Crab is a delicious seafood that many people enjoy eating. However, like any type of meat or seafood, proper storage is essential for food safety and maximum freshness. So how long can you keep uncooked crab in the fridge before it goes bad?
The answer depends on whether the crab is raw or cooked Raw, uncooked crab can generally be stored in the refrigerator for 2-4 days Once cooked, crab meat will only last 3-5 days in the fridge with proper storage.
Follow these guidelines to maximize the shelf life of fresh crab and keep it as safe as possible to eat.
How Long Does Raw Uncooked Crab Last In The Fridge?
Fresh, raw crab that has not been cooked can be kept refrigerated for 2-4 days from the purchase date. Here are some key tips for storing raw crab:
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Store uncooked crab at 40°F or colder to slow bacteria growth. Keep refrigerated until ready to cook.
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Leave crab in original packaging or wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This prevents drying out.
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Place crab in the coldest part of the refrigerator, which is at the back of the bottom shelf.
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Use raw crab meat within 3-4 days for peak quality and freshness. Do not keep for longer than 4 days.
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Throw away crab that smells unpleasant or looks slimy, discolored or moldy. Do not risk eating spoiled crab.
The shelf life of raw crab also depends on the type:
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King crab legs can last 3-4 days.
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Snow crab legs are more perishable and usually last just 2-3 days.
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Whole raw crabs are usable for up to 4 days if kept chilled between 34°F-40°F.
So for best quality, plan to cook or freeze raw crab within 2-4 days of purchasing it fresh.
How Long Does Cooked Crab Last In The Fridge?
Once cooked, crab is much more perishable and has a shorter shelf life compared to raw crab. Here are the guidelines for cooked crab:
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Store cooked crab meat at 40°F or below
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Eat within 3-5 days for optimal freshness and quality
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Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out
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Place crab meat in a shallow covered container or on ice
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Throw out crab with an unpleasant odor or any mold
Ideally, enjoy cooked crab within 3 days and do not keep for longer than 5 days in the fridge. The texture and moisture will start to diminish after that time.
For the best flavor and food safety, use leftover cooked crab within this 5 day timeframe. Discard any crab meat that smells, looks or feels off.
Proper Storage Of Raw And Cooked Crab
Proper storage is key for maximizing how long crab lasts in the refrigerator. Here are some top tips:
For Raw Uncooked Crab:
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Leave crab sealed in original packaging if still intact. This prevents drying out.
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If repackaging raw crab, use airtight containers or plastic wrap to retain moisture.
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Wrap whole crabs in damp paper towels and place in a perforated plastic bag.
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Stack containers to prevent crushing but allow airflow around packages.
For Cooked Crab:
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Let cool to room temperature before refrigerating after cooking.
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Use shallow, airtight containers to store cooked crab meat.
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Place crab meat on ice or gel packs to keep it chilled.
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Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil if not storing in a container. Remove excess air.
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Do not store crab meat in the refrigerator door, as the temperature fluctuates.
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Keep cooked crab towards the back of the fridge, where it’s coldest.
Proper refrigeration and storage packaging are essential for keeping crab as fresh as possible. This helps extend the usable shelf life.
How To Tell If Raw Or Cooked Crab Has Gone Bad
It’s important to know how to check crab for freshness and spoilage before eating it. Here are the signs that indicate raw or cooked crab has gone bad:
Raw Uncooked Crab:
- Strong, unpleasant seafood smell
- Mushy, slimy feel and texture
- Discoloration or graying of meat
- Unnatural darkening of the shell
- Mildew like fuzz or spots on crab
Cooked Crab:
- Sour, ammonia-like or fishy odor
- Dry, stringy texture and flaky meat
- Unnatural colors like gray, blue or milky
- Slime on surface
- Dried out appearance
Trust your senses when determining if crab is spoiled. The smell and appearance provide reliable indicators that crab has gone bad and may be unsafe to eat. When in doubt, throw it out.
Can You Freeze Raw Uncooked Crab?
Freezing fresh raw crab is an excellent way to extend the shelf life for several months. Here are some freezing tips:
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Freeze uncooked crab in original packaging or rewrap tightly in plastic wrap. Try to remove excess air.
