Shrimp can remain fresh in the refrigerator for 2-4 days, depending on whether it is cooked, uncooked, deveined, or deshelled.

Below, we’ll explore the time periods for each category.

Why Do Shrimps Go Bad?

When kept at room temperature, uncooked shrimp can only remain fresh for two hours.

Shrimp are aquatic organisms, therefore they are accustomed to low temperatures.

However, the microorganisms on them, the primary reason for decay, are also accustomed to low temperatures.

When you place shrimp at a higher room temperature, bacteria break down the protein constituents, resulting in spoilage of the leads.

Nevertheless, if you are present here, it is because you have probably heard that shrimp does not stay fresh for a long time, even when kept in a fridge.

At normal room temperature, it would deteriorate as rapidly as it does not in the refrigerator because the degradation of shrimp proteins decelerates, thus the temperature of the refrigerator is significantly lower than room temperature. The rationale for this remains identical to the one mentioned previously.

How long do you have before they turn sour? However, the current query is, does this provide you with a little extra time to consume your shrimp?

Also, learn about the duration of fish freshness in the refrigerator.

How Long Does Raw Shrimp Last In The Fridge?

Fresh shrimp can remain in the refrigerator for a period of 2-3 days.

If your shrimp has been deveined and no longer has its exoskeleton, you’re approaching approximately 2 days.

Now, for shrimp that still retain their shells, this period could be prolonged to three days.

You might have two days to come up with a way to use shrimp, as most store-bought shrimps no longer have their shells.

I suggest people to have a recipe ready before buying their shrimp, so they don’t spend too much time before using them.

Can you still use your shrimps after they have passed their sell-by date, many people wonder.

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If you stored them in the refrigerator, you would be able to prepare and consume your shrimp even after their sell-by dates. This does not imply that the shrimp has become spoiled. It is probable that the shrimp will reach its sell-by date before you have the opportunity to utilize it if you purchase and keep your shrimp in the refrigerator.

If properly stored in the pantry, canned shrimps can last for up to 8 months, making them another option for this commercially sold form.

During the same time frame, it is necessary to refrigerate them once they are opened, provided that they are kept sealed throughout this duration.

How Long Does Cooked Shrimp Last In Fridge?

Cooked prawn can remain fresh in the refrigerator for a period of 3-4 days.

Picture this; you have family dinner for your son, who just graduated from college, and you have cooked his favorite shrimp dish.

While cooking, you may overestimate the amount of leftovers you have, but everyone in your family enjoys and compliments your cooking, adding to your excitement.

You are concerned about the shrimp going bad, particularly since the meal tasted so delicious.

You are wondering how long you should keep them in the fridge, but you still want to store them.

In the refrigerator, your cooked prawns have a longer shelf life compared to raw prawns when they are stored. I have both positive and negative updates for you. The positive update is that.

Afterwards, we will discuss that. However, it is essential to guarantee that the prawns are packed accurately. If stored appropriately, your cooked prawn can remain fresh in the refrigerator for a duration of three to four days.

Merely decelerates its pace; it does not halt the microbial functioning on the shrimps. Despite refrigeration, the longevity of your cooked shrimp will inevitably diminish. Regrettably, this is unfavorable information.

Eventually, these microbes will fulfill their role and decompose the proteins in the shrimp, resulting in spoilage.

You have four days to decide what to do with them, even after storing them in your fridge.

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How To Store Shrimp In The Fridge

Throughout this article, we have emphasized the proper storage of shrimp in the refrigerator, as they can easily go bad if you do not pay attention to many factors.

For both uncooked and prepared shrimp, make sure to refrigerate the shrimp within two hours.

If you want to store your shrimps in the fridge, you might already have spoiled food or you need to do so two hours before. Remember that bacteria act quicker at room temperature, causing shrimps to spoil faster.

It is also crucial that you maintain a consistent temperature.

The temperature of your fridge should always be at 40℉ or lower. Anything higher, and your shrimps will spoil within the day.

Unless you want to attempt not to do so, it is necessary to remove the packaging from the shrimps. The best way to store your raw shrimp is by using the original packaging when placing them in the fridge.

Place them on the lower shelf of your refrigerator. This will aid in preventing cross-contamination in the event of a spill.

Having an airtight bag or container is essential for storing cooked shrimp.

