How long do thawed shrimps last in the fridge?
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Shrimps are high in protein and low in calories, making them a fantastic choice for us trying to eat well and keep in shape. While talking about shrimps, the most commonly asked question is, how long will thawed shrimp last in the fridge? This is a valid question as shrimps are highly prone to bacterial growth at room temperatures.
Shrimps are versatile since there are so many different ways to prepare them, but they are also delicious on their own, whether served hot or cold. Hence, once you get to know how long thawed shrimp will last in the fridge, you will be able to utilize your shrimps to the fullest and consume them as many times as you want with single refrigeration.
How long can you keep thawed shrimps in the fridge?
One can place defrosted raw shrimp in the refrigerator for one to two days before cooking, as per the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). To cook your favorite meals, you may safely refreeze the thawed shrimp within the same timeframe.
On the other hand, cook raw shrimps straight after defrosting in the microwave or cold water. This is because shrimp thawed using either of those techniques might easily reach the 40°F temperature at which microbial growth occurs, and hazardous germs begin to grow rapidly, according to the USDA.
Procedure to freeze shrimps
You must wonder how long thawed shrimp will last in the fridge and the correct procedure to freeze them. This is done to avoid them from spoiling and also retain flavors. We have listed down the simple steps to freeze both cooked and uncooked shrimps to answer your queries.
How to freeze raw shrimps?
- Before freezing raw shrimps, don’t remove the shell or vein, but do snap off the heads. You can work this with a sharp knife or by hand. To avoid spoiling, raw shrimp should not be left on the counter for longer than 2 hours.
- The raw shrimp then should be well washed and rinsed. The moisture on the surface of the shrimps left after washing freezes into an ice glaze, which helps preserve the shrimps.
- Then, place the cleaned shrimp in a sturdy container, such as a Tupperware or yogurt box. To prevent air from entering, pack the shrimps in securely.
- Finally, combine 2 tbsp salt with 1 US quart of water to make a brine solution. You can also buy brine from seafood stores or supermarkets. To immerse the shrimps, pour the brine into the container. On top, leave a 1-inch or a few-centimeter headspace.
How to freeze cooked shrimp?
- Shrimp that has been shelled and cooked freezes nicely. Remove the tail, shells, and head of cooked shrimp before freezing. Before freezing, you can also remove the big vein on the back of the shrimp. This is, however, an optional step. Keep the shrimps on the counter for no more than 2 hours.
- Now, fill a big saucepan halfway with water and bring it to a boil. After adding the cooked shrimps, simmer for another 10 minutes. This is necessary to eliminate any remaining microorganisms and any stray shell fragments.
- Boil the shrimps and store them in airtight containers. Alternatively, spread them evenly on a baking pan and flash-freeze until solid to the touch. This will prevent them from sticking together. To minimize spoiling, freeze the cooked shrimp within 1-2 days after Boeing.
- Lastly, place the frozen shrimps in a freezer bag after removing them from the oven pan. Before freezing, squeeze the air out of the bag and label it.
How can you defrost frozen shrimp?
Transfer the frozen shrimp to a colander from their container. To capture the water, place a plate beneath the colander. Allow the colonnade to defrost in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Put the frozen shrimp in a basin and cover them with warm water to defrost them quickly if you’re in a rush. Do not leave out the shrimps for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
One can refrigerate the shrimp after thawing, but don’t keep it in the fridge for more than 2 days. It’s not good to refreeze the shrimp once it’s thawed since it will ruin the texture and quality.
How to identify the shrimps that have gone bad?
Now that you know how long will thawed shrimp last in the fridge, it is also necessary to identify spoiled shrimps that may have been refrigerated for too long. There are a few signs that will help you identify spoiled shrimps:
- It’s gone bad if the raw or cooked shrimp gives out a strong, sour, ammonia-like odor as you unwrap it. Fresh shrimp should have a pleasant aroma.
- Shrimp texture is quite essential. The shrimp should have a firm, crisp texture. Get rid of the shrimps if they have changed color, lost their shape, or have a slimy texture.
- The appearance of mold on cooked or raw shrimps in the form of black patches is an evident sign of contamination.
Tips
- Shrimps are packaged and labeled with sell-by dates and not use-by dates. This indicates that you may safely cook and eat the shrimp even if the expiration date on the packaging has passed.
- If you regularly thaw and refreeze the shrimp, it gets rubbery and loses taste. Before freezing the shrimp, portion them into serving-sized containers so you don’t have to defrost more than you need for every meal.
Shrimp are tasty and nutritious, and it would be a disgrace to waste them. Hence you can always freeze the shrimps if you don’t plan to consume them within a few days. Perhaps the shrimp may lose part of the flavor, but you will still be able to utilize them in some way or the other.
If you have any leftover shrimp, use the tips and tricks discussed in this article to preserve them as soon as possible in your refrigerator.
