This shrimp gumbo has a buttery roux, big shrimp, a very flavorful broth, and a rainbow of vegetables. I’m sure you’ll love it. Like all of the recipes here, we made it as simple and as flavorful as possible.
Shrimp gumbo is a quintessential Louisiana dish, known for its rich, spicy broth, tender shrimp, and perfect rice. Like many stews and thick soups, shrimp gumbo actually tastes better the second day after the flavors have had time to meld. But exactly how long does shrimp gumbo last in the refrigerator before it goes bad? Here’s a thorough guide to maximize the shelf life and enjoy your gumbo safely
Overview of Shrimp Gumbo Fridge Life
In general, shrimp gumbo will last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in airtight containers. The shelf life depends on a few factors:
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Seafood gumbos have a shorter fridge life of 3 days while gumbo with sausage chicken or ham will last up to 5 days.
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Leftover gumbo lasts only 2 to 3 days compared to a full pot which keeps 4 to 5 days.
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Homemade gumbo has a fridge life of just 3 to 4 days, while store-bought can go 5 days.
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Once reheated, eat within 2 days max.
So homemade seafood gumbo should be eaten within 3 days, and reheated leftovers within 2 days. Follow proper storage and handling to maximize fridge life.
How to Tell If Shrimp Gumbo Has Spoiled
Unfortunately, gumbo doesn’t last forever in the fridge. Watch for these signs that your shrimp gumbo has gone bad and should be discarded:
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Mold growth – crusty green or white mold on the surface signals spoilage.
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Sour smell – a foul, rotten odor means bacteria is breaking down the soup.
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Change in texture – overly thick or slimy gumbo has spoiled.
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Discoloration – if the rich color fades or turns greyish.
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Off taste – sour, bitter, or rancid flavors indicate spoilage.
When inspecting older gumbo, rely on multiple signs rather than just one. If anything seems off, play it safe and throw it out.
Proper Storage for Max Shelf Life
Storing shrimp gumbo correctly is key to optimizing its fridge life:
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Cool gumbo rapidly before refrigerating. Divide into shallow containers.
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Use airtight storage containers to prevent air exposure.
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Fill containers to rim to minimize air at top.
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Refrigerate gumbo within 2 hours of cooking.
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Store gumbo towards back of fridge, where it’s coldest.
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Keep fridge temperature at 40°F or below.
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Don’t store reheated gumbo more than 2 days. Discard sooner if any smells or textures seem off.
Proper rapid cooling and airtight, cold storage gives shrimp gumbo the best chance of lasting a full 3 to 5 days.
Freezing Shrimp Gumbo for Long-Term Storage
Freezing is an excellent option for longer-term storage of shrimp gumbo. Follow these tips:
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Chill gumbo completely before freezing for safe storage.
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Portion gumbo into airtight freezer bags or containers. Remove air.
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Freeze gumbo immediately at 0°F or below. Use freezer thermometer.
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Label bags with date and contents. Track freezer time.
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Expect frozen gumbo to last 2 to 3 months with optimal quality.
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Thaw gumbo slowly and safely in fridge before reheating.
With proper freezer storage, shrimp gumbo keeps for several months. Avoid refreezing previously frozen gumbo.
Reheating Shrimp Gumbo Safely
When reheating leftover shrimp gumbo:
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Thaw gumbo thoroughly in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Use stove, oven, or microwave to reheat gumbo to 165°F internal temperature.
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Bring soup to a boil on stove or oven. Microwave 2-3 minutes, stirring.
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Simmer gumbo 5 minutes after reheating for food safety.
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Avoid reheating more than once. Only reheat amount planning to eat.
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Refrigerate reheated leftovers immediately. Eat within 2 days.
Proper reheating kills any bacteria and makes leftover gumbo safe to enjoy.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
How long does unopened canned gumbo last in the pantry?
Unopened canned gumbo will keep 2 to 5 years in a cool, dry pantry. Refrigerate after opening and use within 4 to 5 days.
Can you freeze and reheat shrimp gumbo multiple times?
It’s not recommended. Refreezing degrades texture and flavor. Only freeze fresh gumbo once, then refrigerate and reheat leftovers within 2 days.
What are the best containers for storing gumbo in the fridge?
Glass and plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work best. Divide gumbo into smaller shallow containers for faster cooling.
Is it safe to eat gumbo that sat at room temperature overnight?
No, gumbo left out more than 2 hours should not be eaten due to potential bacteria growth. Refrigerate immediately after cooking.
What happens if the fridge stops working and gumbo spoils?
If without power over 4 hours, discard spoiled gumbo. Do not taste or attempt to recook. Food poisoning can result from eating spoiled soup.
The Bottom Line
With proper refrigeration and freezing, shrimp gumbo can retain optimal flavor and texture for up to 5 days refrigerated or 2 to 3 months frozen. Monitor closely for any spoilage signs. Divide into small containers, cool rapidly, and refrigerate gumbo within 2 hours of cooking for best safety and quality.
Shrimp Sausage Gumbo Recipe
Gumbo is one of those meals that tastes like it was made with love. With a little care and time, you can make a huge pot of gumbo that is full of healthy broth, fresh vegetables, and protein that will fill you up. It’s great to eat gumbo on cold weekends when we watch football, play outside, and curl up on the couch.
If you’ve never had gumbo, you might be wondering what the heck it is! Gumbo is a very tasty stew-like dish that is very popular in Louisiana (fun fact: it’s the official state dish!). Gumbo is heavily seasoned with Creole and Cajun spices, and it can have a lot of different proteins (chicken, sausage, and shrimp are all pretty common). It always has vegetables (bell pepper, onion, celery, and okra are common), and it’s usually served over plain white rice.
Storing and Reheating Sausage Shrimp Gumbo
Store leftover gumbo in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can heat up a big pot of gumbo (enough for several servings) on the stove again, or you can heat up a single serving on the stove or in the microwave.