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Separate crab clusters into smaller portions or individual legs. They will freeze faster.
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Spread out crab in a single layer on a tray and freeze initially for 1-2 hours. Then package up for long term storage.
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Use airtight, moisture-proof containers or freezer bags designed for freezing. Remove air.
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Label packages with date crab was frozen and type of crab.
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Store frozen crab towards the back of the freezer, where temperature remains most stable.
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Raw crab meat can be kept frozen for 9-12 months without compromising quality.
Properly frozen crab can be thawed in the refrigerator and enjoyed months later.
Thawing Frozen Crab
After freezing crab for storage, here are some tips for thawing:
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For food safety, thaw frozen crab gradually in the refrigerator.
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Place frozen crab in refrigerator 24-48 hours before planning to use it.
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Change any wrapping or packaging if moisture or freezer burn is present.
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Do not thaw crab at room temperature or in hot water. Only use the refrigerator method.
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Cook thawed crab immediately rather than refreezing after thawing.
With proper thawing, frozen crab can be enjoyed again. Refrigerator thawing keeps crab safe to eat.
How To Keep Crab Fresh Longer
Follow these simple guidelines to extend the shelf life of fresh uncooked crab in your refrigerator:
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Purchase crab as close to when you plan to use it as possible.
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Inspect crab at market for quality. Make sure shells look firm and meat smells pleasant.
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Keep raw crab refrigerated below 40°F immediately after purchasing.
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Use raw crab within 2-4 days for best freshness. Don’t keep for longer than 4 days.
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Cooked crab meat is only usable for 3-5 days maximum after cooking.
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Freeze any raw crab you won’t use within 2-4 days.
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Wrap crab tightly or use airtight containers for fridge and freezer storage.
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Check often for spoilage and throw away crab immediately if it smells or looks off.
With proper refrigeration and freezing, fresh crab can be kept longer and enjoyed safely. But it’s always best to cook crab as soon as possible after buying for peak quality!
Common Questions
How can you tell if previously frozen crab has gone bad after thawing?
Signs of spoiled thawed crab include unpleasant odors, mushy or slimy texture, unusual discoloration, or milky opaque appearance. When in doubt, discard.
Can you refreeze raw crab meat after it has thawed?
It is not recommended to refreeze raw crab after it has already thawed. Refreezing can damage the quality and texture. It’s best to cook thawed crab immediately.
Should raw crab be rinsed before cooking?
Washing raw crab before cooking is not necessary and not recommended. Thorough cooking is the best way to kill any bacteria present.
How should raw crab be handled for food safety?
Wash hands and prep surfaces after handling raw crab. Prevent cross-contamination in the kitchen by keeping raw crab away from other ready-to-eat foods.
Can you get food poisoning from undercooked crab?
Yes, always cook crab thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F. Consuming undercooked crab can potentially lead to foodborne illness. Reheating leftover crab to steaming is recommended.
The Bottom Line
With proper refrigerated storage and freezing, fresh raw crab can be kept for 2-4 days before cooking is needed. Cooked crab meat is highly perishable and only lasts 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Pay close attention to how long crab has been stored. Look for signs of spoilage before eating. When in doubt if older crab is still usable, it is best to play it safe and throw it out. Follow these recommendations for storing crab to reduce food waste and keep this delicious seafood as fresh as possible to enjoy.
How Do You Thaw Frozen Crab?
The best way to thaw frozen crab is to place it in the refrigerator and leave it overnight in an airtight container. If you need the crab thawed in a hurry, put it in a sealed plastic bag under cold running water or submerge it in a sink or bowl full of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the crab is defrosted. Once thawed, the crab should be cooked or consumed immediately.
How Should Crab Be Stored?
To maximize the quality and the shelf life of cooked crab, never leave it at room temperature for longer than necessary. The maximum amount of time it can sit outside the refrigerator is two hours. Store it in its original packaging, a shallow airtight container, or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then place it in the coldest part of the fridge, usually the bottom, as the cold air sinks. To further extend its shelf life, you may freeze crab indefinitely. However, it will only be at its best quality if used within two to three months. When storing in the freezer, use a covered airtight container, a heavy-duty freezer bag, or wrap it tightly in freezer wrap or heavy-duty aluminum foil.