Raw shrimp is a delicious and nutritious food. The shrimp can be eaten raw, but they are also cooked and served in a variety of dishes. Raw shrimp are sold fresh at many grocery stores and seafood markets.
How Long Does Raw Shrimp Last In The Fridge?
The shelf life of raw shrimp is one to two days when properly stored in the refrigerator. This means that you should store them in an airtight container or freezer bag and make sure it’s sealed tightly.
Does Raw Shrimp Go Bad In The Fridge?
Yes, raw shrimp does go bad in the fridge if it’s not stored properly. Raw shrimp will go bad faster than cooked shrimp because raw food is more likely to become contaminated with bacteria than cooked food.
When you cook food, you break down the proteins and kill most of the bacteria present in the food.
How To Tell When Raw Shrimp Is Bad
There are several signs that indicate when raw shrimp has gone bad. Some of the most common are:
An unpleasant odor or taste. If your shrimp smells bad or tastes sour, this could be an indication that it has spoiled and should not be consumed.
A grayish tinge on the fleshy side of the shell. This discoloration is caused by bacterial growth in the shell and may also appear on other parts of the body as well as on other surfaces in contact with your unopened package of raw shrimp (such as the lid).
You see mold growing on the flesh or shell of the shrimp. Mold growth is always an indication that there’s something wrong with what you are eating. If there’s mold anywhere on the shrimp, discard the entire package of shrimp.
How To Store Raw Shrimp In The Fridge
There are three methods you can use to store raw shrimp in the refrigerator:
In their original packaging. Shrimp should be stored in their original packaging before cooking. If you purchased them from a store, it’s best to keep them in the bag or container they came in.
If you bought them from a market where they were previously frozen, then place them in a sealed plastic bag and place that bag inside another sealed plastic bag; this will keep it cool until you’re ready to cook them.
Some people like to remove the head of the shrimp and refrigerate it separately. This will help keep the meat fresh longer.
In ice trays with water. Place shrimp inside an ice tray with water and keep refrigerated until ready to use — up as long as two days! This will allow you to make sure you don’t overbuy shrimp by accident, plus it helps keep them fresh longer than storing them individually wrapped in your fridge door.
In freezer bags with water. If you happen to buy large quantities of shrimp at once, place as many as will fit comfortably into a freezer bag. Then place it into a bowl, just in case the bag leaks and won’t make a mess in your fridge.
How To Keep Raw Shrimp Fresh Longer In The Fridge
To make your shrimp last longer in the fridge, there a few things you can do.
First, store it in an airtight container (like a plastic bag).
Second, keep it away from other foods that may give off moisture and cause the shrimp to spoil faster.
Third, store the shrimp in the coldest part of your refrigerator—usually on one of the shelves toward the back or bottom.
Last but not least: don’t put your shrimp on a plate! This will allow moisture to collect underneath and can lead to spoilage much faster than if they were stored in an airtight container with no extra moisture present.
Can You Freeze Raw Shrimp?
Yes, you can freeze raw shrimp. However, it’s important to remember that freezing does not kill bacteria and parasites (like salmonella).
So, if you plan on eating your shrimp raw or undercooked, make sure they are from a reliable source (i.e., not from an outdoor fish market). That said, freezing is a great way to store cooked shrimp for later use. It’s also a good way to preserve your catch for the winter or keep it fresh for an extended period of time.
How To Freeze Raw Shrimp
Freezing raw shrimp is simple and easy with the right equipment and preparation. Start by washing them thoroughly in cold tap water then pat dry with paper towels.
Next, place them on a baking sheet in single layers without touching each other so they don’t stick together.
Put them in the freezer until they’re solid then transfer them into an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and return to the freezer until needed.
Conclusion
Shrimp are perishable food so you’ll have to keep them cool at all time. If you are planning on using the shrimp within 3 days, store them in the fridge. Just be sure to keep them properly stored in the fridge so they’ll not go bad before then.
Kate has been in the food business for over 20 years. Worked as a cook at several buffets which include Old Country Buffet, Five Star Buffet, and Ichiban Buffet. Now, I’m mostly at home cooking for my family, caring for chickens and ducks, and tending the garden.
