How Long Can Raw Shrimp Stay In The Fridge?

Written By David Varnes

David Varnes is an Appliance Repair Professional with over 15 years of experience.

You might be wondering how long raw shrimp can stay in the fridge before they go bad. Well, the answer depends on a few factors, such as the temperature of your fridge and the freshness of the shrimp.

Generally speaking, raw shrimp will last for about 1 to 2 days in the fridge. However, it’s a good idea to check for signs that they’ve gone bad, such as discoloration or odor.

If you’re not sure whether or not the shrimp are still good, it’s best to just throw them out.

What Are Some Signs That Your Shrimp Have Gone Bad?

There are a few signs that you can look for to determine if your shrimp has gone bad. One of the most obvious signs is discoloration. If the shrimp have turned a different color, or if they’re starting to look slimy, then they’ve probably gone bad.

Another sign to watch for is odor. If the shrimp smell fishy or rank, then it’s a good indication that they’re no longer fresh.

If you’re not sure whether or not the shrimp are still good, it’s best to just throw them out.

Related: Can You Freeze Chicken Noodle Soup?

How Long Can Raw Shrimp Stay In The Fridge After Thawing?

According to the USDA, you can store raw shrimp that has been defrosted in the refrigerator for up to two days before cooking. You may also safely refreeze thawed shrimp within that time frame.

How To Tell If A Shrimp Is Cooked Properly?

One of the most common questions about shrimp is how to tell if they’re cooked properly. The best way to do this is to check the color. Once the shrimp have turned pink or orange, they’re usually cooked through.

Another way to test for doneness is to cut into one of the shrimp and take a look at the inside. If it’s opaque and white, then it’s done. If it’s still translucent or bloody, then it needs to cook a bit longer.

If you’re not sure whether or not the shrimp is cooked properly, it’s best to just throw them out.

Is Shrimp Good After 5 Days?

Shrimp that has been cooked and properly stored will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. To extend the shelf life of cooked shrimp, freeze it. Put it in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, or wrap tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer wrap.

Some Recipes For Cooking Shrimp

Now that you know how to tell if a shrimp is cooked properly, let’s take a look at some recipes for cooking shrimp.

Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 zucchini, spiralized
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes or until cooked through.
  3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. Divide the zucchini noodles among 4 plates and top with the shrimp and garlic sauce. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.

Coconut Shrimp with Pineapple Coconut Rice Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Pineapple Coconut Rice:
  • 1 cup white rice, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes or until cooked through.
  3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. In a medium saucepan, combine the white rice, pineapple juice, coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Serve the shrimp and pineapple coconut rice with steamed vegetables.

Tips For Storing And Preparing Shrimp

Now that you know how to cook shrimp, let’s take a look at some tips for storing and preparing them.

When you store shrimp, it’s best to keep them in the fridge in a sealed container. They can also be frozen, but it’s important to thaw them properly before cooking.

When you’re ready to cook the shrimp, make sure to rinse them under cold water to remove any excess grit or sand. You can then either cook them immediately or store them in the fridge for later.

What is the Difference Between Wild-Caught and Farm-Raised Shrimp?

The main difference between wild-caught and farm-raised shrimp is the way they are raised. Wild-caught shrimp are harvested from the ocean, while farm-raised shrimp are raised in tanks or ponds.

Farm-raised shrimp are often treated with antibiotics and other chemicals, which can cause health problems. They may also contain traces of mercury, PCBs, and other pollutants.

Wild-caught shrimp are a healthier choice and are also more environmentally sustainable.

Are raw shrimp safe to eat?

Yes, raw shrimp are safe to eat. However, they may contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning, so it’s important to cook them properly.

Conclusion

Shrimp is a popular seafood choice, but it can be tricky to cook properly. In this article, we’ve provided tips for telling if shrimp are cooked properly, as well as some recipes for cooking them. We’ve also answered some common questions about raw shrimp.