Having knowledge of how long cooked shrimp can stay out is necessary if you are an expert cook or just a beginner. Here is an ultimate how long cooked shrimp can stay out of an article to clear all the doubts related to cooked shrimp.
For your ease, I have mentioned all the points related to cooked shrimp in this article. What happens if it sits out too long? Should you store cooked shrimp in the fridge? In addition to this, I have already suggested essential dos and don’t for better understanding.
Cooked shrimp can ideally stay out for about two hours. As per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the cooked shrimp must be stored in the fridge at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. With the increase in time, more exposure to bacterial growth makes it unsafe for consumption.
Moreover, in countries with warm climatic conditions, it is best not to leave the cooked shrimp for more than an hour.
Let us now move ahead with the article and learn more about the storage, shelf life, and other relatable questions about cooked shrimp.
How Long Can Cooked Shrimp Stay Out?
Well, it is advisable not to leave cooked shrimp at room temperature. It is best to store the cooked shrimp in the refrigerator and store it in the fridge as long as possible, especially when the room has a warm temperature.
So if you want to reheat the shrimp, make sure you take out the actual quantity you need to serve and put the rest in the fridge. It is a fact that easily spoiled food can not stand out for more than two hours at room temperature.
Two hours are ideal for keeping the cooked food, meat, and seafood like raw and cooked shrimp and fish. Whether cooked or raw, shrimp, fish, or any other seafood all stay out for up to two hours at room temperature.
As the temperatures increase upto 90-degree Fahrenheit or more, the time period of keeping them outside automatically decreases to one hour.
As there is, a temperature rise is an open invitation for bacteria to grow at a fast rate. With the passing of time, shrimp and other seafood are already in danger and are not apt for consumption anymore.
| Conditions | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| In Refrigerator | 3 to 4 days |
| At Room Temperature | 2 hours |
| In the Freezer | 10 to 12 months |
What Happens If It Sits Out Too Long?
When the shrimp stay out for a longer period, such as for several hours, without being in the freezer, the bacteria start growing at a faster rate.
It is mandatory not to consume the shrimp if you keep that at room temperature. If you want to store that for longer, you need to keep it in the shrimp.
Does It Go Bad If Not Refrigerated?
Shrimp will surely go right if it is kept in the refrigerator. It is a fact that easily spoiled food can not stand out for more than two hours at room temperature. Two hours are ideal for keeping the cooked food, meat, and seafood like raw and cooked shrimp and fish.
Whether cooked or raw, shrimp, fish, or any other seafood all stay out for up to two hours at room temperature.
As the temperatures increase upto 90-degree Fahrenheit or more, the time period of keeping them outside automatically decreases to one hour.
As there is, a temperature rise is an open invitation for bacteria to grow at a fast rate. The attack of the bacteria makes it unhealthy and risky to consume shrimp.
With the passing of time, shrimp and other seafood are already in danger and are not apt for consumption anymore.
Should You Store Cooked Shrimp in the Fridge?
Yes, this is mandatory to keep the cooked shrimp in the refrigerator. It is not a good idea to keep the cooked shrimp at the counter or room temperature, not even for a short period.
The more it stays outside, the more chances of bacterial growth.
Thus, it is best to keep shrimp in the fridge. In addition, you can keep the cooked shrimp in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to four days.
After the four days’ completion, it is suggested to throw it away as there must be a bacterial attack on the shrimp. Do not consume shrimp that has been kept in the refrigerator for more than four days.
1. Normal Cooked Shrimp In The Fridge
The best way to maximize the shelf life of cooked shrimp is to keep it in the refrigerator. When you are unable to consume the whole meal of shrimp, it is best to store them properly.
Moreover, if you properly and cautiously store the cooked food in the fridge, it can last up to 3 -4 days maximum.
The chances of shrimp being contaminated are faster if it is kept outside for more than 2 hours.
As per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the cooked shrimp must be stored in the fridge at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below to avoid bacterial growth such as Listeria, which results in foodborne illness.
