Dried shrimp is an ingredient that is found in so many dishes in South East Asia.
Dried shrimp is a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes Its intense umami flavor can instantly elevate soups, stir-fries, dumplings, and more. But since dried shrimp is not immortal, you need to keep an eye out for signs of spoilage This article will explain how to tell if your dried shrimp has gone bad along with tips to make it last longer.
What are the Signs of Spoiled Dried Shrimp?
Here are the top indicators that your dried shrimp is past its prime and should be discarded:
Unpleasant Smell
Fresh dried shrimp has a concentrated seafood aroma. If your shrimp starts smelling off or strange in any way, it has likely spoiled. Trust your nose – any foul, rotten, or ammonia-like odors mean tossing time.
Mold Growth
Check dried shrimp carefully for fuzzy mold growth. This is a sure giveaway that harmful bacteria have taken hold. Do not eat moldy shrimp under any circumstances even if you try to cut away the moldy bits.
Change in Color or Texture
Good dried shrimp should be an appealing bright pinkish-orange. Over time, the color fades to a drab brownish-orange. An overly dark, dull color means the shrimp is old. The texture also becomes very dry and brittle compared to plump, chewy fresh shrimp.
Visible Decay
Look for dark or light spots marring the surface of the shrimp Check for a slimy texture or film. Significant drying, shriveling, or hollowness also indicates decay The presence of worms or maggots is a neon sign of full spoilage.
How to Store Dried Shrimp Correctly
Proper storage is key to preserving your dried shrimp and avoiding waste. Here are some tips:
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Keep unused shrimp sealed in an airtight container or bag. Oxygen accelerates spoilage.
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Store in a cool, dry place away from light. The refrigerator is ideal, while the cupboard is too warm.
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Never store shrimp where it could get damp or exposed to steam, like near the oven.
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Scoop out only the portion needed for a recipe, using a clean spoon or tongs.
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Check packages for a best-by date and use within that timeframe.
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If repackaging, label with the date you opened the original package.
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Ideally, use dried shrimp within 4-6 months for best flavor.
Can I Salvage Dried Shrimp Past Its Prime?
If your dried shrimp exhibits only minor spoilage, you may be able to salvage it. First, inspect every piece individually and discard any with mold, mushiness, holes, or foul odor. For shrimp that is just faded and dry, you could try:
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Refreshing in cool water for 5-10 minutes. Discard water.
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Grinding into a powder or paste to use in sauces or dressings.
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Cooking briefly in oil or broth to rehydrate.
However, severely spoiled dried shrimp should always be tossed in the garbage. When in doubt, remember it’s better to be safe than sorry to avoid food poisoning.
The Takeaway on Spotting Bad Dried Shrimp
Checking for unpleasant odors, mold, color/texture changes, or visible decay will help you determine if your dried shrimp is spoiled. Follow proper storage methods using airtight containers and cool, dry places. Ideally, use dried shrimp within 4-6 months for optimal flavor. With vigilance and care, you can catch bad shrimp before it ruins a recipe. Trust your senses, and don’t risk eating any shrimp that seems off.
How to Buy Dried Shrimp (and Where)
They can be found in East and South East Asian shops here in the UK. The same applies to the US, Canada and Australia. You’ll find them in the fridge or freezer section of your local specialist shop. If you are in a Chinese grocery store and can’t understand what is being said, ask for hai mi or xia mi.
I’ve never come across dried shrimp that have gone bad. To be safe, though, always look for brightly colored shrimp that are yellow-orange and don’t have any gray spots on them.
You can, naturally, also get it online easily, if that is your thing (sure is mine!). This is the brand I use on Amazon (affiliate link).
Shiitake (Vegan Substitute for Dried Shrimp)
If you’ve been reading LinsFood for a while, you know that I use shiitake mushrooms instead of dried shrimp and shrimp paste when I’m vegan. Shiitake is the perfect vegan umami ingredient.
Fresh ones are best, use about 5 shiitake for 1 tablespoon of dried shrimp.
Rotten Shrimp – Mark Schatzker: Flavor Detective
FAQ
Does dried shrimp go bad?
Does dried shrimp powder expire?
How to know if shrimp has gone bad?
Does dried shrimp need to be frozen?
How do you know if shrimp is spoiled?
If it smells fishy or sour, it’s likely not safe to eat. Check the texture: Cooked shrimp should be firm and slightly springy to the touch. If it feels slimy or mushy, it’s a sign that it has spoiled. Look at the color: Shrimp should be a pinkish color when cooked. If it looks gray or has dark spots, it could be spoiled.
How do you know if shrimp is fresh?
If it smells overly fishy or sour, it’s likely, not fresh. Check the eyes: The eyes of fresh shrimp should be clear and shiny. Avoid shrimp with cloudy or dull eyes, as this is a sign that it’s not fresh. Watch out for signs of discoloration: Fresh shrimp should not have any discoloration, such as yellowing or browning.
What do dried shrimp taste like?
They taste different from fresh shrimps; the dried ones have a stronger and more concentrated flavor which some cooks refer to as “umami.” This is one ingredient that illustrates well the saying that “a little goes a long, long way”.
Does shrimp go bad?
Shrimp is a popular seafood choice for many people, but it can go bad quickly if not stored properly. Whether you’re cooking with fresh shrimp or using frozen, it’s important to know how to tell if shrimp is bad to avoid food poisoning or other health risks.