What is even better about shrimp is that they cook so quickly, and you can add them into many different recipes for a burst of flavor and a hint of delicious seafood.
Whilst a shrimp meal can be quick to prepare, you may cook too much and want to save some for another day. So, how long does cooked shrimp last?
You do not want to mess around with seafood. If it goes bad, and you eat it, there can be some real disastrous effects on your health, so you will need to know exactly how long it lasts, and how many days after you have cooked it, it is safe to eat.
How long does shrimp last in the fridge?
If you have cooked some shrimp, and want to save it for later or eat the leftovers another day, then you will need to know how long it lasts, and how to store it for the best results.
Raw shrimp or uncooked shrimp go bad quicker that cooked shrimp or cooked prawns. Fresh shrimp is delicious but proper storage is imperative to avoid spoiled shrimp.
So, how long does cooked shrimp last in the fridge?
How long cooked shrimp lasts will depend on how you store it, what the temperature is, and how long it is left out at room temperature.
Unfortunately, shrimp does not last very long if left at room temperature, as shrimp and other seafood can start to go bad, or grow bacteria in just 2-3 hours at 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
If shrimp is exposed to even higher temperatures such as 90 degrees Fahrenheit, then it will only last in this situation for about an hour.
This is why it is paramount if you have left shrimp out for too long, or a long while, then you should throw it away and make sure that you do not consume it!
If you eat shrimp that has been left out for too long, even if it is well cooked, you can be susceptible to food poisoning, and you may become very sick.
So, you will need to store it properly, ready to consume the next time you want to eat it. Luckily, we have some tips on how to store cooked shrimp in the sections below.
Refrigeration
The best way to maintain the quality and safety of your cooked shrimp is to store it properly, and refrigerate it. If cooked shrimp has been refrigerated, then it can be consumed for up to 3 or 4 days after it is cooked. After that, it should be thrown away.
You should refrigerate cooked shrimp as soon as it has cooled, and no later than two hours after cooking. To maximize its longevity even more, you should ensure that it is stored in an airtight container, in a sealed bag or in aluminum foil.
Freezing
If you are not going to use the cooked shrimp within three days, then it is probably best to stick it in the freezer.
This will increase its freshness and longevity for much longer. Simply place the shrimp in a freezer bag or Ziploc bag, seal it up and ensure that it is airtight. Then place it in your freezer to use whenever you are ready.
When properly stored, cooked shrimp that has been frozen is safe for consumption for up to 10-12 months. After that, it is still safe to eat, but it may have lost a lot of its initial quality, flavor and texture.
To use your frozen shrimp, simply take it out of the freezer, and place in the refrigerator to thaw overnight before using. To salvage frozen shrimp that have been in the freezer for a while, we have two recipes that you can try out.
Quick Shrimp Recipes
If you have some leftover shrimp to use, but you want to try something new, fresh, and different, then why not try out one of our recipes? They are simple, delicious, and easy to make!
Shrimp and Garlic Rice Recipe
If you want to try a delicious rice recipe and use up your frozen shrimp, then our shrimp and garlic rice dish will be perfect for you.
All you need to do is gather your ingredients and follow our step by step guide.
With a non-stick pan, place it over a medium heat and add a little cooking oil into the skillet. Then, throw in the fresh minced ginger, and minced garlic and leave to sizzle. Stir them together, and cook for one minute.
Next, throw in the shrimp and rice wine, and turn up the heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Then, add in some chopped scallions, and stir the mixture to combine. Finally, divide up the brown rice, along with the shrimp mixture between four bowls and serve!
If garlic rice is not your thing, then you can try one of these quick and easy recipes to use up your shrimp!
Shrimp Quesadillas
To make some shrimp quesadillas, first grab a small bowl and toss ⅓ of a cup of chopped fresh cilantro, with 1 teaspoon of chilli powder, and 2 cups of shredded pepper jack cheese and mix.
Then, scatter ½ pound of cooked chopped shrimp over 4 fresh flour tortillas.
Next, throw on some shredded cheese and finish with 4 tortillas. Then, you will need to cook the quesadillas in a preheated non-stick, 12 inch skillet over a medium high heat for 3 minutes, or until golden brown.
Shrimp Bruschetta
To make a quick and simple shrimp bruschetta, cut up sixteen diagonal slices of French bread. These slices should be ½ an inch thick.
Once you have sliced the bread, toast it until golden brown on both sides.
Then, grab a bowl and mix ½ a pound of chopped shrimp with 3 tablespoons of fresh cilantro and ¾ of a cup of corn and black bean salsa. Once you have the mixture, spread it on the toast and serve up. This recipe serves 8 people, with 2 slices each.
Mango Salad With Shrimp
For a simple salad that can be made in seconds, grab a small bowl and your cooked shrimps. With a small bowl, add in a ¼ cup of mango chutney with 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice, and ½ a teaspoon of grated lime peel.
Then, toss the mixture with 1 pound of shrimp and 1 chopped up mango. Add in a ¼ cup of chopped fresh mint, and mix together until combined.
Garlic Shrimp Linguine
If you want a delicious shrimp linguine, this recipe can take a little longer, but it is our absolute favorite way to enjoy a shrimp meal. First, bring to boil a large pot of water, add in 8 oz of linguine, and cook according to the instructions on the packet, but one minute less.
Then, scoop out 1 cup of pasta water and set aside, before draining the pasta. Next, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and melt in a non-stick skillet over a medium high heat.
After this, add in 3 minced garlic cloves, and stir until fragrant. Add in ¼ cup of dry white wine, and sizzle for 2-3 minutes until it is mostly reduced.
Next, add in 1 cup of heavy or thickened cream, along with a ½ cup of chicken or vegetable broth, along with ¾ cup of finely grated parmesan cheese. Then, mix together until the cheese melts and the mixture is completely combined.
The sauce should then thicken after simmering for about 2-3 minutes.
The next step is to add in your cooked shrimps, along with the linguine and pasta water you set aside earlier. Then mix together, and leave to thicken for 1 minute.
Once your sauce is to your desired thickness, sprinkle it with a little black pepper, and serve with a little parsley on top.
Conclusion
To conclude, adding shrimp to your meal can make for a delicious dinner. But, it is all too easy to cook too many at one time. This means that you will have to save some, store them and keep them until you are ready to use them again.
However, you have to be careful not to eat shrimps that have gone off, or gone bad. Shrimp typically last 3-4 days in the refrigerator when properly cooked and stored, whereas they may last 10-12 months when stored in the freezer.
If you do have leftover shrimp to use, then you can enjoy one of our tasty recipes out, and eat this seafood delight in all kinds of ways!
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
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