How Long Does Cooked Shrimp Last in the Fridge? Find Out Now!

You opened the fridge, saw the leftover cooked shrimp, and thought, “Is this still safe to eat?” You’re not alone. Cooked shrimp can go bad quickly if not stored right. The good news is, cooked shrimp usually lasts 3 to 4 days in the fridge when stored properly. In this article, you’ll learn how to keep shrimp fresh, how to spot signs it went bad, and what to do to keep your meals safe and tasty.

Understanding How Long Cooked Shrimp Lasts

Cooked shrimp is tasty, fast to make, and easy to keep. But many people ask the same question — how long does cooked shrimp last in the fridge? The answer is 3 to 4 days if it is stored the right way. This means putting it into the fridge within two hours of cooking. If the room is hot, like during summer or near the stove, then you should store it even faster — within one hour.

Refrigerators slow down bacteria growth, but they do not stop it fully. That is why cooked shrimp only lasts a few days, even when cold. After four days, even if the shrimp looks fine or smells okay, it might not be safe to eat.

Also, make sure your fridge is set at or below 40°F (4°C). This keeps the shrimp fresh longer. If your fridge is warmer, the shrimp may spoil faster.

If you bought cooked shrimp from a store or restaurant, check the date on the packaging. Sometimes the shrimp may have been cooked hours or even a day before you bought it. So the 3 to 4 days may start from when it was first cooked — not when you put it in your fridge.

Always store shrimp in airtight containers. You can also wrap it in foil or plastic wrap. Keeping air out helps the shrimp stay moist and stops strong smells from spreading inside the fridge.

Here’s something important too: do not leave shrimp at room temperature for more than two hours. If you do, throw it out. Bacteria grows fast between 40°F and 140°F — this is called the “danger zone” for food.

Also, shrimp that is part of a dish, like shrimp pasta or shrimp fried rice, follows the same rule — eat it within 3 to 4 days if kept in the fridge.

Cooked shrimp stays safe in fridge for 3 to 4 days
Store in airtight containers or wrap tightly
Put shrimp in fridge within 2 hours of cooking
Keep fridge temperature at or below 40°F (4°C)
Do not eat shrimp left at room temperature over 2 hours
Shrimp in mixed dishes also follow the same fridge rules

Best Ways to Store Cooked Shrimp in the Fridge

Storing shrimp the right way makes a big difference in how long it stays fresh and safe. After cooking shrimp, you should never leave it sitting out for long. As soon as it cools down a bit, you should move it to the fridge.

First, use airtight containers. These are special containers that seal shut and keep air from getting in. This helps stop bacteria and keeps the shrimp from drying out. If you do not have airtight containers, wrap the shrimp tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

Next, label the container with the date you cooked the shrimp. This helps you remember how many days have passed. Many people forget when they cooked something, and keeping track this way helps avoid eating spoiled food.

Also, do not mix cooked shrimp with raw shrimp or other raw meats in the fridge. Raw foods can have bacteria that can spread to cooked foods and make them go bad faster.

Another tip is to store shrimp on a middle or lower shelf in the fridge. The top of the fridge can sometimes get warmer, especially if you open the door often. The middle shelf usually stays more steady and cool.

If you have a lot of cooked shrimp, split it into smaller portions before storing. This helps the shrimp cool faster in the fridge and keeps it from spoiling. You can also take out small portions later without touching the rest, which keeps it safer.

When reheating shrimp, only take out what you need. Do not reheat the same shrimp more than once. Heating and cooling it again and again raises the chance of bacteria growing.

If you want to keep shrimp for longer than 4 days, it is better to freeze it instead of refrigerating it. Frozen cooked shrimp can last up to 3 months and still taste good.

Use airtight containers to stop air and bacteria
Label the date on the shrimp container
Keep cooked and raw shrimp separate
Store shrimp on the middle shelf in the fridge
Split shrimp into smaller portions
Only reheat shrimp once
Freeze if storing for more than 4 days

How to Tell If Cooked Shrimp Has Gone Bad

You never want to eat shrimp that has gone bad. It can cause food poisoning and make you feel really sick. So, how can you tell if cooked shrimp is no longer safe?

First, look at the color. Fresh cooked shrimp is usually white with a little pink or orange. If it starts turning gray, green, or has dark spots, it is probably bad.

Next, smell the shrimp. Cooked shrimp has a mild smell, like the ocean or a salty breeze. If it smells sour, fishy, or like ammonia, it has gone bad. Trust your nose — a strong smell means it’s time to throw it away.

