Raw seafood, such as shrimp or fish, can only be kept in a refrigerator for two days before it becomes unsafe to eat. Freezing fresh seafood will preserve its quality for months. But what are the storage safety rules for food that is already cooked? Below, Billy’s Seafood of Bon Secour, AL, explains how to keep your favorite dishes cold. They’ve been delivering fresh and frozen shrimp, fish, crab, and oysters since 1975, so they know how long products will last under various conditions.

Storing Cooked Seafood in the Refrigerator

When stored in a refrigerator, shrimp can last three to five days, whereas fish will last only a maximum of three days. Cooked items shouldn’t be left at room temperature for more than two hours to protect the flavor and prevent spoilage. Instead, they should be stored in a refrigerator set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less. If possible, put the leftovers in a narrow container that will allow for quicker cooling.

Storing Cooked Seafood in the Freezer

Frozen cooked shrimp is good for up to two months, while fish lasts as long as three months. You should never refreeze seafood that has already been thawed—only fish and shrimp that were cooked fresh should be frozen.

Since frozen seafood needs to be kept in subzero temperatures to preserve its quality and texture, you should use a deep freezer. The freezer sections of standard household refrigerators rarely go below 10 degrees, which can change how the food tastes.

Additional Storage Tips

Whether you store seafood in the refrigerator or a freezer, label the container with the date it was packed. If you have multiple dishes in cold storage, you will know which items should be eaten first.  

If you are thawing frozen cooked seafood, place it in a bowl of chilled water or the refrigerator. Allowing the temperature to drop gradually is safer than letting the food defrost at room temperature.

The quality of your leftovers ultimately depends on how good the shrimp or fish was when you bought it. When you purchase fresh market seafood from Billy’s Seafood, you can be confident you’re buying products that meet the highest standards. Learn more about their seafood menu and special offers online, and call (251) 949-6288 to place an order.