How To Tell If Shrimp Has Gone Bad - Tasting Table

The first test to run when assessing the viability of shrimp is the eye test. According to Smarter Home Baker, fresh shrimp should look slightly translucent and the flesh and the shell should appear taut and have a glossy finish. If the shrimp flesh doesn't appear to be flush to the shell or there's discoloration or a dull look to the shell, it's probably best to discard it. Typically, fresh shrimp have bright clear looking eyes; so opaque or sunken eyes are another warning sign to look for.

Touch and smell are two other good indicators of shrimp status. Per The Whole Portion, if the shrimp feels slimy and sticks to your fingers or to kitchen equipment rather than feeling smooth, it's gone bad. Of all the signs, though, perhaps the most immediate tell of spoiled shrimp is the smell. Fresh shrimp should have a mild salty scent similar to the sea, not quite fishy but most definitely oceanic. If instead the shrimp smells foul and rotten, chances are that it is and should be carefully thrown away, followed immediately by open windows and lit candles.

Further, StillTasty notes shrimp can last in the refrigerator for one to two days, but warns that raw shrimp left at room temperature will expire in just two hours. When attempting to discern if your shrimp has gone bad, it's best to trust your gut. If there's even a tiny feeling of uneasiness, it's usually best to hedge your bets, leave shrimp off the menu, and just have the cocktails by themselves.

Adblock test (Why?)