Place your shrimps in this bag or container as soon as they are sufficiently chilled to securely preserve.

Keep in mind, it should not exceed a duration of two hours at ambient temperature.

Then place the shrimp on the lower shelf of your refrigerator, and your shrimp should remain fresh for approximately four days.

How to Tell if Shrimp Has Gone Bad

When you experience a bout of food poisoning, you quickly realize the necessity of seeking medical attention. It becomes evident that consuming spoiled food is detrimental to one’s health, making it imperative to avoid such foods. It is crucial to ensure the appropriate storage of shrimp.

To distinguish between high-quality and low-quality shrimp, it is important to be aware of the perishability of shrimp and take into account all potential scenarios. However, it is perfectly acceptable to store your shrimp in the refrigerator.

Your senses are your best option. Spoiled shrimps always emit a foul odor. And they also feel slippery to the touch.

If you observe these signs in the shrimps even after refrigerating them, discarding them would be the most advisable course of action. It is highly unadvisable to consume any shrimp if you have even the slightest doubt.

There are many health problems that arise from consuming spoiled food, so it is important to always ensure the safety of the shrimp you consume.

Also, check out How Long Does Pizza Stay Fresh?

What Should I Do If I Want To Store My Shrimps Longer?

Is it not at all practical for you to run to the store anytime you want to make that shrimp dish? Do you prefer enjoying seafood dishes or running a seafood restaurant? This is an important question because there isn’t enough time to use their shrimp for many people for two days.

In this case, you might need a way to store your shrimps for a longer period of time, and your kitchen might be the answer.

I am talking about your freezer. You can store raw shrimp in your freezer for up to three to six months, ensuring the best quality.

Utilize your shrimp when you are prepared. Once you defrost it and cook your delicious shrimp meal, your crustaceans will be consumable as long as you uphold the freezer’s temperature at 28℉. Do not fret about the shrimp spoiling, even after this duration.

To prevent any potential impact on the flavor, it is recommended to store your shrimp in a container that is suitable for freezing. Although many individuals are concerned about this when it comes to long-term storage.

How to Freeze Shrimp

If you are afraid that your shrimp will go bad in the fridge, you can freeze them before eating them.

It is not necessary, but we recommend freezing your shrimp before removing the shell. Shrimp can be easily frozen by placing them in the freezer, either in a safe freezer container or in a ziploc bag.

When frozen, shrimp will last in your freezer for 9 months to a year. You can freeze either raw or cooked shrimp.

How to Thaw Frozen Shrimp

The best way to thaw frozen shrimp is by transferring them to your fridge before night, intending to eat them.

It is not recommended to defrost shrimp in the microwave. You can defrost your shrimp by placing it in a bowl of cold water (you can also defrost your shrimp using the cold water method).

How Long Do Shrimp Last FAQ:

How Long Can Cooked Shrimp Stay in the Freezer?

Frozen cooked shrimp can be stored in your freezer for 6-9 months and remain fresh.

Should You Buy Fresh or Frozen Shrimp?

Fresh prawn is always superior and should be your first choice when it is accessible!

Is It Safe to Eat Shrimp That Has Been Sitting Out?

They should not be thrown away and they should consume them to ensure their safety for a longer period of time.

Final Thoughts on Safely Storing Shrimp

It would be a better plan to store it in the refrigerator where it has a fighting chance. Generally, leaving shrimp at room temperature is a bad idea.

The current query is regarding the duration for which the shrimp can be kept in the fridge before it spoils?

The right answer depends on a few factors, including whether the shrimp was raw or cooked before being put in the fridge.

It would be a bad idea to keep shrimps in the fridge, as bacteria can still grow on them whether they are cooked or not.

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Shrimp are nourishing and add a unique taste to any meal, so discarding them might be inconvenient.

If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them. Even cooked shrimp can last longer, up to 2 days, in the refrigerator. To ensure the freshness of your shrimp, give them a chance by putting them in the refrigerator.

Before eating shrimp, make sure to check for spoilage. To avoid food poisoning and maintain proper hygiene, it is important to practice proper food safety measures. By doing so, you can enjoy your shrimp dishes while staying healthy.

So, if you have any further queries about preserving shrimp, please let us know in the comments below! Thank you for reading!