Touch is another way to check. Shrimp should feel firm and slightly springy. If it feels slimy or sticky, that means bacteria has started to grow, and you should not eat it.

Sometimes, the taste changes too. If you take a bite and it tastes off or bitter, stop eating it right away and spit it out.

Also, if the shrimp has been in the fridge for more than four days, it is better to throw it out, even if it looks and smells okay. Bacteria can still grow even when you can’t see or smell it.

If the shrimp was stored the wrong way — like left out for more than 2 hours, not sealed tight, or stored with raw meat — it’s better not to take a risk. Food poisoning from bad shrimp can lead to vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea.

Some people try to wash or cook bad-smelling shrimp again to make it better. Don’t do this. Cooking it again won’t remove toxins made by bacteria. Once it is spoiled, it’s not safe to eat anymore.

Color changes to gray, green, or dark = bad shrimp
Sour or strong smell = not safe
Slimy or sticky texture = bacteria growth
Bitter or strange taste = throw it away
Fridge storage over 4 days = not safe to eat
Don’t try to wash or cook spoiled shrimp again

What Happens If You Eat Spoiled Cooked Shrimp

Eating spoiled cooked shrimp can lead to serious health problems. One of the biggest risks is food poisoning. You might feel fine at first, but symptoms can show up in just a few hours.

Most people feel nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms are your body’s way of trying to get rid of bad bacteria or toxins. Some people may also get a fever, chills, or feel very tired.

For healthy adults, food poisoning from bad shrimp might only last a few days. But for children, older people, or anyone with a weak immune system, it can be more serious. Sometimes it can lead to dehydration, needing hospital care.

One kind of food poisoning linked to seafood is called vibrio infection. This comes from bacteria that grow in warm waters and can stay on shrimp. Even if shrimp is cooked, it can still get bacteria if stored wrong. Symptoms from vibrio can be very painful and dangerous.

Another risk is scombroid poisoning. This happens when shrimp (or other seafood) is not kept cold enough and starts to make histamine, which causes allergic-like reactions. Your face might get red, your heart might beat fast, and you may feel dizzy or itchy.

So, what should you do if you think you ate bad shrimp? Drink lots of water, rest, and avoid heavy food. If you feel very sick or don’t get better in a day or two, see a doctor. If you have a high fever or blood in your stool, you need medical help right away.

Food poisoning causes vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps
Can lead to dehydration, especially in kids or elders
Vibrio infection and scombroid poisoning are seafood risks
Always see a doctor if symptoms are strong or last long
Drink water and rest if symptoms are mild

Can You Freeze Cooked Shrimp to Make It Last Longer?

Yes, you can freeze cooked shrimp, and it’s a great way to make it last longer. If you’re not planning to eat the shrimp in the next 3 to 4 days, freezing is your best choice. Frozen cooked shrimp can last for up to 3 months with good quality.

To freeze shrimp, let it cool first. Do not put hot or warm shrimp directly into the freezer. This can raise the freezer temperature and cause other food to spoil. After the shrimp cools, put it in a freezer-safe container or a zip-lock freezer bag.

Make sure to push out as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it. Less air means less chance for freezer burn, which can make the shrimp dry and lose taste.

Label the container with the date, so you know how long it’s been in the freezer. Even frozen food has a limit, and shrimp is best eaten within three months for best flavor and safety.

When you’re ready to eat the shrimp, the best way to thaw it is to move it from the freezer to the fridge and let it thaw overnight. This slow thawing keeps the texture and taste better.

If you’re in a hurry, you can also place the sealed bag of shrimp into a bowl of cold water. Never thaw shrimp on the counter at room temperature — this can let bacteria grow.

Once the shrimp is thawed, you can use it just like fresh cooked shrimp. But do not freeze it again after thawing. Freezing it twice makes the shrimp dry and increases the risk of bacteria.

Freeze cooked shrimp if not eating in 3-4 days
Let shrimp cool before freezing
Use freezer-safe bag or container
Label with date and push out air
Thaw in fridge or cold water bowl
Do not thaw at room temperature
Never refreeze thawed shrimp

Safe Ways to Reheat Cooked Shrimp

Reheating shrimp the right way helps keep it tasty and safe to eat. Since shrimp cooks quickly, you need to be careful not to overheat it. Overcooked shrimp turns rubbery and loses its flavor.

