Can You Freeze Costco’s Cilantro Lime Shrimp? Here’s What You Need To Know

Costco’s cilantro lime shrimp is a fan favorite that many shoppers grab on a regular basis. The juicy shrimp are already cooked and bathed in a tangy, herbaceous cilantro lime sauce, making this seafood dish an easy weeknight dinner option. But what if you can’t eat all the shrimp before it goes bad? Can you safely freeze the leftover cilantro lime shrimp from Costco?

The short answer is yes, you can freeze Costco’s precooked cilantro lime shrimp if you do it properly. According to the FDA, it is safe to freeze shrimp that was previously frozen, as long as it was stored correctly at the proper temperature.

Here’s what you need to know about freezing leftover Costco shrimp:

How To Freeze Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp

Freezing the shrimp is simple, but there are a few steps you’ll want to follow:

• Make sure the shrimp is still within the use-by date. Freezing works best if you freeze it well before the expiration date.

• Allow shrimp to come to room temperature before freezing Don’t freeze it straight from the fridge,

• Portion the shrimp into freezer-safe bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible. Flatten bags to help shrimp freeze evenly.

• Label bags with contents and freeze-by date (3-4 months from when you freeze it).

• Place bags flat in a single layer on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer.

• For best quality, use frozen shrimp within 3-4 months.

Thawing Frozen Shrimp

When ready to eat, thaw frozen Costco shrimp in the refrigerator overnight. Don’t thaw at room temperature, as this allows bacteria to grow.

You can also submerge the bag of frozen shrimp in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Or microwave on defrost setting if using microwave-safe container.

Once thawed, use within 1-2 days and don’t refreeze. Reheating on the stove or in the oven is best to prevent overcooking.

Things To Consider Before Freezing

There are a few things to keep in mind when freezing pre-made shrimp like Costco’s:

• Texture may degrade slightly after freezing. The shrimp may be a little more mushy.

• Flavor can diminish over time in the freezer. Eat within 3-4 months for best taste.

• Only freeze unopened packages. Don’t refreeze shrimp after opening.

• Don’t freeze any shrimp with signs of spoilage. Discard if shrimp smells, looks or feels slimy.

• Freezing doesn’t kill bacteria, so only freeze properly handled shrimp stored at 40°F or below.

• Thaw safely in fridge, not room temp. Don’t refreeze after thawing.

Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp Ingredients

Since the shrimp from Costco is pre-marinated, it’s important to freeze it properly so the sauce doesn’t separate or degrade in texture. Here are the main ingredients in Costco’s recipe:

• Shrimp – the base protein, often white Pacific shrimp.

• Cilantro – fresh herb that adds vibrant flavor. Can turn darker in freezer.

• Lime juice – adds bright acidity. Flavor may mellow after freezing.

• Jalapeño – brings mild heat. Freezing can intensify spiciness.

• Onion – for aromatic flavor, but can get mushy in freezer.

• Oil – helps the sauce stick to the shrimp. Can separate when frozen.

How Long Does Costco Shrimp Last Before Freezing?

Costco cilantro lime shrimp has a decent shelf life if kept chilled at 40°F or colder. Here’s how long it should last:

• Unopened package: Within “sell-by” date on package (typically 7-10 days after packaging).

• After opening: 3-4 days in the fridge.

• After cooking: 3-4 days in the fridge.

So for best quality, freeze Costco shrimp within 3-4 days of purchasing. Don’t wait until the use-by date, since freezing works best about a week prior.

Once thawed, eat within 1-2 days and don’t refreeze.

Can You Refreeze Thawed Shrimp?

It’s not recommended to refreeze shrimp after it’s been thawed. Refreezing can lead to moisture loss, texture changes, and potential bacterial growth.

The FDA advises against refreezing any raw or cooked thawed shrimp. Cooked shrimp that was frozen is especially at risk for spoilage and food safety issues if refrozen after thawing.

So for food safety, it’s best to thaw only what you plan to eat within a couple days. Either portion shrimp before freezing, or move any remaining thawed shrimp to the fridge and use within 1-2 days.

Freezing Costco Shrimp For Meal Prep

Freezing extra Costco shrimp is a great way to meal prep for busy weeks! Here are some meal prep ideas:

• Shrimp bowls – pair with rice, veggies, avocado, etc.

• Shrimp tacos or fajitas – add to tortillas with fixings.

• Shrimp pasta – toss with linguine and herbs or cream sauce.

• Shrimp salad – mix with mayo, celery, onion for sandwiches.

• Shrimp pizza – top crusts with sauce, shrimp and cheese.

• Shrimp soup – add to chowders or veggie soups.

Get creative and try making a few dishes in bulk for quick lunches or dinners later! Just remember to thaw shrimp properly and enjoy within a couple days.

Is It Safe To Freeze and Thaw Shrimp Multiple Times?

No, it’s unsafe to repeatedly freeze and thaw shrimp. Each freeze/thaw cycle takes a toll on the texture, moisture content, and safety of the shrimp.

According to the FDA, shrimp should only be frozen and thawed once before eating. Refreezing thawed shrimp can allow bacteria like salmonella or listeria to grow to dangerous levels.

Repeated freezing also causes physical damage to the shrimp’s tissues. This leads to mushiness and affects the flavor and mouthfeel.

For food safety and quality, freeze shrimp just once if freezing previously frozen raw or cooked shrimp. Don’t refreeze after thawing.

Can You Freeze Costco Cooked Shrimp?

Yes, it’s safe to freeze Costco’s pre-cooked cilantro lime shrimp, as long as it hasn’t been previously opened or frozen. The FDA confirms that cooked shrimp can be frozen as long as it was handled properly before cooking.

Follow the guidelines above for freezing cooked shrimp within 3-4 days of purchasing and consuming within 3-4 months for best quality.

Do not refreeze cooked shrimp after thawing or after opening the package. Cooked shrimp has a higher risk for bacterial growth if frozen multiple times.

When freezing cooked shrimp like Costco’s cilantro lime shrimp, portion it out into meal servings first so you can thaw just what you need later on.

Signs Your Frozen Shrimp Has Gone Bad

How can you tell if previously frozen shrimp has spoiled after long-term storage? Here are some signs to watch for:

• Odd or sour smell
• Mushy, slimy texture
• Discoloration or graying
• Dry, shriveled appearance
• Unusual bits or pieces mixed in
• Frozen into large block vs. individual pieces

Shrimp that exhibits any signs of spoilage should be discarded. Do not taste or eat spoiled frozen shrimp, even if thawed.

Follow suggested time limits and thaw shrimp safely to prevent foodborne illness. When in doubt, remember the old adage: “When in doubt, throw it out!”

Enjoy Costco’s Cilantro Lime Shrimp Without Waste

Costco’s delicious cilantro lime shrimp makes it easy to enjoy restaurant-quality seafood at home. By properly freezing leftovers, you can stock up on this pre-made shrimp without any going to waste.

Use these tips to safely freeze and thaw Costco shrimp. Portion it out before freezing, and incorporate into meal prep to cut back on weekly cooking. Just be sure to track freezer times and thaw in the fridge, not at room temp.

With proper freezing and handling, you can enjoy freezer-friendly dishes like Costco’s shrimp for months to come. No more throwing out unused portions or ingredients when you prep meals ahead of time. Get ready to meal prep like a boss!