cooked shellfish, any food for that matter.
Related Article: How Long Does Cooked Salmon Last in the Fridge
What Happens If You Eat Spoiled Cooked Shrimp
Eating spoiled cooked shrimp can make you susceptible to food poisoning. Shrimps, like mussels, crabs, and clams spoil easily. So you have to be vigilant and examine first the cooked shrimp before adding them to your stews and salads.
And here are some signs of shellfish poisoning:
- Cramps
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- A bacterial infection that can result in blood in the stool and fever
And once you experience any of these symptoms or a combination, seek immediate medical care.
Recipe Ideas for Cooked Shrimp
Having cooked shrimp stored in the ref is very convenient. You just need to thaw the shrimp and add it to your favorite shrimp recipes.
And here are some old-time favorites. You can make leftover shrimp still taste as good.
1. Fried Rice
Just toss in the cooked or grilled shrimp together with the rice, onions, eggs, and other bits that you want to incorporate into your fried rice. This is an easy way to perk up ordinary brown rice.
2. Bean Salad
Add cooked shrimp to arugula, black-eyed peas, tomatoes, and some herb dressing.
3. Summer Rolls
Wrap the cooked shellfish in Vietnamese rice paper wraps together with some vermicelli noodles and vegetables. It’s a refreshing snack on a hot summer day.
4. Stews
Instead of adding meat and sausages to your stews, you can add cooked shrimp. It’s a healthier alternative.
5. Pasta
Add cooked shrimp to cooked pasta, basil, olive oil, salt, and cheese. You can also make a creamy pasta recipe with mascarpone, spinach, fettuccine, and cooked shrimp.
Watch this video from Natasha’s Kitchen to get a better experience.
FAQ
Can you eat cooked shrimp after 5 days?
If shrimp has been frozen, yes, you can still eat cooked shrimp after 5 days. However, if you just keep cooked shrimp in the fridge, it has to be consumed within 2 days. The same goes if it’s still unshelled. After 3 days, bacteria could start to grow already.
Is it safe to eat uncooked shrimp?
No, it’s not. Cooking is needed to kill the bacteria in the shrimp.
What’s the best way to reheat cooked shrimp that has been kept in the fridge?
Steaming the shrimp is the best way to reheat cooked shrimp. Though you can also use the microwave and the pan, steaming also results in more even heating and optimum flavor. And the less likely you are to scorch the shrimp. The quality will also be better.
Conclusion
Even if shrimp has been cooked, it still has to be kept in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent bacteria from multiplying. So it’s best never to leave cooked shrimp at room temperature, any food for that matter. Keeping foods at 90 degrees is a perfect recipe for spoilage. Cooked shrimp last better in the fridge and freezer than left out on the kitchen counter.
So, What is the shelf life of cooked shrimp? The shelf life depends on where you are going to keep them. It can last two hours at room temperature. 3 to 4 days inside the ref, and 6-10 months inside the freezer. And although frozen shrimp will last indefinitely, it’s not a good idea to do so, unless you want to eat flavorless shellfish.
