How Long Can Shrimp Stay Fresh in Your Fridge? The Ultimate Guide You Need to Know

Hey there, fellow seafood lovers! Today I’m gonna share everything you need to know about keeping those delicious little crustaceans fresh in your fridge. As someone who loves cooking with shrimp, I’ve learned a thing or two about proper storage to avoid wasting these pricey treats.

Quick Answer

• Raw shrimp: 1-2 days in the fridge
• Cooked shrimp: 3-4 days in the fridge
• Frozen shrimp: Up to 3 months in the freezer

The Complete Guide to Storing Raw Shrimp

Storage Tips for Raw Shrimp

Here’s what we recommend for keeping your raw shrimp fresh

1. Location Matters

   • Store on the bottom shelf of your fridge
   • Keep away from other foods to prevent cross-contamination
   • Maintain temperature at 40°F or below

2. Proper Packaging

   • Keep in original packaging when possible
   • If using a plastic bag:
     • Keep the bag open
     • Place over a bowl of ice
     • Cover with damp paper towel

Signs Your Raw Shrimp Has Gone Bad

Nobody wants food poisoning! Watch out for these red flags:

• Slimy texture
• Ammonia-like smell
• Dull, discolored appearance

Storing Cooked Shrimp

Best Practices

We’ve found these storage methods work best for cooked shrimp:

1. Timing is Everything

   • Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
   • Use airtight containers
   • Store in coldest part of fridge (usually bottom shelves)

2. Reheating Tips

   • Use low temperature
   • Check frequently to avoid overcooking
   • Consider eating cold or room temp instead

Freezing Shrimp for Longer Storage

How to Freeze Raw Shrimp

1. Place shrimp in single layer on baking sheet
2. Freeze until solid
3. Transfer to freezer-safe bag
4. Label with date
5. Use within 3 months for best quality

Thawing Methods

Overnight Method (Best)

• Place in colander over bowl
• Cover with damp towel
• Leave in fridge overnight

Quick Thaw Method

• Put in sealed plastic bag
• Submerge in cold water
• Ready in 15-20 minutes

Pro Tips from Our Kitchen

1. Shopping Smart

   • Check “best-by” dates
   • Buy what you can use within 2 days
   • Have a cooking plan ready

2. Temperature Control

   • Keep fridge at proper temp
   • Don’t leave shrimp out on counter
   • Transport with ice packs

Common Questions We Get

Q: Can I eat leftover shrimp cold?

Yep! Cold cooked shrimp is totally fine and actually pretty tasty in salads or shrimp cocktail.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat cooked shrimp?

Use the same method you originally cooked them with, but at a lower temp. Or just let them come to room temp for about 15 minutes.

Q: Help! My shrimp smells fishy – is it bad?

If it’s got a strong ammonia smell, better safe than sorry – toss it out!

Final Thoughts

Listen, I know shrimp ain’t cheap, so proper storage is super important! Just remember these key points:

• Raw = 1-2 days max in fridge
• Cooked = 3-4 days in fridge
• When in doubt, throw it out!

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Updated: July 2025