Raw shrimp lasts 1 to 2 days in the fridge. Cooked shrimp lasts 3 to 4 days. Here is the full breakdown plus how to tell when shrimp has gone bad.
How long does raw shrimp last in the fridge?
Raw shrimp is one of the fastest-spoiling proteins you can buy. From the day of purchase, you have 1 to 2 days to cook it. Buy it and cook it the same day if possible. If you are not cooking it today, freeze it.
| Raw shrimp type | Fridge life |
|---|---|
| Shell-on raw shrimp | 1 to 2 days |
| Peeled raw shrimp | 1 to 2 days |
| Deveined raw shrimp | 1 to 2 days |
Storage tips to get the most out of that window:
Store raw shrimp on the bottom shelf of the fridge, which is the coldest spot and prevents drips from contaminating other food. Keep it in its original packaging if sealed, or transfer to an airtight container. If you bought shrimp from a fish counter, ask for it packed with ice and refrigerate immediately.
How long does cooked shrimp last in the fridge?
Cooked shrimp lasts 3 to 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container. This applies to shrimp cooked any way: boiled, grilled, sauteed, or steamed.
Shrimp cocktail follows the same rule: 3 to 4 days covered in the fridge.
Keep cooked shrimp separate from raw proteins in the fridge to avoid cross-contamination.
How long can cooked shrimp sit out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature. This catches people out at parties and barbecues where a shrimp platter sits on the table for a few hours. After 2 hours in the danger zone (40 to 140°F), bacterial growth reaches unsafe levels. When in doubt at a summer party, reduce that to 1 hour.
How to tell if shrimp has gone bad
Smell. Fresh raw shrimp smells mild and oceanic, like the sea. Bad shrimp smells strongly of ammonia, sour, or just noticeably off. That ammonia smell is the clearest sign shrimp has turned. A mild fish smell is normal; a sharp or sour smell is not.
Texture. Fresh raw shrimp is firm and slightly translucent. Shrimp that feels slimy, even after a rinse, has started to spoil. Rinsing does not fix bad shrimp.
Colour. Raw shrimp ranges from grey to pink depending on the variety. Yellowing or blackening around the edges is a sign of age. Combined with an off smell, it confirms the shrimp should go in the bin.
Can you freeze shrimp?
Yes. Raw shrimp freezes very well and is one of the most practical proteins to keep in the freezer.
How to freeze raw shrimp: Rinse and pat dry. If shell-on, you can freeze with the shells on for extra protection. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and pre-freeze for 1 to 2 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. Label with the date.
How to freeze cooked shrimp: Cool completely first. Pack into an airtight freezer bag or container.
| Shrimp type | Freezer life |
|---|---|
| Raw shrimp | 3 to 6 months |
| Cooked shrimp | Up to 3 months |
To thaw: Place in the fridge overnight. For faster thawing, put the sealed bag under cold running water for 10 to 15 minutes. Cook immediately after thawing by the water method.
A scenario worth knowing about
You bought a bag of raw shrimp on Friday evening and put it in the fridge. It is now Sunday afternoon and you have not cooked it yet.
That is close to 2 days. Check it before cooking: smell it first (any ammonia or sour smell means discard), then check the texture (slimy means discard). If it smells clean and feels firm, it is still safe. If you have any doubt at all, freeze it immediately rather than risking it. Frozen shrimp is almost as good as fresh.
Frequently asked questions
Can I eat shrimp that has been in the fridge for 3 days? Raw shrimp: no, 3 days is past the safe 1 to 2 day window. Cooked shrimp: yes, 3 days is within the safe 3 to 4 day window for cooked food.
Can you refreeze shrimp? Raw shrimp thawed in the fridge: yes, once. Raw shrimp thawed under cold water: cook it first, then freeze. Do not refreeze raw shrimp thawed at room temperature.
How long does shrimp cocktail last in the fridge? 3 to 4 days covered in an airtight container, same as any cooked shrimp.
Is shrimp still good if it turns pink before cooking? Some raw shrimp varieties are naturally pink or pinkish-grey before cooking. This is not a sign of spoilage on its own. Use smell and texture as your primary guides.
For how long other seafood lasts in the fridge, see our complete food storage guide.
For freezing shrimp and other proteins, see our complete freezing guide.
Storage times based on USDA FoodKeeper guidelines.
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