In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “How long does uncooked shrimp last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of uncooked shrimp. Moreover, we are going to discuss the different ways to spot spoiled uncooked shrimp.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long does uncooked shrimp last in the fridge?
Uncooked shrimp lasts in the fridge for 1-2 days if kept at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be kept in plastic zipper bags on one of the refrigerator’s shelves.
It’s worth noting that the values given above are for uncooked shrimp’s expected shelf life.
What is the best temperature to keep uncooked shrimp at?
Uncooked shrimp should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower at all times. Bacterial development is more rapid between the temperatures of 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore it’s best to keep your uncooked shrimp at a lower temperature to keep it fresh for longer.
How long does uncooked shrimp last at room temperature?
When kept at room temperature, uncooked shrimp lasts for around 2 hours.
Because bacterial growth occurs at a quicker rate between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, uncooked shrimp left out for more than 2 hours should be discarded.
Furthermore, if the surrounding temperature is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the rotting process is accelerated, and uncooked shrimp left out in the open for more than an hour at such temperature should be discarded.
How long does uncooked shrimp last in the freezer?
Uncooked shrimp lasts for 3-6 months in the freezer while cooked shrimp lasts for about 4 months if stored in an airtight plastic freezer bag, although it is best consumed within 1-2 months for the best quality and taste.
As a result, freezing the uncooked shrimp extends its shelf life significantly due to the freezer’s low temperature, which inhibits bacterial growth on the uncooked shrimp.
How to defrost frozen uncooked shrimp?
You can quickly defrost frozen uncooked shrimp by placing them in the refrigerator overnight, and thawed uncooked shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before cooking and consuming it.
If you’re defrosting frozen uncooked shrimp in a bowl of cold water, in the microwave, or on the counter, you should utilize it right away after cooking it till its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to vacuum seal uncooked shrimp?
You may even vacuum seal your uncooked shrimp at home to extend its shelf life. It involves placing the uncooked shrimp in a plastic zipper bag, eliminating the air, then nearly sealing the bag with a small amount of space remaining while lowering it into water.
After that, start pressing out the bubbles starting from the bag’s bottom and work your way up to the sealed end, closing the bag’s seal.
A vacuum sealer pump can also be used to easily vacuum seal uncooked shrimp at home.
Is it possible to refrigerate the reheated shrimp?
Once the previously cooked refrigerated/frozen shrimp has been reheated, it should never be refrigerated again. Because the temperature of the shrimp goes above 40 degrees Fahrenheit when reheated and we know that bacteria develops rapidly between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
As a result, bacteria will make their way into your shrimp, and reheated shrimp should never be refrigerated, rather it is better to consume it completely or otherwise discard the reheated leftovers properly.
What are different ways to spot spoiled uncooked shrimp?
There are a few clear indicators that indicate if your uncooked shrimp has gone bad. To determine if uncooked shrimp has gone bad, look at its appearance, texture, and smell.
Appearance
If you see mold or other organic growth on your shrimp or if it has discolored (brown, green, or gray), it’s time to throw it out.
It’s worth noting that you should avoid smelling moldy shrimp since molds can produce mycotoxins, which can disturb your gut microflora and damage your immune system if they enter your body by inhalation.
Texture
If you touch the shrimp and it feels sticky, slimy, or gooey, it’s time to throw it out.
Smell
If you smell something sour or ammonia-like while sniffing your shrimp, it’s time to throw it out.
Lastly, I do not recommend tasting cooked shrimp with a foul odor, but if you are brave (and silly) enough, you will notice a significant change in the texture and mouthfeel of the spoiled uncooked shrimp. It will have an off-flavor.
Thus, if the microbes have somehow gotten into your uncooked shrimp and spoiled it, the best thing you can do is throw it out.
You can read how to make shrimp scampi here.
How to properly store shrimp?
- Because microscopic organisms grow quickly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, it is best to refrigerate the shrimp within 2 hours it is cooked in airtight containers to extend its shelf life while keeping its quality.
- If you wish to extend the shelf life of prepared uncooked shrimp, keep it in an airtight container in the freezer. Cooked uncooked shrimp that has been frozen at 0°C is safe to use for extremely long periods.
- Uncooked shrimp should be stored in shallow compact containers to allow them to cool quickly.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “How long does uncooked shrimp last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of uncooked shrimp. Moreover, we discussed the different ways to spot spoiled uncooked shrimp.