Here is a table showing the time frame for storing cooked and raw shrimp. Let’s take a look.
| Item | In The Fridge | In The Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked Shrimp | 3 to 4 days | Up to 9 months |
| Store-bought Shrimp | Up to 4 days | Up to 9 months |
| Canned Shrimp | 6 to 8 months | 9 to 12 months (remove the can) |
| Thawed Shrimp | Up to 4 days | (once thawed, you cannot put them back in the freezer) |
| Frozen Shrimp | 4 to 5 days | 9 to 12 months |
| Fresh Shrimp (Shelled) | 1 to 2 days | 6 to 9 months |
| Fresh Shrimp (Shell On) | 2 to 3 days | 9 to 12 months |
2. Store-Bought Cooked Shrimp In The Fridge
The ready-to-be-served shrimp that are easily available in the market have the label marked with the sell-buy date as well as not the best-buy date.
Thus, you can properly store them in an airtight container in the fridge for about four days. But if there is a date for best-by on the packaging, you must follow it to safely intake the shrimp from the store.
3. Canned Shrimp In The Fridge
The shrimp that is available in canned food is pre-cooked and preserved. Thus, it results in much more shelf life in the refrigerator. You can easily preserve the canned shrimp for up to 6 to 8 hours.
Ensure you remove the can before keeping the shrimp in the freezer, as the canned shrimp might blow up when frozen.
4. Thawed Shrimp In The Fridge
Before consuming the frozen shrimp, it is necessary to thaw it first. Remember that the thawed shrimp can last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Thus, it is advisable to consume it within this time frame to ensure that the shrimp is safe and healthy to consume.
What are the dos and don’t of storing cooked shrimp in the fridge?
The best obvious way to maximize the shelf life of cooked shrimp is to keep it in the refrigerator. A few points need to be remembered and should not be ignored if you want the shrimp to last for a longer period in the fridge, which is at least up to four days.
What are the dos?
Ensure you follow these tips while storing cooked shrimp and increase the shelf life. These tips are essential to maintain the quality of the food.
- Make sure you store the cooked shrimp in an airtight container and check properly that the lid is properly closed.
- If you do not have shallow containers, you can also opt for ziplock bags. These bags are also a great option for storing shrimp. But make sure you remove the air before storing it.
- You can also use aluminum foil to wrap the cooked shrimp.
What Should You Not Do In Storing Cooked Shrimp?
Let us now know about the don’t need to keep in mind before storing the cooked shrimp.
- Make sure the shrimp is not warm before you store it in the fridge.
- In countries with warm climatic conditions, one hour is the maximum period for shrimp to wait before keeping it in the fridge.
- This is because the increase in the period it is kept outside increases the chances of bacterial attack. This will eventually make it harmful for consumption.
How Long Can You Keep Cooked Shrimp In The Freezer?
If you are not going to consume the cooked shrimp within 4 days, the best way to keep them away from the bacteria and to increase their shelf life is to keep them in the freezer.
Keeping the cooked shrimp in the freezer surely extends their life even more than the refrigerated ones.
Shelf Life And Storing Cooked Shrimp In The Freezer
By applying the proper storing method, the cooked and uncooked shrimp that have never been frozen can last up to 3 months in the freezer. This is the best way as it retains the protein content as well as the fine taste of the shrimp.
If you are not too picky about the taste of cooked shrimp, it can last up to 9 months in the freezer. Make sure you store it in high-quality airtight containers for freezers to avoid contact with the air with the shrimp.
The flavors and the taste of the cooked shrimp will change and will not taste as good as the very first time after freezing. Defrosting can also lead to the reduction of its nutrients.
You can surely use an airtight container or freezer bag to keep the shrimp.
In addition, you can cover the cooked shrimp with aluminum foil. Make sure you remove all the content of the air out as much as possible. Then, place it in the freezer and label it with the date you placed it.
Moreover, check the temperature of the freezer. Make sure it is at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also use a temperature even below that, which is suitable for keeping the shrimp food in the freezer.
Not checking the temperature will eventually affect and reduce the freshness and shelf life of the food.
Thus, by comparing the timeframe for storing cooked shrimp, obviously, it will last much more in the freezer. However, if you are more concerned about the taste rather than its maximum shelf life, stay with refrigerating the cooked shrimp.
What are the ways to reheat the cooked shrimp?
