How To Tell If Shrimp Is Bad

Not sure if your shrimp is still good? Don’t worry. I’ve got you. In this quick guide, I’ll show you the easy signs to look for so you’ll know if your shrimp is fresh or if it’s time to toss it. We’ll cover how it should smell, look, and feel, as well as some simple tips for buying and storing it correctly. Knowing this can help you avoid getting sick and increase your confidence in the kitchen.

What Does Raw Shrimp Look Like When It Is Fresh?

Before discussing how to identify bad shrimp, it’s helpful to know what fresh shrimp should look like. If you’re buying raw shrimp, try to get them whole. That’s the easiest way to check if it’s really fresh.

Color

Fresh shrimp have white or off-white flesh that’s slightly translucent. Some types might have a grey, orange, or pink tint. The color shouldn’t be super bright like prawns, but it also shouldn’t look dull or faded. It should be even all over, with no weird spots or dark patches.

Texture/Consistency

The flesh should feel firm. If it’s soft or mushy, that’s not a good sign. Also, be cautious of slimy shrimp. Even if they look okay, that slimy feeling isn’t normal. Shrimp can be wet from ice, but they shouldn’t feel slippery or gooey.

Smell

Fresh shrimp smells like the ocean: clean and salty. It shouldn’t smell fishy or like sulfur at all.

Now that we’ve gone over what fresh shrimp looks like, let’s talk about the signs that it’s gone bad. And trust me, there are some pretty clear ones to look out for.

Slimy Shrimp

Bad shrimp often starts out with a slimy layer on the surface or under the shell. This can happen with both whole and peeled shrimp. That slimy film is bacterial buildup, and whether it’s harmful or not, it’s not something you want to mess with.

Off Color

Fresh shrimp have a uniform color throughout. If you see any bruises, dark spots, or weird discoloration, that’s a red flag. It shouldn’t look faded either. Shrimp isn’t super bright, but the color should still stand out.

Moldy Shrimp

If you spot mold on the shrimp or in the package, toss it. Mold means it’s been sitting too long, and rinsing it won’t make it safe. Bacteria could be deep inside, and eating it can make you really sick.

What does bad shrimp smell like?

One of the first signs of bad shrimp is the smell. If it smells fishy, sour, or like rotten eggs, it’s gone bad. Fresh shrimp should only smell like clean, salty ocean water.

Texture

If the shrimp feels soft or mushy instead of firm, that’s another sign it’s past its prime. Just remember to use this in conjunction with the other signs. Soft shrimp can also be affected by freezer burn, not always due to spoilage.

How To Tell If Cooked Shrimp Is Bad

Now that you know how to spot bad raw shrimp, let’s talk about cooked shrimp. Many people struggle to identify spoiled food once it has been cooked, but the signs are generally the same. If your cooked shrimp starts to change color, smells sour or off, or becomes mushy or slimy, it has gone bad.

I know. It’s a total bummer to toss leftover shrimp pasta, especially with how pricey seafood is. But trust me, a trip to the doctor is going to cost way more than a fresh bag of shrimp. It’s just not worth the risk.

Keesha’s Tips & Tricks

Don’t Rinse and Hope: I used to think I could rinse off a weird smell or slimy texture. Nope! Once shrimp has gone bad, no amount of rinsing will fix it.
Store It Right Away: As soon as I get home from the store, shrimp goes straight in the fridge or freezer. Leaving it out on the counter, even for a little while, can push it over the edge fast.
Keep It Cold While Thawing: When I defrost frozen shrimp, I do it in the fridge overnight or under cold running water; never at room temperature. That keeps bacteria from growing while it thaws.
Eat Cooked Shrimp Fast: Leftover cooked shrimp doesn’t last long. I try to eat it within 2 days, tops. If it’s been sitting in the fridge longer than that, I don’t risk it.
Watch for Changes After Cooking: Cooked shrimp should still look plump and firm. If it starts to shrink, dry out, or get slimy after a day or two in the fridge, it’s probably time to let it go.

FAQs about Shrimp

Shrimp can carry harmful bacteria that cause nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, this can lead to dehydration or, rarely, more serious problems. It’s just not worth the risk.

Fresh shrimp usually lasts 2 to 4 days in the fridge—only if it’s super fresh and stored properly the whole time.

Lay shrimp in a single layer in an airtight container. Cover loosely with wax paper, then add a second layer if needed—no more than two. Seal the container and store it in the coldest part of your fridge. If you can, keep the container on crushed ice for extra freshness.

And, if you enjoy shrimp dishes, you will fall in love with my refreshing Mexican Raw Shrimp Salad, my Crispy Battered Fried Shrimp, and these fun Grilled Shrimp Skewers. But don’t worry. I have a ton of other shrimp and seafood recipes on my site!