How Long Can Raw Shrimp Stay in the Fridge?

Posted in Food Safety on February 28, 2022

How long raw shrimp can stay in the fridge will depend on how the shrimp was thawed. Previously frozen raw shrimp can safely be kept an additional one to two days before cooking if defrosted in the refrigerator. It can also be safely refrozen within that time frame. However, if raw shrimp was defrosted in cold water or the microwave, it should be cooked right away.

Shrimp Expiration Dates

How Should Shrimp Be Stored?

Raw shrimp bought fresh should also be consumed within a day or two or put in the freezer. First, rinse the shrimp under cold, running water, then pat dry with paper towels. Cover the shrimp loosely with waxed paper to let air circulate around them, then store the shrimp in the coldest part of the refrigerator. It is also recommended to put them on a bed of ice. If preparing to freeze the shrimp, wrap them tightly in plastic, foil, or moisture-proof paper to preserve the flavor. Cooked shrimp can be stored in a sealed container for three to four days, but no more.

How to Thaw Frozen Raw Shrimp

There are two suggested methods for thawing frozen raw shrimp:

Refrigerator Method

Twenty-four hours before cooking, put the shrimp in a clean container and loosely cover them with plastic wrap. Place the shrimp on a lower shelf of the refrigerator to let them slowly defrost. Once thawed, the shrimp should be used within a day. Remove any liquid at the bottom of the container before cooking.

Cold Water Method

If you need the shrimp thawed in a hurry, place them in a leak-proof plastic bag and submerge them in a cold bowl of water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the shrimp are defrosted. If you use warm water, the shrimp will begin to cook. Once thawed, the shrimp should be cooked immediately.

How Do You Tell If Raw Shrimp Has Gone Bad?

The best way to tell if raw shrimp is spoiled is to smell and look at the shrimp. If there is a sour smell, dull color, or slimy texture, discard them immediately. Fresh, intact shrimp should have a slightly salty smell if any. Shrimp that has the smell of ammonia or bleach could indicate the growth of bacteria that can lead to food poisoning.

When buying raw shrimp, they should be white and slightly transparent. Cooked shrimp should look pink. Spoiled shrimp will look discolored or have peels that appear yellow or grainy.

What Happens if You Eat Expired Shrimp?

Shrimp naturally contains a small amount of bacteria that are killed through proper cooking. And if they are left out too long or improperly stored, the bacteria and parasites start to accumulate in them, leading to contamination. These bacteria can potentially cause diseases such as food poisoning when consumed. In most cases, food poisoning will cause diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration, and in rare cases, it can be fatal. If you or a loved one suffered from eating contaminated shrimp, contact a food safety lawyer as soon as possible.