How To Tell If Dried Shrimp Is Bad? (And Tips to Preserve It)

Dried shrimp is a common delicacy in Asian countries; it’s found in dumplings, soups, vegetables, pastes, etc., and even eaten as a snack. However, just because the shrimp are dried, doesn’t mean that they won’t go bad. Together, let’s navigate the signs of telling if dried shrimp has gone bad.

Dried shrimp has gone bad when its bright orange-pink color starts changing to a faded orange or brown. Keep an eye out for tiny white specks as well. Immediately throw out shrimp if it starts appearing moldy. Lastly, the loss of flavor and texture indicates that the dried shrimp is going bad.

Still confused? No worries. Journey along with us as we navigate the signs of spoiled shrimp. If you just bought a packet, you’re probably concerned about how to save it from going bad. We’ve got you covered as the article explains tips to preserve the dried shrimp for maximum time.

Table of Contents

Signs of Dried Shrimp Going Bad

It’s quite easy to tell if dried shrimp is still good for use or not. Let’s look at the distinguishing factors to help save you from buying spoiled dried shrimp or using it in your meals.

1. Color Isn’t Bright Orange

The best way to tell fresh dried shrimp apart from spoiled ones is by color. Ideally, dried shrimp should have a bright orange-pink color.

As dried shrimp ages, it discolors and becomes a faded orange or brown, indicating that it’s going bad. Also, if the shrimp has been dried incorrectly, you’ll find tiny white spots all over it. Beware of buying such dried shrimp and consuming it.

2. Dried Shrimp Becomes Moldy

When dried shrimp are exposed to moisture, they start growing mold. If your dried shrimp appears moldy, you should discard it immediately. Consuming moldy shrimp can cause serious health issues.

3. Lost Flavor and Texture

Along with the color, you’ll notice that dried shrimp loses its concentrated flavor when it starts to go bad. Fresh dried shrimp has a concentrated salty and fishy flavor along with a chewy texture. If you notice that the dried shrimp isn’t packing the same punch as it used to when you add it to your meals, take it as a sign of its end nearing.

Tips to Preserve Dried Shrimp

Unfortunately, dried shrimp isn’t safe from spoilage. Since it’s so flavorsome, you’ll only need to use a small amount in meals. The whole packet won’t be utilized in one go and it’s better that you save it carefully for future use.

Here are some tips on preserving dried shrimp for at least 4 to 5 months:

Check that the expiry date is reasonably far before purchasing the dried shrimp packet. This way, you’ll have some margin to use it.

Store the dried shrimp packet in the refrigerator. This delicacy loses its flavor when stored at room temperature.

Transfer the dried shrimp to an airtight jar and keep the container in the refrigerator. This storage method will protect the dried shrimp from air and moisture.

Use a clean and dried spoon or cup to scoop out dried shrimp from the container or packaging. You need to keep the dried shrimp away from moisture to preserve it.

Final Thoughts

Dried shrimp’s strong flavor can elevate meals by adding a lot of depth. Since a little goes a long way, you’ll always have leftover dried shrimp in the packet. So you need to be able to tell if dried shrimp is bad.

This article talks about the sure signs of dried shrimp going bad and discusses a few tips to ensure that it lasts from 4 to 5 months and you get your money’s worth.