How Long Does Cooked Shrimp Last In The Fridge: Think Before You Eat!

Do you like shrimp? Do you prepare it as often as I do? If yes, you will appreciate finding out how long does cooked shrimp lasts in the fridge! 🙂

Shrimp is rich in protein and low in calories – a great option for all of us who try to eat healthily and stay fit! They are versatile as there are numerous recipes to cook them, but shrimp are also lip-smacking and yummy all by themselves, no matter if you serve them hot or cold.

I adore shrimp for two reasons: their great taste and ease of preparation. Tell me if you can think of any other meal that can be prepared in only five minutes. I do not believe that you will have many options, at least not as good tasting as shrimp. This makes them ideal for entertaining sudden guests too.

How Long Does Cooked Shrimp Last In The Fridge?

However, it is not all bells and whistles when it comes to shrimp. They have one serious fault: they are prone to bacteria even when cooked. Like most seafood, shrimp have to be handled with care, prepared, and stored properly and timely.

If you fail to honor the rules, you risk exposing yourself or your loved ones to serious foodborne illnesses. If you have read my text regarding the chicken gone bad, you know that I already have experience with such a scenario, and believe me, you want to avoid it at all costs.

After everything I had to be subjected to after my food poisoning, I have decided to learn all I can about proper food storage and handling. So, one night my hubby had had to stay in at work late, and my boys suddenly decided to sleep over at their friend’s. I ended up with a full bowl of freshly cooked shrimp and a burning question: How long does cooked shrimp last in the fridge?

I immediately started seeking information, and that is how this text came to be!

How long does cooked shrimp last in general?

Similar to most foods, shrimp’s shelf life cannot be properly predicted without knowing a number of crucial details, including the sell-by or use-by date, how they were cooked, and how fast and effectively they were kept.

Shrimp will unquestionably keep longer if you store them promptly and correctly. The ideal choice is to put them in the fridge as soon as you can, but I’ll also give you some other choices.

Advice: Shrimp is usually labeled with a sell-by date, NOT a use-by date. This means that even after the date on the package has lapsed, you can still safely prepare and consume the shrimp.

Further Reading: How To Know When Shrimp Is Cooked?

Quick reference: Storing shrimp

	Pantry	Fridge	Freezer
Fresh raw shrimp (Shelled)	x	1-2 days	6-9 months
Fresh shrimp (Shell On)	x	2-3 days	9-12 months
Cooked shrimp	x	3-4 days	6-9 months
Frozen shrimp	x	4-5 days	9-12 months
Canned shrimp	6-8 months	6-8 months	9-12 months (w/o the can)

How long does cooked shrimp last at room temperature?

Unless you plan to eat them in an hour or so, leaving cooked shrimp in your room is not a good idea at all. At room temperature, they can last for only a couple of hours. In fact, I would not eat shrimp that have spent more than two hours unrefrigerated.

The official recommendations are as follows:

Cooked shrimp exposed to temperatures higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit will succumb to bacterial growth within 2-3 hours.
Cooked shrimps exposed to temperatures as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit can last only up to one hour.

You can conclude yourself: Refrigerate your shrimp ASAP or risk food poisoning.

How long does cooked shrimp last in the fridge?

The perfect way to store cooked shrimp and prolong their shelf life is to refrigerate them. Of course, it is best to do it as soon as they are cold enough to be safely stored in the fridge. The maximum time you can wait before refrigerating cooked shrimps is two hours after cooking. (if they were not exposed to temperatures as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit).
If you properly store shrimp, it can safely stay in the fridge for three to four days. First of all, you have to pack the shrimp the right way. The most recommended way to do that is to place the shrimp into an airtight plastic bag. As an alternative, you can use aluminum foil and wrap the shrimp in it. An airtight plastic container will do the job as well. In fact, I mostly choose this option.

Further reading suggestion: Four Proven Methods To Reheat Shrimp

How long does cooked shrimp last in the freezer?

Although the freezer is known to alter the taste and texture of seafood, it is also a valid option when it comes to storing cooked shrimp. Freezing cooked shrimp will definitely extend their shelf life; some even say that frozen cooked shrimp can remain safe to eat for an indefinite period. And to retain full flavor, your best option is to start using a vacuum sealer.
So if you do not mind the fact that your shrimp will not remain as palatable as they used to be when you first cooked them, you can place them in a food container or a heavy-duty freezer bag and freeze them for up to nine months or so (constantly frozen at 0°F). Bear in mind that they have the best chance to remain tasty if you use them within three months.

Related: Shrimp with Freezer Burn

When you are ready to re-use the shrimp, simply take them out from the freezer the night before and transfer them into the fridge. If you discover that your shrimp has turned into a watery mess in the morning, you can always use them in another dish and cover up the fiasco! Many recipes will help you salvage your thawed cooked shrimps.

How long does cooked shrimp last after being thawed?

Once you thaw the shrimp, you must use it immediately or keep it refrigerated at all times. If you properly thaw the shrimp (in the fridge, NOT at room temperature), you can keep it refrigerated for up to four additional days before use.
If you thaw the shrimp at room temperature, in cold water, or in your microwave, you have to eat it as soon as possible – that means within the next two hours!

How to tell if shrimp is bad, rotten, or spoiled?

The most recommended way to determine if your shrimp is fresh and safe to eat is to use your God-given senses or, more precisely, your eyes, nose, and hands.

First, observe the shrimp closely. If they have changed color, lost their shape, or appear slimy, discard them immediately.
The other easy way to know if shrimp has gone bad is to smell them – a strong, sour, unpleasant fishy smell is a good sign you ought to avoid the shrimp in front of you.
Finally, touch the shrimp; if they stick to your fingers and feel slimy, avoid them altogether.

Never rely on your sense of taste; even a small bite can cause problems. Practice proper food safety techniques and help yourself avoid foodborne illness.

Conclusion

Shrimps are delicious and highly nutritious, and it would be quite a shame to have to throw them away. Therefore if you end up with some leftover shrimp, remember this text and store them in your fridge as soon as possible.

If you do not plan to eat the shrimp in a couple of days, you can freeze them as well. Maybe that will take some deliciousness out of them, but you will still be able to use them in some dishes.

Think before you eat, practice proper hygiene and food safety, and you will be both happy and healthy! Let me know if you have some additional tips too!