How Long Can Shrimp Be Refrigerated? - Our Everyday Life

HOME FOOD & DRINK How Long Can Shrimp Be Refrigerated? By: Maxine Wallace More Articles

1. How to Cook Shrimp Scampi in a Crockpot
2. Jumbo Shrimp Nutritional Facts
3. How to Thaw Frozen Cooked Shrimp Quickly
4. How to Cook Frozen Shrimps That Still Have Shells
5. How to Cook Shrimp With Butter

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Shrimp are highly perishable and must be continuously refrigerated for freshness. These delicious, low-fat shellfish are notoriously quick to go bad, so proper storage is key to get the most life out of both fresh and cooked shrimp. Follow safe food handling practices and use raw and cooked shrimp quickly to avoid spoilage.

Uncooked Shrimp

raw shrimp can be refrigerated for up to two days for the best quality. Always cover raw shrimp in plastic wrap or in another tightly sealed, air-tight container for storage. Because common refrigerator temperatures are not adequate to maintain the quality of shrimp, it is important that you place them in the coldest area of your refrigerator and ensure a temperature of 32 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit for the best quality and storage time. For optimal storage, place fresh shrimp in a zippered bag and submerge it in a bowl of ice in your refrigerator to store until use.

Shrimp Safety Considerations

Always cook shrimp to an internal temperature of 145 F, or until it becomes pearly and opaque. Shrimp is a perishable food and must be stored properly after being cooked to maintain its safety. Always refrigerate cooked shrimp within two hours of preparation to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. If the temperature of the room is above 90 F, however, refrigerate the shrimp within one hour of preparation. When serving shrimp, take care to keep hot dishes hot and cold dishes cold.

Cooked Shrimp

Cooked shrimp can be stored for up to four days in your refrigerator. Always store cooked shrimp in an airtight storage container. Reheat cooked shrimp in the microwave or steam them in a small saucepan. When reheating, ensure that the shrimp are hot all the way through before eating. Do not freeze cooked shrimp for later use, as this adversely affects their quality, taste and texture.

Spoilage Indicators

spoiled shrimp is most easily identified by using your senses. Spoiled shrimp, both cooked and uncooked, will develop a slimy texture and a fishy, undesirable odor. When purchasing fresh shrimp, look for shrimps that are translucent and shiny and those that do not have any noticeable odor to enable the longest storage time and minimize your chances of spoilage. If your shrimp shows any signs of spoilage, discard it without tasting, as spoiled shrimp can cause foodborne illness.

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References

• Eat By Date: How Long Can Shrimp Last?
• U.S. Department of Agriculture: Fresh and Frozen Seafood: Selecting and Serving it Safely

Writer Bio

Based in Portland, Ore., Maxine Wallace is a writer with more than 12 years of experience. With a bachelor's degree in journalism and experience working on marketing campaigns for large media agencies, she is well-versed in multiple industries including the Internet, cooking, gardening, health, fitness, travel and holistic living.

Photo Credits

Andrea Chu/Photodisc/Getty Images