Discover easy ways to freeze gumbo so that it tastes just as good as the day you made it.
These tips will help you freeze your gumbo leftovers perfectly, plus how to thaw and reheat them great!
As a lover of spicy, savory gumbos, I tend to make big batches whenever I whip one up. There’s nothing better than a hearty gumbo simmering away on the stove, filling the kitchen with incredible aromas. But inevitably, I end up with more leftovers than my family can eat in just a couple meals.
This got me wondering – can I freeze the extras to enjoy gumbo later? And in particular how does freezing shrimp gumbo work? I did some digging to find out.
The good news is that yes, you absolutely can freeze shrimp gumbo for future meals! The key is learning the proper techniques to freeze, thaw, and reheat it correctly. Follow my tips below for storing your shrimp gumbo in the freezer so it stays fresh, flavorful, and safe to eat whenever you need a taste of New Orleans.
Why Freezing Shrimp Gumbo Works
Gumbo’s thick, stew-like consistency makes it a great candidate for freezing. The roux base nicely incorporates into the broth and vegetables, creating a cohesive mixture that freezes solidly.
Shrimp can be a delicate protein, but when paired with bold Cajun spices and flavors in gumbo, it holds up well. As long as you freeze shrimp gumbo properly and don’t keep it frozen too long, it will maintain both taste and texture beautifully.
Freezing lets you cook up a big batch while ingredients are fresh. Then you can enjoy bowls of gumbo over the course of weeks or months whenever the craving strikes. No more wasting leftovers or having to cook multiple times!
Storing Shrimp Gumbo for Freezing
Follow these simple steps for properly freezing shrimp gumbo:
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Let gumbo cool completely after cooking. Don’t freeze piping hot gumbo straight from the pot.
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Portion gumbo into airtight freezer bags or containers, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Smaller portions thaw faster.
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Remove as much air as possible and seal bags. Solid seals prevent freezer burn.
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Label bags with date and contents for easy identification.
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Lay bags flat in the freezer so they freeze into stackable slabs rather than bulky lumps.
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Use frozen shrimp gumbo within 3 months for best quality.
Thawing Shrimp Gumbo Safely
You have a couple options for safely thawing frozen shrimp gumbo:
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Fridge thawing: Move gumbo to the refrigerator 1-2 days before eating. This gradual thaw ensures food safety.
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Water bath thawing: Submerge sealed gumbo in a bowl of lukewarm water, changing water every 30 mins until thawed.Helps speed up thaw time.
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Microwave thawing: Microwave frozen gumbo on defrost setting, stopping to stir every few minutes. Watch closely to prevent overheating.
Once thawed, use gumbo immediately. Don’t let it sit out at room temperature or refreeze. Check for any signs of spoilage before reheating.
Reheating Shrimp Gumbo to Perfection
Proper reheating brings your frozen shrimp gumbo back to its original glory. You can reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
For microwave, heat gumbo in 1-2 minute intervals on medium power until piping hot, stirring between intervals.
For stovetop, simmer gumbo in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until fully heated through.
A food thermometer helps ensure gumbo reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F. Just take care not to overcook shrimp.
Tips for Delicious Frozen Shrimp Gumbo
Follow these extra tips and tricks for fabulous homemade shrimp gumbo, whether fresh or frozen:
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Use medium or large shrimp; very small shrimp can turn rubbery.
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Add shrimp at the very end to avoid overcooking during initial simmering.
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Toss cooked shrimp in flour or cornstarch before freezing to prevent sticking.
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Stir in a pat of butter after reheating for extra richness and sheen.
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Garnish with chopped green onions, hot sauce, or steamed white rice.
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For more flavor, blend in a tablespoon of Better Than Bouillon base when reheating.
Answering Common Frozen Shrimp Gumbo Questions
Freezing gumbo, especially versions with shrimp, often raises questions for home cooks. Here I’ll address some of the most frequently asked:
How long does shrimp gumbo last in the freezer?
Shrimp gumbo holds well for 2-3 months in the freezer before quality and taste decline. Make sure to label bags with the freeze date.
Can you freeze uncooked shrimp gumbo?
It’s best to fully cook gumbo before freezing to food safety standards. Partially cooked gumbo risks bacteria growth.
Should you freeze shrimp gumbo with rice?
Freezing rice in gumbo can make it mushy. Cook fresh rice to serve alongside thawed gumbo instead.
Is it safe to re-freeze shrimp gumbo after thawing?
Refreezing thawed shrimp gumbo is not recommended. Re-freezing leads to texture and quality loss.
What’s the best way to use leftover frozen shrimp gumbo?
Enjoy thawed shrimp gumbo on rice, over pasta, with crusty bread for dipping, or stuffed into peppers or potatoes!
Enjoying Gumbo Whenever You Want
One of the great benefits of home cooking is being able to make favorites like shrimp gumbo in bulk and save leftovers for later. Freezing lets you enjoy fresh, homemade gumbo without the constant cooking and waste.
Now you have all the info you need for properly freezing, storing, thawing, and reheating your shrimp gumbo. Follow my tips and soon you’ll be pulling tasty frozen gumbo from the freezer for quick and easy Cajun comfort food any night of the week.
Can You Freeze Roux for Gumbo?
For gumbo, freezing the roux is a great idea because you have to spend some time stirring it in the kitchen. So, make it once and save yourself time by freezing roux in ice cube trays.
When your roux is thick and brown (or any color you want), pour it into an ice cube tray so you can use small amounts whenever you need them.
Can You Freeze Gumbo?
Yes, you can freeze gumbo to eat later if you have leftovers or make more than you need.
Since the roux has incorporated itself into the liquid, this growth-based stew freezes great into a cohesive liquid. Plus it freezes well and doesn’t lose its taste or texture when you thaw it because it doesn’t have any starchy ingredients like wheat or potatoes.
Kary’s Roux Tips on Freezing Gumbo!!
Can you freeze gumbo with shrimp?
It is perfectly fine to freeze gumbo with shrimp, especially if you have quite a bit left over that you do not want to go to waste! Gumbo contains quite a few different ingredients that need to be frozen together. This is fine, as long as you do not freeze the gumbo with rice. Cool the gumbo down before you place it in the freezer.
Can one eat raw shrimps?
While raw shrimp or shrimp sashimi can be consumed safely, raw shrimp is considered a high-risk food because it can harbour harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and various Vibrio bacteria. Although some people consider the seafood used in ceviche raw, it is actually cooked by immersing it in an acid rather than using heat. The acid from the citrus can reduce harmful bacteria but it is not as effective as using heat. The safest approach would be to consume only cooked shrimp from a reliable source. The US Food and Drug Administration(FDA) advises that pregnant women, those with weakened immunity, older adults, and young children are at higher risk of foodborne illness and its consequences and should avoid all raw seafood.
Can gumbo be frozen?
Before freezing, allow the gumbo to cool down completely. Once cool, divide the gumbo into smaller portions. This will let you defrost only as much as you need in the future. Transfer the portions to freezer bags. Remove any excess air from the bag and ensure that it is properly sealed. A tight seal helps to prevent freezer burn.
How long does seafood gumbo last in the freezer?
I mentioned earlier that seafood gumbo doesn’t last as long in the freezer. That’s because seafood, like shrimp, doesn’t keep as well compared to other gumbo ingredients like chicken or sausage. Shrimp gumbo can last for up to 3 months in the freezer if stored properly, vs 6 months for other types.