How Long Does Costco Shrimp Cocktail Stay Fresh? Storing and Using Those Party Platters

Shrimp cocktail is one of my go-to appetizers when hosting a party or gathering. The juicy, chilled shrimp with that perfect cocktail sauce is always a crowd pleaser. And you can’t beat the value of Costco’s ready-made shrimp cocktail platters.

But I never seem to finish those platters in one sitting. Which leaves me wondering – how long will the leftover shrimp cocktail stay fresh in the fridge?

In this article, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about maximizing the shelf life and quality of Costco shrimp platters, including:

• An overview of Costco’s pre-made shrimp cocktail
• Exact fridge life for leftover shrimp (cooked and uncooked)
• The best way to store and freeze shrimp for later use
• How to tell if shrimp has gone bad
• Tips for using up leftover shrimp

Let’s dig in so you can serve up shrimp cocktails with confidence!

About Costco’s Pre-Made Shrimp Cocktail

Costco’s deli section offers ready-made shrimp cocktail platters in a few different sizes. They contain peeled, cooked shrimp chilled on ice with a side of cocktail sauce.

The shrimp is fully cooked, meaning it’s safe to eat as soon as you purchase it. Costco likely cooks the shrimp by boiling, steaming, or poaching until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily.

Pre-cooked shrimp offers convenience, but also has a shorter shelf life than raw shrimp. Bacteria growth is a concern after cooking, so proper refrigeration is key.

Next, let’s look at exactly how long you can expect Costco’s shrimp platters to last after bringing them home.

How Long Does Leftover Shrimp Cocktail Last in the Fridge?

Costco’s pre-cooked shrimp cocktail will stay fresh in the fridge for

• Unopened: Up to 2 days past the sell-by date
• Opened: 3 to 5 days

Once opened, it’s best to use up leftover shrimp within 3 to 4 days. Discard any remaining shrimp after 5 days.

The shelf life is shorter than raw shrimp since cooking speeds up spoilage. Make sure to store open platters properly in the fridge.

If you know you won’t finish the platter within 5 days, consider freezing the extra shrimp right away.

Storing Leftover Shrimp Cocktail Properly

To maximize the fridge life of cooked shrimp platters from Costco:

• Keep unopened platters chilled on ice or refrigerated until ready to serve. Use within 2 days of the sell-by date.

• Transfer uneaten shrimp to an airtight container after opening. Discard melted ice or cocktail sauce.

• Place the container of shrimp in the coldest part of your refrigerator, which is at the back of the lowest shelf.

• Do not wash shrimp until ready to eat, as excess moisture quickens spoilage.

• If freezing for later use, make sure shrimp is chilled below 41°F before freezing.

Following proper storage helps maintain both quality and food safety.

How to Tell If Costco Shrimp Cocktail Has Gone Bad

Shrimp that is past its prime shows signs of spoilage. Discard Costco shrimp cocktail if you notice:

• A sour or ammonia odor
• Soft, mushy flesh
• Dull, dry appearance
• Mold or slimy texture
• Unpleasant fishy flavor

When in doubt, remember the old adage “when in doubt, throw it out”. Don’t taste or eat spoiled shrimp.

Can You Refreeze Previously Frozen Shrimp?

It’s risky and not recommended to refreeze shrimp after thawing. Thawed shrimp intended for cooking should be used immediately.

However, as a last resort, you can refreeze shrimp for use in cooking if:

• It was thawed safely in the fridge (not at room temp)

• Has been thawed less than 1-2 days

• No off odors or sliminess

The quality will decline with each successive freeze and thaw cycle. Always discard if any doubt about safety.

Tips for Using Up Leftover Shrimp Cocktail

Rather than wasting extra shrimp, use it up in recipes like:

• Shrimp salad or sandwich fillings

• Stir fries or fried rice

• Tacos, burritos, quesadillas

• Pasta dishes like linguine or scampi

• Soups, stews, chowders

• Omelets or frittatas

• Casseroles or pot pies

• Shrimp dip with crackers

• Shrimp cocktails again!

With proper refrigeration, you can safely enjoy Costco’s pre-made shrimp cocktail for 3 to 5 days after opening. Follow the storage guidelines in this article to maximize shelf life. And consider freezing leftovers if you won’t use in time.

So next time you have a party, serve up that shrimp cocktail platter without worries! Just be sure to finish up the leftovers promptly or freeze them for a future seafood feast.