Seafood
How long does raw shrimp last in the fridge?
Raw shrimp and crayfish keep 1–3 days in the fridge — most shrimp at the counter was frozen anyway, so buy it frozen and thaw only what’s going in the pan.
How long does it keep?
| Fridge, from purchase | 1–3 days |
|---|---|
| Freezer, from purchase | 6–18 months |
Can you freeze shrimp? YES, FREEZE IT →
Can it sit out?
Raw shrimp is perishable — the FSIS 2-hour rule applies.
Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).
How to tell if raw shrimp has gone bad
- An ammonia smell the moment the bag opens
- Shells gone slippery and slimy
- Black spots spreading along the shells and heads
- Meat gone soft, pulling away from the shell
When in doubt, throw it out.
Thaw shrimp in a bowl of cold water, then drain and dry them — left in their own melt, they poach instead of searing.
Quick answers
How long does raw shrimp last in the fridge?
Raw shrimp and crayfish keep 1–3 days in the fridge — most shrimp at the counter was frozen anyway, so buy it frozen and thaw only what’s going in the pan.
Can you freeze raw shrimp?
Shrimp is one of the few things the freezer improves on the fish counter — USDA gives it 6–18 months, and peel-on comes back best.
How long can raw shrimp sit out?
The FSIS 2-hour rule applies to raw shrimp. Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).