Shrimp is a staple in most households. They are easy to cook, as they are ready in just a few minutes. If you happen to have shrimp in your fridge, you might wonder just how long shrimp last in the fridge. We’re here to tell you in this article, so keep your eyes peeled.

Shrimp is a great way to add protein to your diet. Not to mention, it is also a versatile type of seafood you can use just about everywhere.

From being cooked in luscious butter and fragrant garlic, to being ordered in restaurants as part of the cocktail menu, or simply being mixed with fried rice, there are various ways to use shrimp.

What Shrimp Tastes Like

For those who are new to seafood or have no experience cooking with shrimp, they are actually decapod crustaceans. They have long bodies and long antennae and have swimmerets or pleopods to help them move about.

When cooked, shrimp has a uniquely fresh, and sweet taste. They also have a slightly savory and salty flavor to them, depending on where they were harvested. They are tender and have fleshy meat similar to white fish.

Now that you know more about shrimp, we can get right to their shelf life and more. 

How Long Does Shrimp Last in the Fridge?

Depending on their state, shrimp can stay in the fridge for a couple of days. When you have fresh shrimp on hand, they can stay in the refrigerator for a maximum of three days.

However, you may want to check in after a day or two to see if they are still in mint condition.

At the most, use them within 1 to 2 days of storage. After all, you don’t want to get sick or risk getting ill or overeating bad seafood, right?

There is a tendency for raw shrimp to spoil quicker than their cooked counterparts. Therefore, storing it right away at the proper temperature is imperative.

To ensure you store your shrimp at optimal temps, your fridge should register at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Moreover, you should place your shrimp in the lowest section as it has colder temps than the rest of your fridge.

If you want to extend the shelf life of these crustaceans, freezing them is truly the way to go. Fresh shrimp can store for anywhere from 6 to 12 months when you freeze it.

How Long Does Frozen Shrimp Last in the Fridge?

Frozen shrimp can last for 4 to 5 days in the fridge, especially if this is how you are thawing them, not at room temperature.

If you have already thawed the shrimp, try not to keep them beyond two days to keep their freshness and bounciness. Refreezing shrimp once thawed can affect the taste and texture of these crustaceans, and can lead to foodborne illness. 

How Long Does Cooked Shrimp Last in the Fridge?

If you have cooked shrimp, that is a whole other story. In the fridge, cooked shrimp can last for 3 to 4 days. However, this still depends on the refrigerator’s temperature and how long you have left it out at room temperature.

Ideally, cooked shrimp should be stored in the fridge right away. Keeping it out at room temperature for a longer period of time increases the risk of bacteria growing. Leave it for no more than two hours at room temp so that it can last longer in the fridge.

How to Properly Store Shrimp in the Fridge?

If you have cooked shrimp, store it in airtight containers. You can also store them in a sealed bag or aluminum foil to ensure freshness.

However, if you are using fresh or raw shrimp, you can store them in a plastic bag in the colder, lower part of your refrigerator. You can even place them against a bowl of ice to keep them cool for a longer period.

Signs That Your Shrimp Has Gone Bad?

One of the best indicators that your shrimp has gone bad is that it has a foul, fishy smell that was not there before. While shrimp can take on a somewhat salty smell from the ocean or its harvesting place, this is quite natural. However, a foul odor is not.

Another sign that you should not consume your shrimp is if it has a slimy texture. This is a telltale sign, especially for fresh or raw crustaceans.

The same signs apply to cooked shrimp. You should also look for signs of mold or bacteria growth.

The Bottom Line

Shrimp can be used in a plethora of ways. From shrimp gumbo to kabobs, and many more, many people are undeniably fond of shrimp. And by knowing just how long to store it in the fridge, we can enjoy safer ways to consume it.

Hope you enjoyed this article about how long shrimp last in the fridge. Cheers!