ShelfLife
How long do scallops last?
Fresh scallops keep 1 to 3 days in the fridge from the day you buy them, and 6 to 18 months in the freezer. Cooked scallops keep 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
| Food | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Scallops | 1–3 daysfrom purchase | 6–18 monthsfrom purchase |
Fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder, freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Freezer times are for best quality: food kept frozen stays safe, but slowly loses taste and texture. These times are USDA guidance, not a guarantee. When in doubt, throw it out.
How to tell if scallops have gone bad
- A strong fishy, sour or ammonia smell. Fresh scallops smell sweet and briny.
- A slimy, sticky surface, or a soft, mushy texture.
- A dull, gray or yellowish color, or a lot of milky liquid.
How to store scallops
- Keep scallops in the coldest part of the fridge, in a sealed container set on ice if you can.
- Cook them within 1 to 3 days.
- Pat them dry just before cooking for a good sear.
Can you freeze scallops?
Yes, for 6 to 18 months. Freeze them in a single layer, then bag them with the air pressed out. Thaw them overnight in the fridge, or in a sealed bag under cold water, and cook them straight away. Don't refreeze thawed raw scallops.
Questions
How long do cooked scallops last?
3 to 4 days in the fridge, in a sealed container. Reheat them gently so they don't turn rubbery.
How can you tell when scallops are cooked?
They turn opaque and milky white, and feel firm but springy. The USDA's safe minimum for seafood is 63 °C (145 °F).
What are wet and dry scallops?
Wet scallops are treated with a phosphate solution that adds water; dry scallops aren't. Dry scallops sear better and don't release as much liquid.
Add scallops to ShelfLife the day you buy them.
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Storage times: USDA FoodKeeper (Food Safety and Inspection Service), public domain. Text by ShelfLife.