How long can peeled shrimp stay in fridge?

SHRIMP, SHELLED OR UNSHELLED - FRESH, RAW, SOLD REFRIGERATED

Freezer

3-6 months (best quality)

Shelf Life Tips

• How long does raw shrimp last in the fridge or freezer? The exact answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep shrimp refrigerated at all times.
• How long does raw shrimp last after the sell-by date? After shrimp are purchased, they may be refrigerated for 1 to 2 days - the "sell-by" date on the package may expire during that storage period, but the shrimp will remain safe to use after the sell by date if they has been properly stored.
• Unopened raw shrimp may be kept in its original store packaging when refrigerating; to maximize the shelf life of shrimp, do not open the package until ready to use.
• How long can raw shrimp be left at room temperature? Bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F; shrimp should be discarded if left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
• To further extend the shelf life of raw shrimp, freeze; when freezing, place shrimp in the freezer before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has elapsed.
• You can maximize the shelf life of shrimp in the freezer by overwrapping the original store packaging with airtight heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or freezer paper or place the package inside a heavy-duty freezer bag in order to prevent freezer burn.
• How long does raw shrimp last in the freezer? Properly stored, it will maintain best quality for about 3 to 6 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
• The freezer time shown is for best quality only - shrimp that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
• How long does raw shrimp last after being frozen and thawed? Shrimp that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator before cooking; shrimp that were thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be cooked immediately.
• How long does shrimp last in the fridge once it is cooked? Cooked shrimp will usually stay good for 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 4 months in the freezer.
• How to tell if raw shrimp is bad? The best way is to smell and look at the shrimp: signs of bad shrimp are a sour smell, dull color and slimy texture; discard any shrimp with an off smell or appearance.

About Our Authors

Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here

Today's Tips

Find out how long you can keep raw and cooked shrimp in the fridge.

From pink to white and jumbo to tiny, shrimp is a great protein source to have on hand. Not only does it cook quickly, but it can also be paired with a variety of flavor profiles, from lemon-garlic to hot honey and Sriracha. In order to make the most of the crustacean, it needs to be refrigerated properly. Find out how long raw and cooked shrimp can keep in the fridge, and get tips for storing shrimp.

How Long Does Raw Shrimp Last in the Fridge?

Raw shrimp lasts in the fridge for one to two days. Some shrimp packaging may have a "Best-By" or "Use-By" date, which indicates the packagers' estimate of when the product will be of best quality. Shrimp may last beyond that date for two days, but if you're unsure check the texture and smell. If the shrimp is slimy or smells like ammonia, it's best to toss it. Since the crustacean has a short fridge life before it must be cooked, be sure to have a recipe in mind when you buy it (check out these healthy shrimp recipes for inspiration). If you aren't able to cook it within two days, you can freeze raw shrimp, which will extend the timeline of its usability.

To freeze shrimp, place in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (this step ensures that the shrimp won't clump together as they freeze). Then, transfer to an airtight, freezer-safe bag. While shrimp can last for up to one year in the freezer, it's best to use it within three months for optimum taste and texture. Be sure to label and date the bag so you know when it was originally frozen.

How Long Does Cooked Shrimp Last in the Fridge?

Cooked shrimp last in the fridge for three to four days. If you need to reheat shrimp, we recommend doing so using the method it was originally cooked with. When reheating, use a lower temperature to avoid overcooking. You can also add a little water, fat or liquid that the shrimp was originally cooked in. Be sure to check the shrimp frequently to see when they are hot as they can overcook quickly, and the result is a rubbery texture.

Alternatively, if the shrimp is being eaten with other leftovers like pasta or rice, you can heat the starch first and then mix in the cold shrimp to remove some of the chill without worrying about blitzing the texture of the shrimp. You could also let the cooked shrimp sit out for 15 minutes or so to come to room temperature.

How to Store Shrimp in the Fridge

Store raw shrimp in its original packaging on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. In case any of the liquid leaks from the shrimp container, storing the ingredient away from other foods helps minimize the risk of cross-contamination. For cooked shrimp, store in an airtight container in the fridge. To make sure your raw or cooked shrimp stay safe, be sure your fridge is at the proper temperature, 40℉ or below.

Bottom Line

Raw shrimp last in the fridge for one to two days but can last for months if frozen. Cooked shrimp last three to four days. To reheat cooked shrimp, use a lower temperature and check frequently to avoid overcooking. When storing raw shrimp in the fridge, keep it on the bottom shelf.

How long does raw peeled shrimp last in the fridge?

How long is peel and eat shrimp good for in the fridge?

How long does shelled shrimp last in fridge?

How do you store peeled shrimp in the refrigerator?