Hey there! I’m Chris from KitchenPearls and today I’m gonna share my tried-and-true method for cooking shrimp in the microwave. Trust me I was skeptical at first too, but after lots of testing, I’ve figured out how to get restaurant-quality shrimp using just your microwave!
What You’ll Need
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon wedges (optional but recommended!)
Equipment
- Microwave-safe dish with lid
- Paper towels
- Fork for stirring
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Shrimp
- Rinse shrimp under cold water
- Pat them dry with paper towels (this is super important!)
- Season with salt and pepper
2. Get Ready to Cook
- Place shrimp in a single layer in your microwave-safe dish
- Add butter (it keeps them nice and moist)
- Cover the dish but leave a small vent for steam to escape
3. Cooking Time
- Microwave on HIGH for 2 minutes
- Check and stir gently
- If needed, cook for additional 1-2 minutes until pink and opaque
- Let rest for 1-2 minutes after cooking (don’t skip this step!)
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
- Don’t overcrowd! Cook in batches if needed
- Watch carefully – overcooked shrimp get rubbery real quick
- Season creatively! Try these options:
- Old Bay seasoning
- Cajun spices
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking (seriously, keep an eye on them!)
- Not patting them dry before cooking
- Cooking too many at once
- Forgetting to vent the lid
Tasty Ways to Use Your Microwave Shrimp
- Toss in pasta
- Add to salads
- Make quick shrimp scampi
- Serve as an appetizer with cocktail sauce
FAQ
Q: Is it really safe to cook shrimp in the microwave?
A: Yep! Just make sure they’re pink and opaque all the way through.
Q How do I know when they’re done?A They should be pink with a slight curl If they’re too tightly curled, they’re probably overcooked.
Q: Can I cook frozen shrimp?
A: Better to thaw them first for more even cooking.
Final Thoughts
I gotta say, microwave shrimp cooking has been a total game-changer for me. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you want something quick but still tasty. Just remember – don’t overcook them, and you’ll have perfect shrimp every time!
Happy cooking!
#cooking #seafood #quickmeals #microwavecooking #easyrecipes
But why is the microwave a bad idea?
Simply put, microwaves cook completely differently than regular heat sources. Whereas the oven, stovetop, broiler, and grill all cook the outside of the food first — with the internal temperature rising last — microwaves do the exact opposite. They cook the inside first, with radiation instead of heat. If youve ever noticed that your reheated soup has a hot spot in the middle of the bowl or last nights porkchop came out sizzling in the center but only lukewarm along the edges after being zapped — this is why.
When it comes to something as delicate as shrimp, this manner of cooking will have disastrous results. Not only will the texture be completely ruined, but microwaving seafood can result in some really terrible smells. Just think of the co-worker who likes to microwave their leftover fish in the breakroom for an idea of how bad the outcome can be.