If reheating in the microwave, place shrimp in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. This keeps the shrimp from drying out. Microwave for just 30 seconds at a time, checking often until warm.

For the stove, put a little oil or butter in a pan on low heat. Add the shrimp and stir gently for 2 to 3 minutes. Don’t leave it too long or use high heat.

You can also reheat shrimp in the oven. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C), place shrimp on a baking sheet, and cover it with foil. Bake for 10 minutes or until warm.

Only reheat the shrimp once. Each time you heat and cool food, it gives bacteria a chance to grow. So take only the amount you plan to eat.

Do not reheat shrimp in boiling water, as it can become too soft and lose flavor. Also avoid deep frying leftover shrimp, as this can make it greasy and ruin the texture.

Use microwave with damp paper towel, 30 seconds at a time
Reheat on stove with oil for 2-3 minutes
Oven method: bake at 300°F for 10 minutes with foil
Only reheat once
Avoid boiling or deep frying leftovers

Final Thoughts

Cooked shrimp is a tasty treat that doesn’t last long in the fridge. You only have 3 to 4 days to enjoy it safely. By storing it the right way, checking for signs of spoilage, and freezing or reheating it carefully, you can avoid waste and stay healthy. Always trust your senses and when in doubt, throw it out. Food safety comes first. Enjoy your shrimp meals with peace of mind, knowing how to store and handle them the right way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to eat cooked shrimp after 5 days in the fridge?

No, it is not safe to eat cooked shrimp after 5 days in the fridge. Cooked shrimp should only stay in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Even if it looks and smells okay, bacteria may have already started to grow. Eating it could cause food poisoning. It is better to be safe and throw it out. Always keep track of how long food has been stored, and label containers if needed to help remember.

Can you freeze cooked shrimp to eat later?

Yes, you can freeze cooked shrimp to eat later. Freezing is a great way to keep shrimp safe for a longer time. Make sure the shrimp is cool before freezing it. Store it in a freezer-safe container or bag with no air inside. Write the date on it. Frozen shrimp stays good for about 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight or use cold water. Never freeze it again once it is thawed.

Is it okay to eat shrimp that smells a little fishy?

No, it is not okay to eat shrimp that smells fishy. Cooked shrimp should have a mild smell, like the ocean. A strong fishy or sour smell is a clear sign it has gone bad. Even if the shrimp still looks okay, smell is a very important way to check for spoilage. Eating shrimp with a bad smell can lead to food poisoning. Trust your nose and throw it away if it smells strange.

Can I reheat cooked shrimp in the microwave?

Yes, you can reheat cooked shrimp in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover the shrimp with a damp paper towel. Heat it in short times, like 30 seconds, and stir in between if needed. Don’t overheat it, or the shrimp can turn rubbery and lose its taste. Only reheat shrimp once, because doing it more than once can make it unsafe to eat. Reheating shrimp the right way helps keep it juicy and safe.

Do I need to throw out shrimp that was left out overnight?

Yes, you need to throw out shrimp that was left out overnight. Cooked shrimp should not sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If the room is warm, even one hour can be too long. Bacteria grow fast at room temperature, and leaving food out overnight makes it unsafe. Eating shrimp that sat out too long can cause food poisoning. Always store shrimp in the fridge as soon as possible after cooking.

Is it better to store shrimp in a container or a plastic bag?

It is better to store shrimp in an airtight container. A container with a tight lid keeps out air and moisture, helping shrimp stay fresh longer. You can also use a zip-lock plastic bag, but make sure to squeeze out all the air before sealing. Containers are often stronger and keep shrimp from getting squished. Both are fine as long as they are airtight and clean. Label with the date for safety.

Can cooked shrimp still go bad in the fridge?

Yes, cooked shrimp can still go bad in the fridge. The fridge only slows down bacteria, it doesn’t stop it. That’s why you should only keep shrimp in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. If it starts to smell bad, look strange, or feel slimy, it is no longer safe. Storing it the right way in a sealed container and keeping your fridge cold helps, but always check for signs of spoilage.

Do I need to wash cooked shrimp before eating leftovers?

No, you do not need to wash cooked shrimp before eating leftovers. In fact, washing shrimp can sometimes spread bacteria around your kitchen. If the shrimp was stored safely and smells okay, you can reheat and eat it. If it smells bad or feels slimy, do not eat it — just throw it out. Washing shrimp won’t make it safe again if it has already gone bad. Reheat it properly, and eat it within 3 to 4 days.