We know you’re busy, and we want to make your life easier. That’s why we’ve put together this handy frozen shrimp shelf life guide.
We’ve included everything you need to know about how long frozen shrimp will last in your freezer after expiration, including how to tell when it’s time to throw out your shrimp, so you can rest assured that you’ll never waste a single shrimp again.
So, how long is frozen shrimp good for after the expiration date? Frozen shrimp can expire or go bad if not used quickly after thawing. In most cases, frozen cooked shrimp can last up to 6 months. If the expiration date on the package has passed, it is best to err on the side of caution and discard frozen shrimp, as they may have lost some of their quality and may not be safe to eat.
The shelf life of frozen shrimp depends on several factors; keep reading to find out.
How Long Does Frozen Shrimp Last?
Frozen shrimp can last for a long time if it is stored properly. The key to storing frozen shrimp is to keep it at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or lower. At this temperature, the shrimp will remain safe to eat.
However, the quality of the shrimp will begin to degrade over time, even if it is stored properly. It is generally recommended to use frozen shrimp within 6 months for the best quality. After that, the shrimp may start to lose its texture and flavor.
If you are unsure how long the shrimp has been in the freezer, it’s best to use the “smell test” to determine its freshness. If the shrimp has a strong, fishy, or ammonia-like smell, it has probably gone bad and should be discarded. More on this later.
Can You Eat Expired Frozen Shrimp?
It is not safe to eat shrimp after the expiry date has passed. The expiry date is the date beyond which you cannot guarantee the quality of the product. Once the expiration date has passed, the shrimp may no longer be of good quality, even if it has been stored properly in the refrigerator or freezer.
If the shrimp has been stored in the refrigerator, it is safe to eat for 2-3 days after the expiration date. However, the quality and flavor of the shrimp may begin to degrade after the expiration date, so it is best to use it as soon as possible. If the shrimp has been stored in the freezer, it can last several months past the expiration date. But the quality will begin to degrade over time.
If you doubt the freshness of the shrimp, it is best to throw it out to avoid the risk of food poisoning.
How Long Does Thawed Shrimp Last?
The good news is that thawed shrimp can still be used in many recipes—you just need to plan. Here’s what you should know about how long thawed shrimp lasts:
Thawed shrimp will last for 1-2 days in the refrigerator. We recommend storing the shrimp in the coldest part of the refrigerator, such as the meat or seafood drawer, and keeping it in a sealed container or wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent it from contaminating other foods.
Thawed shrimp should be cooked as soon as possible for the best flavor and quality. If you cannot use the thawed shrimp within 1-2 days, you can refreeze it. To refreeze shrimp, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a sealed plastic bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag. The shrimp can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What if I Accidentally Ate Spoiled Shrimp?
Consuming spoiled shrimp can be dangerous, and you’ll know pretty quickly if you accidentally ate spoiled shrimp. After eating shrimp, you can expect symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. In severe cases, food poisoning can also cause fever and dehydration.
If you have eaten spoiled shrimp and are experiencing any symptoms, it is important to drink plenty of fluids to help prevent dehydration. According to Healthline, you may also want to try over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help relieve any abdominal pain or discomfort.
If your symptoms are severe or do not improve after a few days, consult a doctor immediately. It is important to be cautious when eating seafood and to make sure that it is fresh and properly handled to avoid the risk of food poisoning.
How to Tell Frozen Shrimp Has Gone Bad?
Shrimp is one of the most healthy and delicious foods on earth. It can be grilled, steamed, or added directly to soups and stews. However, it’s only as good as its quality. If you buy shrimp that has gone bad, it won’t taste good and may even give you food poisoning.
Here are some signs to tell if frozen shrimp has gone bad:
It’s turning brown
Shrimp can turn brown or orange when it’s oxidized, which means that the shrimp has been exposed to air. Oxidation happens even when cooked frozen shrimp are exposed to the air. Oxidation does not make the shrimp unsafe for human consumption but can affect its taste and texture.
If you notice your purchased shrimp turning a darker shade of brown after several days, it’s likely due to oxidation—and there’s no need to panic! The good news is that this won’t make you sick if you consume it.
The shell is cracked.
If the shrimp’s shell is cracked or missing, it means that the seafood has been mishandled, and you should throw it out. This can happen for a few reasons:
The shrimp might have been frozen and defrosted improperly, which caused the shell to weaken and crack.
If you cook your shrimp at a high temperature, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. As a result, some parts of your shrimp may remain raw even though other areas are overcooked. If this happens, they’ll look like they’ve had their shells burned off—and who wants to eat that?
Fishy or ammonia-like smell
If your shrimp smells like ammonia, it’s gone bad. This is a good indicator of freshness because most of the fishy smell from shrimp will dissipate as soon as you cook it. If the shrimp has a strong fishy odor after cooking, it was probably already bad when you purchased it.
There’s an off-taste.
Some common “off” flavors that can be present in bad shrimp include a strong, fishy taste, a sour or ammonia-like taste, or a rancid or spoiled taste.
If the shrimp has an “off” taste, it is probably unsafe to eat and should be thrown out. The taste of the shrimp can be affected by various factors, including how it was stored and how long it has been since it was caught or frozen. Shrimp stored at the wrong temperature or for too long can develop off flavors and may not be safe to eat.
Storing Shrimp – Food Safety Guidelines
To store shrimp properly, follow these guidelines:
Keep the shrimp in their original packaging or transfer them to a sealable bag or container.
If the shrimp are fresh, wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in the coldest part of the refrigerator (usually the bottom shelf). Fresh shrimp should be used within three days.
If the shrimp are frozen, keep them in the freezer at a constant temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or lower. Frozen shrimp will keep for 2-3 years, but the quality may decline.
To thaw frozen shrimp, place them in the refrigerator to thaw slowly, or place them in a sealable bag and thaw them in cold water. Do not thaw shrimp at room temperature or in the microwave, as this can cause the shrimp to become overcooked and lose their texture.
If you have cooked shrimp that you want to store, place them in a sealable container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
The best way to avoid eating spoiled shrimp is to make sure you’re always checking the expiration date on the package. You should avoid eating expired shrimp. Not only does it taste bad, but it can also make you sick.
We hope this guide has helped you understand what to look for when shopping for shrimp and how to keep your shrimp fresh.
