Last updated: June 10, 2026.
Cooked shrimp is usually good for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator when it has been cooled promptly and kept at 40 degrees F or below. If it smells sour or ammonia-like, feels slimy, shows mold, or sat out too long, throw it away.
Quick Answer
| Shrimp situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Cooked shrimp refrigerated promptly | Use within 3 to 4 days |
| Cooked shrimp left at room temperature | Discard after more than 2 hours, or more than 1 hour above 90 degrees F |
| Cooked shrimp you cannot use soon | Freeze while still fresh |
| Shrimp with sour, ammonia-like, or rotten smell | Discard it |
| Reheated shrimp leftovers | Heat to 165 degrees F, but avoid overcooking for quality |
How To Store Cooked Shrimp
- Cool cooked shrimp promptly after serving.
- Store it in a shallow covered container.
- Keep it in the coldest practical part of the refrigerator.
- Label the date so the 3 to 4 day window is clear.
- Keep cooked shrimp away from raw seafood juices.
Signs Cooked Shrimp Has Gone Bad
- Smell: sour, rotten, or ammonia-like odor.
- Texture: slimy or sticky surface.
- Appearance: mold, unusual dark spots, or cloudy liquid with bad odor.
- Storage problem: left out too long or stored in a warm refrigerator.
- Unknown age: if you cannot identify when it was cooked, discard it.
Can You Freeze Cooked Shrimp?
Yes. Freeze cooked shrimp while it is still fresh, not at the end of the refrigerator window. Use airtight freezer packaging, remove excess air, and label the date. Thaw in the refrigerator and use promptly after thawing.
Reheating Cooked Shrimp
For safety, leftover dishes should be reheated to 165 degrees F. Shrimp can become rubbery if overheated, so warm it gently and check quickly. For cold shrimp dishes, only use shrimp that has been stored safely and is still within the refrigerator window.
FAQ
Can cooked shrimp last 5 days in the fridge?
It is better not to plan on 5 days. Use cooked shrimp within 3 to 4 days when it has been refrigerated promptly at 40 degrees F or below.
What does bad cooked shrimp smell like?
Bad cooked shrimp may smell sour, rotten, or ammonia-like. If the smell is sharp or unpleasant, discard it.
Can you eat cooked shrimp cold from the fridge?
Yes, if it was cooked, cooled promptly, stored at 40 degrees F or below, and is still within the 3 to 4 day window. Do not eat it cold if storage is uncertain.
Can you refreeze cooked shrimp?
You can freeze cooked shrimp while it is still fresh, but repeated thawing and refreezing hurts quality and adds handling risk. Freeze in portions so you only thaw what you need.