Can You Refreeze Shrimp? Is It Safe for the Carnivore Diet?

Can You Refreeze Shrimp Safely?

The short answer is yes, you can refreeze shrimp if it was thawed safely in the refrigerator and hasn’t been left out at room temperature for more than two hours.

However, refreezing may change the texture and flavor (it can get mushy), and repeated freezing can increase the risk of bacterial growth.

According to USDA food safety guidelines, seafood that has been thawed in the refrigerator is safe to refreeze, whether raw or cooked.

However, if the shrimp was thawed in cold water or in the microwave, it should be cooked before freezing again.

The biggest concern with refreezing shrimp is bacterial growth. When shrimp remain at room temperature, bacteria grow rapidly, which makes refreezing unsafe [1].

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That is why shrimp left out for more than two hours (or one hour in hot conditions) should be thrown away [2] [3].

These safety guidelines are especially important for those who follow a Carnivore Diet because seafood is an important part of this diet, and many carnivores rely on fatty fish and seafood to provide their daily macros.

The table below shows the nutritional value of shrimp in every 100 grams of cooked shrimp [4]:

Learn More: Carnivore Diet Seafood Salad with 3 Ingredients

Can You Refreeze Cooked Shrimp?

While refreezing raw shrimp is a better option, you can refreeze cooked shrimp.

It is better to take out the amount you want to cook from the freezer to cook shrimp, so there is no need to freeze it again.

Remember to wait for the cooked shrimp to fully cool before refreezing, which helps reduce the possibility of freezer burn - a condition where frozen food exposed to air becomes dry and discolored.

Also, you must carefully pack and store shrimp in the freezer, as improper refreezing can change their flavor and texture. Here are the steps to refreeze it properly.

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How to Refreeze Shrimp?

1. Divide the shrimp into small portions based on the amount you want to use in one meal.
2. Place each portion into airtight containers or plastic bags.
3. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can use a vacuum sealer or manually press the air before sealing.
4. Place the shrimp in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below.

You can also freeze cooked shrimp in broth or butter sauce to keep moisture and flavor. Please remember that freezing and refreezing shrimp multiple times can damage them, changing their flavor and texture, and increasing the likelihood of bacterial growth.

How Long Does Shrimp Last in the Fridge and Freezer?

Proper storage is super important, whether you are a Carnivore or not. Shrimp have a relatively short shelf life compared to other meats, so knowing storage guidelines given in the table below prevents waste and foodborne illness.

Learn More: What Is a Low Oxalate Diet? Is Carnivore Low in Oxalates?

Carnivore Tip: To avoid repeated thawing and refreezing, freeze shrimp in small portions. That way, you can defrost only what you need.

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How to Thaw Frozen Shrimp Safely?

• Refrigeration: The best method to thaw shrimp, which is safe for refreezing, is to place the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight. Put the frozen shrimp in a colander or strainer over a bowl to catch any liquid that drips as it thaws. Cover the bowl to avoid contamination from other food. Thawed shrimp can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two days before cooking.
• Using Cold Water: A quick method to refreeze cooked shrimp is to place sealed shrimp in a leak-proof bag in a bowl of cold water for 20-30 minutes.
• Using a Microwave: Using a microwave to thaw shrimp is not recommended because it can cause uneven thawing. If you must use a microwave, use the defrost setting and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

The worst and most unsafe way to thaw shrimp is to put them on the counter at room temperature. To defrost shrimp safely:

Tips for Defrosting Shrimp

1. Transfer frozen shrimp to the fridge (8-12 hours).
2. If using the water method, change the water every 30 minutes.
3. Cook immediately after thawing unless refrigerated.
4. Never refreeze shrimp thawed at room temperature.

Learn More: Does Meat Have Carbs? The Truths That Carnivores Should Know

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How Many Times Can You Refreeze Shrimp?

When you refreeze shrimp that was previously frozen, the cell walls break down, and the moisture inside turns into ice crystals.

So, refreeze shrimp only after it has been thawed once and is still in good condition, with a fresh smell, firm texture, and no signs of spoilage.

