Cooked shrimp is safe to eat within two hours of cooking time at room temperature. However, there are other ways to store them properly so they can last even longer. Keep reading and I’ll share with you the best way how you can store them properly in the fridge or freezer so you can quickly and readily have them on hand for quick meal prep.
Jump to:
How Long Does Cooked Shrimp Stay Fresh in the Fridge
Cooked shrimp lasts 3-4 days in the fridge. Promptly store cooked shrimp in a sealed airtight container so you can have them readily available for a quick weeknight dinner.
If you have 30 minutes and want a low-cal dinner loaded with flavor, this recipe for Pancit Canton with Shrimp and Vegetables will be perfect! Just toss the shrimp with vegetables and if you want to save more time, use frozen vegetables! Winning!
How to Store Shrimp in the Fridge
Store cooked shrimp in the refrigerator in a sealed container within two hours of cooking time in the fridge. If shrimp have been exposed to temperatures above 90°F, store them promptly in the fridge within the hour.
Harmful bacteria that can cause illness and food poisoning proliferate at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F. (1)
How Long Does Cooked Shrimp Last in the Freezer
For the best quality, flavor, and texture shrimp will keep in the freezer for up to three months.
Shrimp are still safe to consume for 10-12 months in the freezer if stored and packaged properly.
How to Store Shrimp in the Freezer
Promptly wrap shrimp tightly in plastic wrap, heavy-duty aluminum foil, heavy-duty freezer bags, or moisture-proof paper and store it in the freezer.
Remove as much air out of the bag if storing shrimp this way to avoid freezer burn. Label the bag with the date that you freeze them for handy reference.
How to Thaw Frozen Cooked Shrimp
Best method and Safe Thawing: Thaw frozen shrimp in the refrigerator, and allow them to defrost gradually for eight hours or overnight.
Cold water method: If you have to thaw seafood quickly, either seal it in a plastic bag and immerse it in cold water (changing the water every 30 minutes).
Microwaving: If the food will be cooked immediately, microwaving the shrimp is another alternative for thawing. Place the shrimp in a microwave-safe container and set the microwave to the "defrost" setting. I personally do not recommend using the microwave when thawing cooked shrimp because there’s a tendency for the shrimp to become tough and rubbery.
Shrimp Recipes
Now that you know how to store cooked shrimp properly, having cooked fresh shrimp on hand is a very convenient way to have healthy and delicious meals for your family.
Listed below are different ways how you can prepare delicious meals using shrimp.
- Caramelized Shrimp with 7Up: this recipe uses shell-on shrimp, olive oil, 7Up, and salt and pepper.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp: this shell-on shrimp is caramelized in olive oil with lemon-lime soda and garlic!
- Pancit Canton with Shrimp and Vegetables: an Asian-inspired dish using stir-fried noodles and vegetables.
- P.F. Chang’s Dynamite Shrimp: a great copycat recipe that is budget-friendly.
- Quick and Easy Shrimp Sinigang: Filipino sour soup loaded with flavors.
- Sautéed Opo Squash: recipe showing a good idea of how to use shrimp shells to make shrimp broth.
Check These Other How-to Articles:
Looking for answers to proper storage questions? Check these out:
What To Serve With Shrimp:
These are my favorite dishes to serve with shrimp:
Reference:
- Food Safety: Safe Selection and Handling of Fish and Shellfish
Have you tried this recipe? Please leave a rating and/or review.