How Long Does Shrimp Last in the Fridge? (2024)

  • Healthy Eating

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

By

Alex Loh

How Long Does Shrimp Last in the Fridge? (1)

Alex Loh

Alex Loh isEatingWell's associate food editor. As part of the food team, she creates healthy, delicious recipes for theEatingWellaudience. Alex also writes informative food and cooking articles that range from how to store ground beef to the best picks from Trader Joe's. Alex conducts product and taste tests to find the best options, from salad spinners to salsas.

Updated on October 21, 2023

In This Article

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In This Article

  • How Long Does Raw Shrimp Last in the Fridge?
  • How Long Does Cooked Shrimp Last in the Fridge?
  • How to Store Shrimp in the Fridge
  • The Bottom Line

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 Fish Last in the Fridge?

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. 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 them in an airtight container in the fridge. To make sure your raw or cooked shrimp stays safe, be sure your fridge is at the proper temperature, 40℉ or below.

The 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.

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How Long Does Shrimp Last in the Fridge? (2024)

FAQs

How Long Does Shrimp Last in the Fridge? ›

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.

Can I eat shrimp after 5 days in the fridge? ›

Shellfish (shrimps, crab, lobster)

Cooked shellfish, such as shrimp, crab, and lobster, maintain their quality for 1-2 days when refrigerated. For raw shellfish in the shell, the same thing applies. It's advisable to consume them within the next couple of days for optimal taste and safety.

Can raw shrimp last 3 days in the fridge? ›

According to the USDA, fresh, raw shrimp can only be refrigerated for up to two days.

How long do thawed shrimp last in the refrigerator? ›

How Long Can Thawed Shrimp Stay in the Fridge? According to the United States Department of Agriculture, defrosted frozen shrimp will keep for one to two more days in the fridge before it needs to be cooked. 3 But don't try to go past 48 hours.

Is shrimp good to eat after 4 days? ›

Raw fish and shellfish should be kept in the refrigerator (40 °F/4.4 °C or less) only 1 or 2 days before cooking or freezing. After cooking, store seafood in the refrigerator 3 to 4 days. Any frozen fish or shellfish will be safe indefinitely; however, the flavor and texture will lessen after lengthy storage.

How to tell if shrimp has gone bad? ›

The best way to tell if raw shrimp is bad is to smell it and take a close look. If raw shrimp has a sour, ammonia-like smell, its coloring is dull and/or it looks slimy, it's gone bad and needs to be tossed. If cooked shrimp has gone bad, it will also have a sour, ammonia-like smell and/or slimy texture.

Is it safe to reheat shrimp? ›

You don't have to throw out leftover fish fillets or shellfish after dinner. You can safely reheat seafood for up to 4 days after it has been cooked. Seafood dishes with garlic or onions can taste even better the second time around. The only challenge to reheating seafood is that it can dry out or get a fishy smell.

Can I refreeze shrimp? ›

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as long as the shrimp were thawed properly in the refrigerator or in cold water, it is safe to refreeze and rethaw them. The maximum time they can be held at room temperature is 2 hours, total, over the course of thawing and refreezing.

Is frozen raw shrimp safe to eat? ›

Check if they are FDA-approved. According to the FDA, this is the way of killing parasites and bacteria that can be found in fresh shrimp: The shrimp must be frozen and kept at -4℉ or lower for one week. The shrimp must be frozen at -31℉ or lower until solid, then kept at -31℉ for about 15 hours.

How long before shrimp goes bad on counter? ›

How Long Can Shrimp Sit Out on the Counter? Whether cooked or raw, shrimp should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. Anything longer will give harmful bacteria too much of a chance to grow on your food making it dangerous to eat.

How long does thawed shrimp last in fridge reddit? ›

According to the USDA, raw seafood is good for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. As long as it's been properly stored, it should be fine to cook it tonight. As always, regardless of time frame, discard if the smell or texture is off, and cook thoroughly.

Does raw shrimp go bad in the freezer? ›

Raw headless shrimp in the shell maintain quality during freezing longer than frozen, cooked shrimp and are best if frozen at the peak of freshness. Frozen raw shrimp stored like this maintains quality for approximately 6-7 months, though it can be kept longer with little loss in quality.

How long is a thawed cooked shrimp ring good for? ›

Storage Instructions

KEEP SHRIMP RING FROZEN UNTIL READY TO USE. FOLLOW RECOMMENDED THAWING INSTRUCTION. ONCE THAWED, SHRIMP RING SHOULD BE REFRIGERATED (40°F OR BELOW) IMMEDIATELY AND CONSUMED WITHIN 2 DAYS.

Can you eat shrimp after 7 days in fridge? ›

The 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.

What should I do if I ate bad shrimp? ›

Seek medical treatment immediately if the person is unable to tolerate oral fluids, if fever is present, if there is blood in the stool, or if other concerning symptoms develop. For all other cases of shellfish poisoning, seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

How to store raw shrimp in the fridge? ›

Store fresh shrimp in the coldest part of your fridge and use within a day or two. If the shrimp is in a plastic bag, Boone likes to set the bag in a bowl of ice in the fridge, open the bag and lay a damp paper towel over the top. "When it's all wrapped up in plastic and can't breathe, it gets smelly," she said.

How long can seafood stay in the fridge after being cooked? ›

Cooked fish and other seafood can be safely stored in the refrigerator 3 to 4 days. Refrigeration slows but does not prevent bacterial growth. Therefore, it's important to use food within recommended time before it spoils or becomes dangerous.

Can you eat 4 day old prawns? ›

Whether raw or cooked, prawns need to be stored either in a fridge or freezer. Prawns in the fridge will remain safe to eat for 2-3 days. But you have to keep the temperature between 0 and 4°C. That would be 32 degrees Fahrenheit to 39.2 degrees Fahrenheit for the folks who use the imperial system.

How long can you keep shrimp co*cktail in the fridge? ›

Shrimp co*cktail is most delicious the same day it's made, but cooked shrimp will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Store in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic for best results. To freeze Mexican shrimp co*cktail, portion out small servings and place them in plastic bags.

How long can shrimp marinate in the fridge? ›

Additionally, raw shrimp is better for marinating, however, if you have purchased pre-cooked shrimp it is still possible to marinate it. Raw shrimp, with a non-acidic marinade, should be marinated in the fridge for approximately 4 hours to overnight.

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