Refreezing is fine if you are using shrimp as chopped or minced in dishes like shrimp burgers or potstickers because chopped shrimp (not whole shrimp) can safely be refrozen multiple times, as its texture and taste won’t change much.

But the safest way is to avoid refreezing shrimp because it may cause different health risks.

Learn More: Carbs in Mushrooms: Are They Too High for a Carnivore Diet?

Why Refreezing Shrimp Could Be Dangerous?

Refreezing shrimp can be dangerous due to

• Bacterial Growth,
• Loss of Quality,
• Freezer Burn, and
• Nutrient Loss.

These risks are rare, especially if you properly wrap and refreeze the shrimp. However, you must know how to avoid them.

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Bacterial Growth

Shrimp are susceptible to bacterial growth, such as pathogens like Vibrio, which grow in seafood.

When shrimp is thawed at room temperature or thawed improperly, bacteria can grow rapidly. Refreezing can allow these bacteria to survive, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses like food poisoning [5].

Loss of Quality

When you freeze and thaw shrimp, their texture and flavor change. Ice crystals that form during freezing can damage the shrimp's cell structure, making it mushy and causing it to lose its natural taste and texture [6].

If you must refreeze shrimp, do it immediately after thawing in the refrigerator. Use airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to minimize exposure to air and ice crystal formation.

Freezer Burn

Freezer burn is when frozen food becomes dried out and dehydrated because of improper freezing or air exposure. It affects all foods but happens faster in those with high moisture, like meats and fruits [7] [8].

To prevent freezer burn, pack your food properly using airtight containers or freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to help it last longer.

Nutrient Loss

Although it rarely happens, refreezing can lead to nutrient loss in shrimp, particularly water-soluble vitamins like B [9].

Consume shrimp quickly after purchase or initial thawing to minimize nutrient loss. Store shrimp in the freezer at or below 0°F (-18°C) to maintain nutritional values.

Carnivore-Friendly Ways to Cook Shrimp

Since shrimp is lean, those who follow a Carnivore Diet should add fats to their shrimp dishes to balance macros.

Here are some easy ways to cook shrimp. You can also use these Carnivore Diet recipes for more yummy and easy Carnivore meals.

• Pan-sear shrimp in beef tallow.
• Grill shrimp skewers and brush with butter.
• Poach shrimp in bone broth.
• Make a shrimp omelet with beef suet.

These methods not only provide delicious and nutritious shrimp dishes but also provide the macronutrients you need on the Carnivore Diet.

You can consult Carnivore Doctors or use this free Carnivore Macro Calculator to find the right balance of macronutrients based on your age, gender, and activity level.

Summary

So, can you refreeze shrimp? Yes, as long as it was thawed in the refrigerator and hasn’t sat at room temperature too long.

Shrimp is a valuable protein source, especially for those who follow the Carnivore Diet. Please remember that it is lean, so you can use it when trying to lose weight, but at other times, add fat sources to your shrimp dishes to balance macros.

By following proper storage, thawing, and refreezing methods, you can enjoy shrimp safely without waste while keeping your Carnivore meals simple and nutritious.

Learn More: Zero Carb Foods to Have on Keto and Carnivore Diets

FAQs

Let’s answer more questions related to freezing shrimp and consuming it on the Carnivore Diet. 

Is It Safe to Refreeze Shrimp?

Yes, if thawed in the refrigerator. But it’d be unsafe if it were thawed at room temperature.

How Long Does Cooked Shrimp Last in the Fridge?

3-4 days if sealed in an airtight container.

Can You Eat Shrimp Every Day on the Carnivore Diet?

Yes, but since it is lean, eat it with fatty meats like ribeye or add tallow or butter.

Does Refreezing Shrimp Ruin the Texture?

Yes, a bit. Shrimp can become softer or lose firmness, but they are still safe to eat.

How to Tell If Shrimp Has Gone Bad?

Bad shrimp have a strong ammonia smell, slimy texture, or dull color.

Can You Refreeze Shrimp Thawed in Cold Water?

Only if cooked first. Refreezing raw shrimp after a water-thaw is not recommended.

Is Shrimp a Good Protein for Carnivore Weight Loss?

Yes, it is high-protein and low-calorie, making it suitable for fat loss.