In this brief guide, we’ll address the search query: “How long do thawed shrimp last in the fridge?” Also, we’ll explore how shrimp should be thawed, how shrimp can be stored, what the signs of shrimp being spoiled are, and what are the risks of eating spoiled shrimp.
How long do thawed shrimp last in the fridge?
Shrimp that has been defrosted is highly perishable, and will not withstand more than 2 days in refrigeration.
Many distributors will pack shrimp in ice as a means to encourage shoppers to freeze them when they’re taken them home, and thawing them should not be done unless our readers have a mind to cook them within a day or two of defrosting.
Shrimp is also often soaked in an iodine solution and this helps extend its shelf life to an extent. However, it remains highly perishable and susceptible to denaturing of its fat content, and the moisture makes it ideal for microbes to thrive in, provided the shrimp reach balmy temperatures.
For this reason, we encourage our readers to be mindful of how soon they’ll be able to cook their shrimp and take the necessary precautions to avoid food poisoning.
How can I thaw shrimp?
Shrimp must be defrosted in refrigeration, or alternatively, it can be taken out of the freezer and then dunked in boiling water for cooking, or it can be grilled, sautéed, baked, or prepared using any form of direct cooking indicated by a recipe.
Leaving shrimp to thaw out at room temperature is strictly advised against, as balmy temperatures can favor the growth of potentially noxious microbes.
While cooking may destroy these microbes, it may not be enough to denature the toxins they secrete, and as a result, those who consume these poorly handled shrimp may experience symptoms of food poisoning that will resolve within a day or two of eating them.
How can I store shrimp?
Shrimp can be stored in refrigeration for one or two days, or they can be frozen for up to three months at peak freshness and texture, though they can remain safe to eat if stored for one year at subzero temperatures.
It’s important that our readers store their shrimp in tight sealing containers such as Tupperware or bags with no leaks, as shrimp can contaminate the surface of other foods and potentially cause illness.
Another storage alternative, though one that drastically alters the taste and texture, consists in drying out shrimp in an oven. These dried-out shrimp can be stored at room temperature in a dry, cool pantry, or they can be ground and mixed with other meals to make other recipes.
We recommend that our readers review each alternative and decide which one best suits their needs.
What are the signs of spoilage in shrimp?
The signs that indicate that shrimp have spoiled include giving off questionable or foul smells, discoloration (the water that leaks from them is grey, green, or any other suspicious color), they have a slimy texture, and they may have microbes growing on them, such as mold or bacterial colonies.
Shrimp with any of these signs should be promptly discarded, as cooking it may not eliminate the hazard of food poisoning.
What are the risks of eating spoiled shrimp?
The risks of eating spoiled shrimp include triggering symptoms of food poisoning, such as abdominal aches, fever, diarrhea, indigestion, vomiting, nausea, dehydration, muscle aches, headaches, etc.
Our readers should be vigilant for any of these signs if they’ve consumed shrimp of questionable provenance.
If they experience one or more of these symptoms, we urge our readers to seek medical care. Severe symptoms such as dehydration may require hospitalization and intravenous fluids, along with a course of prescription antibiotics.
We urge our readers to prioritize their health and only consume seafood from reputable sources, such as retailers and restaurants.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we’ll address the search query: “How long do thawed shrimp last in the fridge?” Also, we’ll explore how shrimp should be thawed, how shrimp can be stored, what the signs of shrimp being spoiled are, and what are the risks of eating spoiled shrimp.