How Long Can You Keep Cooked Shrimp Unrefrigerated

How to cook shrimp

Stephanie Shore Fisher

Shrimp is by far the most popular seafood year-round. You can toss it in creamy pasta dishes, fry it up, or best of all, dip it into cocktail sauce for a party snack. Basically, it's delicious any way you make it — grilled, sautéed, fried, or even boiled.

Cozy up to that freezer aisle. Sure, you can buy peeled and deveined shrimp the grocery store. But many people (including our Test Kitchen!) swear by buying frozen, shelled shrimp, and then preparing when ready to eat. The more time shrimp is left in the shell, the more flavorful it will be. Plus, pre-packed, pre-peeled shrimp often turn into a watery mess.

For frozen shrimp, thaw them in the refrigerator 1-2 days before use. If you're short on time, run the shrimp under cold water. Fresh shrimp, however, can only be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.

If the ends curl, you've gone too far. Shrimp is ready when it's opaque and pink, but before the ends curl up.

You've mastered the basics — now give our favorite shrimp recipes a try:

WATCH: 2 Delicious Ways to Cook Shrimp

We tested and perfected two family-friendly shrimp recipes: Sautéed Garlic Shrimp and Shrimp Cocktail. Whether you're planning a quick (we're talking 15 minutes!) dinner or trying to perfect this cocktail party staple, these recipes will never fail you.

What you'll need for Sautéed Garlic Shrimp:

• 12 oz. large shrimp

• 2 tbsp. olive oil

• 1 clove garlic

• 2 tbsp. lemon juice

• 2 tbsp. parsley

• Kitchen scissors ($10, amazon.com)

• Paper towels ($16, amazon.com)

• Skillet ($28, amazon.com)

• Tongs ($13, amazon.com)

What you'll need for Shrimp Cocktail:

• 2 qt. water

• 1 lemon

• 10 whole black peppercorns

• 1 tsp. salt

• 24 extra large shrimp

• Kitchen scissors ($10, amazon.com)

• Paper towels ($16, amazon.com)

• Pot ($20, amazon.com)

• Colander ($20, amazon.com)

• Tongs ($13, amazon.com)

• Cocktail sauce

Step 1: Cut and Peel

Both recipes start off the same way — with a pair of kitchen scissors. Cut the shrimp along the vertical line on the back of its shell. Using your fingers, peel the shell away.

Step 2: Remove Vein

At this point, the vein should be more visible. Use the pointy end of the scissors to grab hold of the vein, and remove it with your fingers. If you're having difficulty grabbing hold of the vein, scrape it out with the scissors.

Step 3: Pat Dry

Remove excess water by patting the shrimp dry. Frozen shrimp, in particular, holds on to water, which can create a mushy texture.

Sautée It Up

Add olive oil to a skillet. Add shrimp and cook over medium heat, 2 minutes per side. Mix in garlic, butter, lemon juice, and parsley. Once evenly mixed, place the shrimp on a plate of pasta. Drizzle with the remaining lemon butter sauce and enjoy for a tasty weeknight dinner.

Serve Shrimp Cocktail

Nothing beats a classic, especially when there's cocktail sauce involved. To make, add lemon slices, black peppercorns, salt, and shrimp to a pot of boiling water. Cook 1-2 minutes over medium heat, then let cool for 15 minutes. Serve shrimp over ice and dip in your cocktail sauce of choice.

More Recipes to Try:

• Thai-Style Shrimp and Coconut Noodles

• Easy-Peasy Shrimp Ziti

• Shrimp Curry Potstickers

Good news! You can now watch our Test Kitchen Secrets how-to videos on Amazon Video — and they're included with your Prime membership! If you're not a Prime member, click here to sign up.

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