Raw shrimp on ice
Perishable foods, particularly meat and fish, have a relatively short shelf life once they have been thawed. It's best to consume these foods as quickly as possibly in order to reduce the possibility of food-borne illness. It's also a good idea to periodically check the temperature of your refrigerator to make sure it is holding at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, the proper temperature for storing perishable foods.
At the Market
Woman at seafood counter
Food safety begins the minute you pick up your fresh shrimp from the market. Any raw meat or fish that you purchase needs to be handled carefully until you get the food home and in the refrigerator. When shopping, get your shrimp last, after you have picked up the rest of your groceries. Place the package in a plastic bag to avoid any juices spilling onto the other items in your cart. To prevent cross-contamination, don't bag raw meat or fish in the same bag as fresh produce. In the summer months, make the trip to the market the last stop on your list of errands in order to keep perishables from getting too warm.
Refrigerating
Plate of shrimp
Once the shrimp is home, it should be consumed within two days. To keep it as fresh as possible in that time period, store it in the back of the refrigerator on the bottom shelf away from any other raw fruits and vegetables. The back of the fridge tends to stay cooler, and by keeping the shrimp on the bottom shelf, no juices are in danger of dripping onto other items. Place the package on a plate or in a container for added safety.
Be sure to check the shrimp before you prepare it. Don't eat shrimp that smells overly fishy or feels slimy. If you have any doubt about the freshness of the shrimp, throw it away to avoid potential food poisoning.
Cooking Methods
Shrimp stir fry
A number of methods are available for cooking shrimp. They are often tossed into a stir-fry, boiled and placed in salads, or skewered for kabobs and grilled. Shrimp don't take very long to cook, particularly small bay shrimp. Shrimp in the shell tend to take a little longer to process and cook. Small shrimp will cook up in about two minutes, while larger shrimp can take up to five minutes. Take a look at the color of the shrimp. Fully cooked shrimp will have a solid, slightly pearly white look and a firm texture.
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