Shrimp gumbo is a beloved Louisiana specialty, a rich, spicy stew loaded with shrimp, okra, and the holy trinity of onions, celery, and bell peppers. Like most stews, gumbo often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. But exactly how long will leftover gumbo last in the fridge before it goes bad?
I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about storing and reheating shrimp gumbo to keep it safe, delicious, and ready to enjoy for days after cooking.
How Long Does Shrimp Gumbo Last in the Fridge?
According to the USDA, shrimp gumbo will keep for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator However, you should be more cautious about eating 3-day-old gumbo if it contains seafood The general rule is
- Shrimp gumbo with vegetables, chicken or sausage: 3-4 days
- Shrimp gumbo with other seafood: 3 days max
Gumbo made with shellfish like shrimp and crab has a shorter shelf life than gumbo made with land meats. That’s because seafood is more prone to bacteria growth. Even when the gumbo is refrigerated, bacteria from the shrimp can multiply faster and make the dish risky to eat after a few days.
I recommend eating up shrimp gumbo within 2 days if you want to be extra safe. The flavors will be freshest then too.
How to Store Leftover Gumbo
Proper storage is key to keeping gumbo safe for its maximum shelf life. Here are some tips:
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Let the gumbo cool completely before refrigerating it. Divide it into shallow containers so it cools faster.
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Refrigerate gumbo in airtight containers. Mason jars or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work well.
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Fill containers to the top with gumbo to remove air pockets that can lead to spoilage.
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Store gumbo in the back of the fridge where temperatures are coldest.
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Never let refrigerated gumbo sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
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Freeze any gumbo you won’t eat within 4 days. It will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer.
Following these guidelines prevents bacteria growth and keeps your shrimp gumbo fresh longer.
How To Tell If Leftover Gumbo Has Gone Bad
Trust your senses to know if gumbo has spoiled in the fridge:
Sight: Mold growth, an unusual color change
Smell: An unpleasant, sour, or ammonia-like odor
Texture: Extremely thick, mushy, or slimy
Taste: Strongly bitter, sour, or unpleasant flavors
If your leftover gumbo exhibits any of these signs, play it safe and throw it out. Consuming spoiled foods can cause unpleasant symptoms or food poisoning.
Best Ways to Reheat Leftover Shrimp Gumbo
Gently reheat gumbo to serving temperature before eating it. Here are some good reheating methods:
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Stovetop: Pour gumbo into a saucepan and simmer over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until hot. Add a splash of chicken or shrimp stock if the gumbo seems too thick.
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Microwave: Microwave individual servings in microwave-safe bowls for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently, until steaming hot. Stir well before eating.
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Oven: Transfer gumbo to a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 300°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Avoid boiling gumbo when reheating, as this can toughen the shrimp. Bring it just to a simmer or warm it slowly in the oven.
Only reheat the amount of gumbo you plan to eat right away. Do not store reheated gumbo to eat later. Reheating allows bacteria to multiply faster.
Serving Leftover Gumbo Safely
If you’ll be serving leftover gumbo for a party or potluck, keep food safety in mind:
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Keep gumbo chilled below 40°F in an ice bath or refrigerator until ready to reheat and serve.
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Reheat gumbo thoroughly to 165°F. Check the temperature with a food thermometer.
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Do not leave reheated gumbo sitting out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Keep it in a slow cooker or chafing dish to maintain temperature.
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Discard any uneaten gumbo rather than trying to save it after serving. The “2 hour rule” applies once food has been reheated.
Following these guidelines will keep your leftover gumbo safe for guests to enjoy.
Can You Freeze Shrimp Gumbo?
Freezing is a great way to preserve leftover gumbo for longer storage. To freeze gumbo:
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Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer bags or airtight containers. Leave 1-inch headspace.
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Seal tightly and label bags or containers with the date and contents.
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Freeze gumbo for up to 3 months at 0°F or below.
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Thaw frozen gumbo overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Avoid freezing previously-thawed gumbo again. Just refrigerate thawed portions.
With proper freezer storage, you can enjoy your homemade shrimp gumbo for months!
Common Questions about Leftover Shrimp Gumbo
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about storing shrimp gumbo:
How long can shrimp gumbo sit out at room temperature?
Bacteria multiply rapidly at temperatures above 40°F. Leftover gumbo should not sit out for more than 2 hours before refrigerating. Discard any gumbo left out longer.
Can you reheat gumbo twice?
It’s best not to reheat gumbo more than once. The second reheating allows additional bacteria growth. Eat up leftover gumbo within 3-4 days and avoid reheating more than once.
Is it safe to eat gumbo that sat in the fridge for 5 days?
Most guidelines recommend throwing out seafood gumbo after 3 days, maximum 4 days refrigerated. The longer it sits, the higher the risk of spoilage. For safest quality, stick to the recommended 3-4 day timeframe.
What if the fridge stops working – is the gumbo still safe?
If refrigerated gumbo rises above 40°F for more than 2 hours, you should discard it to be safe. With loss of power, it’s hard to know how long the temperature was unsafe. Don’t risk eating potentially spoiled gumbo.
Can you freeze and reheat gumbo multiple times?
Avoid freezing previously thawed gumbo again. Refrigerate any leftovers. Multiple freezings can damage the texture and taste. You can safely reheat frozen gumbo one time after thawing it.
Enjoy Leftover Gumbo Safely
Shrimp gumbo keeps well for 3-4 days in the fridge when handled properly. Observe safe refrigerator temperatures, cool and reheat gumbo thoroughly, and pay attention for any signs of spoilage.
With these leftover gumbo storage guidelines, you can continue enjoying bowls of shrimp gumbo for days without worries. Just be extra diligent about seafood-based gumbos and consume within 2-3 days for the best quality and food safety.