How Long Can Cooked Shrimp Be Refrigerated?
Shrimp is a delicious way to add some seafood to your weekly meal rotation, but cooked shrimp doesn’t last forever in the fridge. You may wonder How Long Can Cooked Shrimp Be Refrigerated?
Shrimp lasts for 3-4 days in the fridge. After that, it should be thrown out. A peeled shrimp will last 2 days in the fridge, while a deveined shrimp will last 3 days. If you’re unsure if your shrimp has gone bad, check for any signs of discoloration or unpleasant odor.
In this blog post, I will show you how to store cooked shrimp, so it stays fresh for as long as possible. I will also give you some tips on how to tell if shrimp has gone bad.
How Long Can Cooked Shrimp Be Refrigerated?
If you have cooked shrimp that you need to store, the best way to do it is by placing it in an airtight container and putting it in the fridge. Cooked shrimp will last for 3-4 days in the fridge. After that, it should be thrown out. You need to be especially careful with cooked shrimp because it can spoil quickly.
How to Store Cooked Shrimp in the Fridge
When storing your cooked shrimp, it’s important to do the following:
Put the Shrimp in the Fridge within 2 Hours
Shrimps are one of the most delicate seafoods. They can spoil very easily if not refrigerated right away. That’s why it’s important to put cooked shrimp in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking them. Bacteria act quicker at room temperature, so the sooner you refrigerate your cooked shrimp, the better.
Store Them on the Bottom Shelf of the Fridge
The different shelves of the fridge have different temperatures. The bottom shelf is usually the coldest, so it’s the best place to store your cooked shrimp. This will help them stay fresh for as long as possible.
Use their Original Packaging
Try to use the original packaging that your shrimp came in as much as possible. This will help keep them fresh and prevent them from absorbing any other smells in the fridge.
If you don’t have the original packaging, you can store your cooked shrimp in a glass or plastic container with a lid. Make sure the container is airtight so that your shrimp stays fresh.
Tips for Storing Cooked Shrimp
Here are some tips to help you store cooked shrimp, so it stays fresh for as long as possible:
Resealable Plastic Bags
Be sure to remove extra air from the bag before sealing. The resealable bags will help keep the shrimp fresh for an extra day or two.
Airtight Containers with Lid
You can also use an airtight container to store your cooked shrimp. The key is to make sure there is no extra air in the container. If there is too much air, the shrimp will spoil faster.
Paper Towel
If you are using an airtight container, you can place a paper towel at the bottom of the container. This will help absorb any moisture that may cause the shrimp to spoil.
Aluminium Foil
Aluminum is also a good material to use for storing cooked shrimp. You can wrap the cooked shrimp in aluminum foil and then place it in an airtight container. This will help keep the shrimp fresh for a few extra days.
Heavy-Duty Freezer Bags
If you want to store cooked shrimp for longer, you can place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag. These bags are designed to keep food fresh for a longer period of time. Just be sure to remove as much air from the bag as possible before sealing it.
Use an Ideal Temperature
When storing cooked shrimp, it is important to use an ideal temperature. The best temperature for cooked shrimp is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. If the shrimp is stored at a too cold temperature, it will become hard. If the shrimp is stored at a too hot temperature, it will spoil quickly.
Check for Signs Of Shrimp Spoilage
Even if you follow all of the tips for storing cooked shrimp, it is still possible for the shrimp to go bad. That’s why it is important to check for signs of shrimp spoilage before eating it. Here are some signs that your shrimp has gone bad:
Bad Smell
Spoilt shrimp has a string and unpleasant smell similar to ammonia. When you are hit with such a smell from your shrimp, it is an indication that the seafood has started to rot and is not safe for consumption. If you notice any shrimp with a bad smell, it is best to throw them out immediately.
Change in Color
When cooked shrimp starts to go bad, it will also change color. The shrimp will no longer be pink or red, but will instead have a dark color. If you notice any cooked shrimp with a dark color, it means your shrimp has gone bad and you should throw it out.
Moldy Shrimp
Mold is usually a sign of spoilage in most food. If you notice any mold on your cooked shrimp, it is best to throw them out immediately.
Change in Texture
Spoilt cooked shrimp will also change in texture. The shrimp will no longer be firm, but will be mushy and soft. If you notice any cooked shrimp with a change in texture, it is best to throw them out.
How Long Can Cooked Shrimp Be Refrigerated | FAQs
Can you eat cooked shrimp after day 5?
You should not eat cooked shrimp after day 5. The shrimp will start to spoil and will no longer be safe to eat.
What is the best way to store cooked shrimp?
The best way to store cooked shrimp is in an airtight container with a lid. You can also store the cooked shrimp in a resealable plastic bag or aluminium foil.
How can I extend the lifespan of my shrimp?
You can extend the lifespan of your shrimp by storing it in a freezer. This will extend the shelf life of cooked shrimp for about 3-6 months.
Check out these other articles as well, How Long Can Cooked Salmon Be Refrigerated? and How Long Can Cooked Ham Be Refrigerated?
Final Thoughts
A cooked shrimp can last for 3-4 days in the fridge if stored properly. To extend the shelf life of cooked shrimp, store it in an airtight container with a lid in the freezer, which will last for 3-6 months. I hope this article has answered your question about how long cooked shrimp can be refrigerated. If you have any further questions or tips on storing cooked shrimp, feel free to leave a comment below.