After the thawing process, it is important to reheat the cooked shrimp before serving it. Two effective ways are quite easy yet help retain the food’s scrumptious flavors.
Let us now know about these methods.
1. Microwave
One of the easiest and most convenient methods to reheat shrimp is microwaving them. Place the cooked shrimp into the microwave-safe container or dish. Cover it with the lid and reheat it for about 1 or 2 minutes.
2. Skillet or Steamer
Another method of reheating the cooked shrimp is to use a skillet or steam. This way is the best way to reheat the shrimp. Set medium heat to reheat the food.
Depending upon the quantity of the food, it regulates the reheat timing and prevents it from overheating.
What If You Have Leftover Shrimp?
It is best to put the leftover shrimp into your refrigerator. This should be done as quickly as possible after preparing the shrimp. Make sure before putting them in the fridge you need to chill the shrimp with the help of cold water.
Then, dry the shrimp, put it into an airtight container, and freeze it instantly. It is best to store it in portions or parts so you can just defrost the required amount of the shrimp whenever you need it.
This step is important as you can not refreeze it once it has been cooked, frozen, and defrosted.
Although the cooked shrimp would be free from the bacterial attack, defrosting and refreezing will compromise it and thus make it unhealthy and risky to have it. It would not be safe to consume it further.
Cooked shrimp can be kept in the refrigerator for several months, but there is a noticeable change in its texture which is not so enjoyable.
Thus, it is best to have fresh shrimp, but it must be consumed as quickly as possible to make sure it is consumable.
If You Reheat Shrimp That Has Been Left Out, is it Safe to Eat?
If you somehow left the shrimp out and might be confused about whether the apt amount of heat is enough to kill the bacteria as heat or cooking kills the bacteria. Nevertheless, it does not work for the shrimp.
The dependency on the heat to kill off the bacteria must be done once, but not multiple times. If you are reheating the shrimp, ensure you provide the heat thoroughly, but you must not do this, as it would make you sick.
What Should You Do with Shrimp That Has Been Left Out Overnight?
If you leave the shrimp to stay out for more than about 2 hours at room temperature, the only option is to throw the shrimp away and not consume them. You must discard the shrimp that are placed overnight at room temperature.
You must check the shrimp before consuming it. You must always check even if it is properly stored. The most visible points that point out the spoilage of the shrimp are white flecks and blue spots.
Moreover, the spoiled shrimp would smell bad and must be thrown away as it is not apt to consume it. In addition to this, the slimy or squishy texture of the shrimp also indicates the spoilage of the shrimp that must not be consumed.
Will Shrimp Left Out Overnight Make Me Sick?
The shrimp that has been staying out overnight could easily make you feel ill. The number of bacteria keeps on increasing inside the flesh and thus eventually makes you sick.
Most probably, the results of having the spoiled shrimp would be visible within 48 hours, or it can be started as soon as four hours after consumption.
Having spoiled shrimp eventually results in discomforting effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I consume cold-cooked shrimp?
Shrimp is mostly served and consumed warm, but in the case of salads, you can surely have them cooked or chilled. Thus, it is apt to eat chilled shrimp that has not been sitting out for more than 2 hours or less than 1 hour in warmer weather.
What Happens If It Sits Out Too Long?
When the shrimp stay out for a longer period, such as for several hours, without being in the freezer, the bacteria start growing at a faster rate.
If You Reheat Shrimp That Has Been Left Out, is it Safe to Eat?
The dependency on the heat to kill off the bacteria must be done once, but not multiple times. If you are reheating the shrimp, ensure you provide the heat thoroughly, but you must not do this, as it would make you sick.
What Should You Do with Shrimp That Has Been Left Out Overnight?
If you leave the shrimp to stay out for more than about 2 hours at room temperature, the only option is to throw the shrimp away and not consume them. You must discard the shrimp that are placed overnight at room temperature.
Will Shrimp Left Out Overnight Make Me Sick?
The shrimp that has been staying out overnight could easily make you feel ill. The number of bacteria keeps on increasing inside the flesh and thus eventually makes you sick.
Conclusion
So this is all about how long cooked shrimp can stay out. If I somehow missed something, let me know through your comments.
Also, remember to check our website if you want to know more about the different food products and their recipes. Till then, take care!
