Cooked shrimp is safe to eat within two hours of cooking at room temperature. However, there are ways to store it properly to extend its shelf life. Keep reading to learn the best methods for storing shrimp in the fridge or freezer, ensuring you have it readily available for quick meal prep

How Long Cooked Shrimp Stays Fresh in the Fridge

Cooked shrimp can last 3-4 days in the fridge. For best results, promptly store the shrimp in a sealed airtight container to keep them fresh and readily available for quick weeknight dinners.

If you’re looking for a flavorful, low-calorie dinner in just 30 minutes, try this recipe for Pancit Canton with Shrimp and Vegetables. Simply toss the shrimp with vegetables, and for even more convenience, use frozen vegetables. Enjoy!

How to Store Shrimp in the Fridge

Store cooked shrimp in the refrigerator in a sealed container within two hours of cooking. If the shrimp have been exposed to temperatures above 90°F, refrigerate them within one hour. Harmful bacteria that can cause illness and food poisoning proliferate at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F.

How Long Cooked Shrimp Lasts in the Freezer

For the best quality, flavor, and texture, shrimp will keep in the freezer for up to three months. Properly stored and packaged, shrimp remain safe to consume for 10-12 months in the freezer.

How to Store Shrimp in the Freezer

Promptly wrap shrimp tightly in plastic wrap, heavy-duty aluminum foil, freezer bags, or moisture-proof paper before storing them in the freezer. Remove as much air as possible from the bag to avoid freezer burn. Label the bag with the date for easy reference.

How to Thaw Frozen Cooked Shrimp

• Best and Safest Method: Thaw frozen shrimp in the refrigerator, allowing them to defrost gradually for eight hours or overnight.
• Cold Water Method: If you need to thaw shrimp quickly, seal them in a plastic bag and immerse it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.
• Microwaving: If the shrimp will be cooked immediately, microwaving is an alternative. Place the shrimp in a microwave-safe container and set the microwave to the “defrost” setting. Note that microwaving can make shrimp tough and rubbery, so it’s not the preferred method.

Shrimp Recipes

Now that you know how to properly store cooked shrimp, you can easily have fresh, cooked shrimp on hand for healthy and delicious family meals. Below are various ways to prepare tasty dishes using shrimp.

Caramelized Shrimp Recipes

Caramelized Shrimp with 7Up: This recipe uses shell-on shrimp caramelized in olive oil with 7Up and seasoned with salt and pepper. The carbonation and sweetness of the 7Up help create a unique caramelization and flavor profile.

Garlic Butter Shrimp: This variation includes shell-on shrimp caramelized in olive oil with lemon-lime soda and garlic, giving it a delicious and slightly tangy flavor.

Pancit Canton with Shrimp and Vegetables: An Asian-inspired dish that uses stir-fried noodles and vegetables with shrimp. It’s a quick and flavorful meal, perfect for weeknight dinners.

P.F. Chang’s Dynamite Shrimp: A budget-friendly copycat recipe of the popular restaurant dish, featuring crispy shrimp tossed in a spicy, creamy sauce.

Quick and Easy Shrimp Sinigang: A Filipino sour soup loaded with flavors from tamarind, shrimp, and various vegetables, creating a comforting and tangy dish.

Sautéed Opo Squash: This recipe demonstrates how to use shrimp shells to make a flavorful shrimp broth, which is then used to cook opo squash, adding depth and richness to the dish.

For detailed recipes and cooking instructions, you can refer to these sources:

• Vietnamese Caramelized Shrimp
• Vietnamese Caramelized Shrimp Recipe