How Long Does Shrimp Last in the Fridge? (Problem Solved!)

We’ve all done it: Overstocking on shrimp because you can use it on a wide range of dishes. (*)

Or maybe—you cooked too much shrimp dish, and now you have no idea what to do with the leftovers.  

Does this scenario seem familiar to you? If yes, you may have considered storing your excess shrimp in the fridge, but you have no idea how long its shelf life is.

If you’ve been asking, “how long does shrimp last in the fridge?” for a while now, we have the answer right here!

This shelf life is considering that you’ve stored the shrimp properly. If you want to know how to do this, just keep reading!

How Long Does Shrimp Last in the Fridge?

The answer varies depending on the kind and condition of shrimp you will store in the fridge.

To give you a better idea of how long you can store different types of shrimp products in the fridge, we’ve prepared a comprehensive guide below:

Keep in mind, though, that this is just an estimate. In addition, various factors can negatively affect the shrimp quality and storage time frame.

With that said, you must always inspect the shrimp before cooking or eating it for any signs of spoilage.

How to Tell if Shrimp Has Gone Bad?

So, how can you tell if shrimp has already gone bad? Here are the signs to look for:

• Rancid and off odor,
• Sour taste,
• Mold growth,
• Mushy or slimy texture,
• and Discoloration or the presence of black spots in the shell.

If the shrimp shows any of these signs, throw it immediately. If not, you can proceed with cooking or reheating it.

Learn more: What Does Shrimp Taste Like?

How to Store Shrimp in the Refrigerator?

To ensure that the shrimp will last up to the expected time frame, you must store it properly. Here are some ways how to do that:

Store shrimp in airtight food containers.

You can place cooked shrimp in microwaveable or other containers with tightly sealed lids.

Another fantastic idea is to wrap them in aluminum foil before placing them in Ziplock bags.

Don’t store the cooked shrimp warm.

You must allow the cooked shrimp to cool before putting it in the fridge.

If you store it while it’s still warm, the high temperature will clash with the fridge’s coldness, causing condensation. This will lead to moisture buildup inside the shrimp’s container, increasing the risk of bacterial growth. (*)

Don’t let the shrimp sit out for more than 2 hours.

Letting the shrimp cool down is essential, but you should also limit the time the shrimp is sitting out at room temperature to prevent bacterial contamination.    

So, how long will shrimp last at room temperature? Raw shrimp will last up to 2 hours at temperatures 90 degrees or below.

The Ultimate Secret to Shrimp’s Longer Shelf Life

If you want your shrimp to last as long as possible, we have one secret hack to share with you—freezing!

How long does shrimp last in the freezer?

Please refer to the table that we’ve prepared for you to know how long shrimp can safely stay in the freezer:

Once again, these are just estimates, so ensure you inspect the shrimp after reheating or cooking them.

How to freeze shrimp properly?

Here are some tips on how to properly store the shrimp in the freezer:

Remove shrimp from the can.

If you plan on freezing canned shrimp, remove them from the can and transfer them to a freezer-safe container.

Store shrimp in tightly sealed freezer-safe containers or bags.

Ensure to leave ¼-inch of headspace to accommodate the shrimps when they expand when frozen.

Remove the heads.

Remove the shrimp heads for maximum quality and shelf life because this is where most spoilage bacteria are usually found.

If possible, leave the shells on.

The shells will protect the flesh from getting freezer burn and drying out while stored in the freezer.

Divide the shrimps.

Don’t freeze the shrimps as one large batch. Remember that it’s not ideal to re-freeze them once they have been thawed.

That’s why you should freeze the shrimps in portion sizes you will use in your recipes, so you only have to thaw the amount of shrimps you need for your dish.

The Bottom Line

How long does shrimp last in the fridge? Shrimps may last for 1 to 5 days in the fridge, depending on the type of shrimp you’ll store.

The shelf life in the refrigerator is relatively short, so it’s only a suitable storage method if you plan to use the shrimp within a few days. But if you want to store the shrimps for longer, you should try the storage hack we shared with you—freeze it.  

Frequently Asked Questions

How to thaw frozen shrimp?

You can thaw frozen shrimp in two ways—

Refrigerator Method

Transfer the frozen shrimp into the refrigerator 12 to 24 hours before using it.

Cold Water Method

If you don’t have time to spare, you can simply place the frozen shrimp in a plastic bag. Afterward, submerge the bag in a bowl of cold water. Make sure to change the water every 30 minutes for faster thawing.

How to reheat shrimp?

There are plenty of ways you can reheat thawed shrimp. Here are some of them:

Microwave or Oven

This is the quickest and most convenient way to reheat cold shrimp. It’s also the best option for reheating saucy shrimp dishes.

Pan and Stove

If you don’t have an oven or stove, you can simply heat the shrimp in the pan. However, the saucy shrimp dishes might dry out using this method.

Steamer

This takes a lot of time and can be a bit of a hassle, but this is the best reheating method as it can maintain the shrimp’s texture and moisture.

Can you freeze cooked shrimp?

Yes, you can freeze cooked shrimp. However, please take note that there’s a chance that its texture may change.

Is it safe to eat leftover shrimp sitting at room temperature overnight?

No, eating shrimp that has been sitting out overnight isn’t safe. 

As mentioned, the maximum time a shrimp can be left at room temperature is only 2 hours. And if you live in areas with warmer climates, the shrimp should not be sitting out for more than 1 hour.