If you’re looking to spice up your seafood dinner, marinating shrimp is a great way to do it.
But how long can shrimp marinate in the fridge? We’ve got the answer.
How Long Can You Marinate Shrimp In The Fridge?
According to USDA, you can marinate shrimp for up to 2 hours in the fridge. The duration depends a lot upon how strong a marinade you are using. For highly acidic marinades, the recommended time is usually 30 minutes.
Seafood, in general, absorbs flavors very fast. Thus the time needed to marinate is shorter than other meats like chicken, pork, etc.
Having said that, it still depends upon the strength of your marinade. For example, mild marinades such as buttermilk can be used for a longer time, while marinades use lime juice, lemon juice, vinegar, etc., should be used for up to an hour.
If you use stronger marinades for a long duration, it will cook the shrimps during the marination process itself.
This is a detailed table with pH values (the lower the value, the more the strength of the acid).
Table: pH Value for Various Acids in Marinades
| Marinade | pH (Acidity) |
|---|---|
| Apple Cider Vinegar | 3.0 - 3.2 |
| Beer | 3.7 - 4.1 |
| Bourbon | 3.7 - 4.0 |
| Butter Milk | 4.4 - 4.8 |
| Carbonated Drinks | 3.0 - 4.0 |
| Coffee | 4.9 - 5.1 |
| Cranberry Juice | 2.6 - 2.8 |
| Grapefruit Juice | 3.0 - 3.8 |
| Heavy Cream | 6.5 - 6.8 |
| Lemon juice | 2.0 - 2.6 |
| Lime juice | 2.0 - 2.4 |
| Milk | 6.7-6.9 |
| Orange Juice | 3.3 - 4.2 |
| Pickle Juice | 3.2 - 3.7 |
| Red Wine | 3.0 - 4.0 |
| White Vinegar | 2.3 - 2.5 |
| Yogurt | 4.4 - 4.8 |
| Sour Cream | 4.5 |
Can You Marinate Shrimp Too Long?
Yes, if you marinate shrimp for more than 2 hours, you may end up cooking the shrimp. This is especially true when you are using string marinades such as lime/lemon juice or white vinegar.
Why Does My Shrimp Taste Rubbery?
This is a common issue with marinating and cooking shrimps.
There are several reasons your shrimp may become rubbery.
Here they are –
- Overcooking – When shrimp are overcooked, they become tough and rubbery. This is because the proteins in the shrimp begin to break down and contract when they are exposed to heat for too long.
- Using Old Shrimp – Older shrimp tend to be tougher and more rubbery than fresh shrimp. This is because the proteins in the shrimp have begun to break down and deteriorate over time.
- Using Frozen Shrimp – Frozen shrimp can also be tough and rubbery if they are not cooked properly. This is because the ice crystals that form in the shrimp during freezing can damage the cell walls, causing the proteins to leak out and make the shrimp tough.
Can You Marinate Raw Chicken And Shrimp Together?
No, it is not a great idea to marinate raw chicken and shrimp together because they have significantly different marinating times. Shrimps need 30 min to 2 hrs to marinate, while chicken needs several hours up to overnight for proper marination.
Thus, if they are marinated together, the shrimp will be cooked by the time the chicken is done marinating. If you marinate for a short duration, then while shrimp will be fine, the chicken will not be properly marinated.
Further, raw chicken and shrimp can cross-contaminate each other with bacteria if they are marinated together.
This is because raw chicken often contains harmful bacteria that can contaminate the shrimp. If the shrimp is then eaten without being cooked properly, it can make people sick.
How Long Can You Soak Shrimp In Milk?
Yes, you can soak shrimp in milk for up to two hours.
Milk acts as a mild marinate, and thus, you can soak for a longer time. But after a couple of hours, the shrimp will start to break down.
Does The Size Of The Shrimps Make A Difference?
Yes, the size of shrimps makes a lot of difference in terms of handling, cooking, and end result.
The size of the shrimp affects how much meat is on the shrimp. Jumbo shrimp have more meat than smaller shrimp, so they are a better choice if you want more seafood in your dish.
The size of the shrimp also affects how long it takes to cook. Jumbo shrimp take longer to cook than smaller shrimp, so they may not be a good choice if you are looking for a quick meal.
The size of the shrimp also affects the price. Larger shrimp are usually more expensive than smaller shrimp.
Should You Remove Shrimp Tails Before Marinating?
Yes, it would be a good choice to remove shrimp tails before marinating. Shrimp tails can be difficult to remove after marinating, so it is best to do it before.
If you don’t remove the shrimp tails before marinating, they can add an unpleasant flavor to the dish and make the dish look less appetizing.
Can You Marinate Frozen Shrimp?
Yes, technically, you can marinate frozen shrimp, but freezing shrimp changes their texture, making them more difficult to marinate. Because of the frozen nature, it’s difficult to evenly distribute a marinade.
What is Lime Marinated Shrimp
Lime marinates shrimp is simply shrimp that is marinated with lime juice as a marinade. The acid in the lime juice helps to break down the tough proteins in the shrimp, making them more tender and easier to eat.
The lime juice also adds a tart and tangy flavor to the shrimp that many people enjoy.
The marinade can also help to keep the shrimp from drying out when cooked, making them juicier and more flavorful.
What Is Cold Marinated Shrimp
Cold marinated shrimp is a dish made of shrimp that has been marinated in a cold liquid, typically a vinegar-based dressing.
This type of shrimp is often used in salads or as an appetizer, as the acidity of the marinade helps to tenderize the shrimp and give it a slightly sweet flavor.
This shrimp can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days, making it a convenient option for entertaining or busy weeknights.
What is Ceviche Marinated Shrimp
Ceviche is a dish that originates from the coastal regions of Peru and Ecuador.
It typically consists of fresh seafood (such as shrimp, fish, or octopus) that is marinated in a citrus-based sauce, such as lemon or lime juice.
There are several reasons why ceviche marinated shrimp is such a popular dish.
First, the citrus-based marinade imparts a bright and tangy flavor to the shrimp.
Second, the acid in the marinade helps to “cook” the shrimp, making it safe to eat without having to go through an actual cooking process.
Third, ceviche is typically served chilled or at room temperature, making it perfect for hot summer days.
Finally, ceviche is relatively easy to make at home, meaning that you don’t have to go out to a restaurant in order to enjoy this delicious dish.
Here is a quick video on the recipe –
Can You Marinate Shrimp In Lemon Juice Overnight?
No, marinating shrimp in lemon juice overnight is not advised. Lime juice is a strong marinade, and with such a long duration, it will cook the shrimp and make it mushy.
With strong marinades, the ideal duration for marination is just 30 min to 1 hr.
How Do You Know If Shrimp Has Gone Bad?
Shrimp usually has a pinkish color, but if it is starting to turn white or gray, then it has gone bad. The shrimp might also have a slimy texture and a fishy smell.
If the shrimp looks and smells fine, then it is probably still good to eat.
While marinating, if you have kept the shrimp at room temperature for more than an hour, it is advised to keep an eye on whether it has gone bad.
Final Words
I hope this quick guide helped you get insights into marinating shrimp.
If you have any tips to add, do share them in the comments.
Share this with your friends and family who enjoy shrimps!