How Long Can You Keep Shrimp Frozen?

Fresh shrimp can be frozen for up to six months if carefully wrapped. Be sure to dry them thoroughly and squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Do not refreeze shrimp that has been frozen and thawed.

Time frame

Refrigerate fresh shrimp for up to two days. If it cannot be used right away, store it in the freezer.

Prevention/Solution

If the shrimp have already frozen and thawed and cannot be used within a few days, steam or sauté them without spices or flavoring. Cool completely, then freeze and use in another recipe.

Considerations

A flat frozen package will be much easier to work with when defrosting than a block in a round or square container.

To Use

Thaw frozen shrimp by refrigerating for several hours. When needed quickly, run cold water over the package or set it in a bowl of water with a few ice cubes.

Pitfalls

Running hot or warm water over frozen shrimp to defrost it will provide half-cooked, half-frozen food before you start your recipe and a rubbery end result.

Temperature

Cook shrimp until a thermometer reads 145 degrees F or until they turn opaque white. Serve immediately or refrigerate them if they are not eaten within two hours.

References

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• Simply Shrimp; Glenn Day; 1990.

Resources

• Food Network