Hey there, shrimp lovers! I’ve been getting this question a lot lately, and I’m here to tell you – yes, you absolutely can microwave cooked shrimp! As someone who’s been experimenting with quick cooking methods for years, I’ve found that reheating shrimp in the microwave can be super convenient when done right Let me share all my tips and tricks with you!
Quick Answer
You can safely reheat cooked shrimp in the microwave but you’ll need to do it carefully to avoid making them rubbery. The process takes about 30-60 seconds for a regular portion.
The Best Way to Microwave Cooked Shrimp
Essential Steps:
- Place shrimp in a microwave-safe dish
- Add a splash of water or broth (about 1 tablespoon)
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap
- Heat in 30-second intervals
- Check temperature between intervals
Pro Tips for Best Results:
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer
- Don’t overcrowd the dish
- Let stand for 1 minute after heating
- Use medium power setting if possible
Time and Temperature Guide
| Amount of Shrimp | Microwave Time |
|---|---|
| 4-6 shrimp | 30 seconds |
| 8-12 shrimp | 45 seconds |
| 16+ shrimp | 60 seconds |
My Favorite Methods for Reheating Cooked Shrimp
Method 1: Basic Microwave Reheat
- Put shrimp in microwave-safe dish
- Add 1 tablespoon water
- Cover loosely
- Microwave 30 seconds
- Check and stir
- Continue in 15-second bursts if needed
Method 2: Butter and Garlic Refresh
- Place shrimp in dish
- Add 1 tablespoon butter
- Sprinkle with minced garlic
- Cover and microwave 45 seconds
- Let stand 1 minute
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don’t microwave without adding moisture
❌ Don’t overcook (shrimp get rubbery fast!)
❌ Don’t use full power if possible
❌ Don’t skip the resting time
❌ Don’t reheat more than once
Signs Your Reheated Shrimp is Ready
✅ Warm throughout
✅ Still slightly firm
✅ Maintains original pink color
✅ Steam coming off them
✅ Smells fresh and oceany
Storage Tips Before Reheating
- Keep cooked shrimp refrigerated in airtight container
- Use within 3-4 days
- Don’t store with shell on if planning to reheat
- Bring to room temp for 5 mins before microwaving
Creative Ways to Use Reheated Shrimp
- Quick Shrimp Tacos
- Shrimp Salad
- Pasta Toss
- Rice Bowl Topper
- Sandwich Filling
Safety Tips
- Always check internal temp (should be 145°F)
- Use microwave-safe containers
- Don’t reheat more than once
- When in doubt, throw it out
- Watch for any odd smells
Final Thoughts
Look, I know microwaving seafood can be tricky, but with these tips, you can totally reheat your cooked shrimp without turning them into rubber! Just remember to add moisture, use short heating intervals, and don’t overdo it.
Quick FAQ
Q: Can I microwave frozen cooked shrimp?
A: Yep! Just add 1-2 minutes to heating time and check frequently.
Q How can I tell if reheated shrimp is bad?A If it smells fishy or ammonia-like or texture is mushy toss it!
Q: Can I add seasonings while reheating?
A: Sure! Just add them before microwaving for best flavor absorption.
Remember, practice makes perfect! Don’t be afraid to experiment with these methods to find what works best in your microwave. Happy reheating!
All you need to know about microwaving shrimp
| Ingredient | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| 8 oz (225g) large shrimp | 4-5 mins |
| 16 oz (450g) large shrimp | 6-7 mins |
| 24 oz (680g) large shrimp | 8-9 mins |
Shrimp take about 3-4 minutes to steam in the microwave for a 1000w microwave. Cook times can vary based on the size and amount of shrimp in the dish. When cooking shrimp, stir periodically to ensure even cooking. If any portion is gray, continue cooking until pink and opaque. It’s very easy to overcook shrimp, so start with less time and add more as needed.
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Yes, you can (and should!) cook seafood in the microwave — especially juicy, succulent shrimp. Steaming retains the shrimp’s natural flavor and a bit of bite. There’s no need to add any oil before cooking, whether you’re using fresh or frozen shrimp. Plus, they’re ready in less time than it takes to peel a plate’s worth. Want cocktail shrimp or shrimp scampi on a weeknight? The microwave is your friend.
Using an Anyday dish, shrimp takes just 3-4 minutes to cook in the microwave until fully steamed through. While shrimp cook quickly on the stovetop or in the oven, the convenience of an Anyday dish is unmatched: Cook, serve, store, and reheat shrimp all in the same dish. When youre done, just place the Anyday dish in the dishwasher for easy cleanup.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
Ideal for reheating leftovers, scrambling eggs or steaming green beans in the microwave.
Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly. Makes Makes 8 oz shrimp
- 8 oz shrimp
- 16 oz shrimp
- 24 oz shrimp
Wattage
Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.
To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.
Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.
When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.
- 700w
- 800w
- 900w
- 1000w
- 1100w
- 1200w
4-Cup Glass Round Shallow Dish
- 8 ounces large shrimp (21/25), peeled and deveined
- Olive oil (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Season shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Place in one layer in an Anyday Shallow Dish.
- Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
- Cook in the microwave for 4-5 minutes, or until shrimp is opaque white with bright pink accents.
- Taco filling: Season with chili powder and lime juice
- Tangy chili: Mix with Worcestershire sauce, chopped parsley, and chili flakes
- Thai-inspired: Mix with sweet chili sauce, chopped cilantro, and lime juice
- Scampi: Mix with melted butter, garlic powder, chopped parsley, and a splash of lemon juice
- Cocktail-style: Cool completely, add a squeeze of lemon juice, and serve with cocktail sauce.
- Mexican-style shrimp cocktail: Mix in with tomato juice, chopped red onion, cilantro, lime juice, avocado and hot sauce. Enjoy with thinly sliced celery
- Quick shrimp scampi: add some butter, garlic powder, chopped parsley, and lemon juice
- Shrimp and avocado salad: Cut the shrimp into smaller pieces and toss with fresh diced tomatoes, avocado, lime juice and zest, olive oil, chopped cilantro, and hot sauce
- For the most even cooking, flip halfway through the cook time.
- You may need to add time for larger shrimp, and decrease time for smaller shrimp.
- For frozen shrimp, follow the directions in our recipe for How to Microwave Frozen Shrimp for the best results.
- We recommend using an Anyday Shallow Dish for cooking proteins. If using an Anyday Deep Dish, you may need to add more cooking time.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.