Shrimp is a delicious seafood that can easily be reheated to restore its flavor and texture. Whether boiled, grilled, or steamed, shrimp often needs a quick reheating before serving. Follow these simple steps to reheat shrimp using a microwave, oven, stove, or grill.
Reheating Shrimp in the Microwave
The microwave provides a quick and easy way to reheat shrimp.
- Place the uncooked or previously cooked shrimp in a microwave-safe dish in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding.
- Add a tablespoon or two of water or lemon juice to help prevent the shrimp from drying out.
- Cover the dish with a paper towel or microwave splatter guard. This will help retain moisture.
- Microwave on HIGH for 1-2 minutes, until the shrimp are heated through. The time will vary based on the amount of shrimp.
- Let the shrimp stand for 1 minute before serving. The residual heat will finish cooking the centers without overcooking the outsides.
How long should you microwave shrimp?
For previously cooked medium shrimp, reheat for 60-90 seconds on HIGH depending on the amount. For a larger batch or frozen shrimp, microwave for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently.
Can you reheat frozen shrimp in the microwave?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be reheated in the microwave. Arrange in a single layer, cover, and microwave for longer intervals, around 3 minutes. Check frequently to prevent overcooking.
Reheating Shrimp in the Oven
The oven provides an easy hands-off way to evenly reheat shrimp.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Arrange the thawed, uncooked or cooked shrimp on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Avoid overcrowding to ensure even heating.
- Bake for 5-8 minutes until heated through and opaque.
- For extra flavor, drizzle with olive oil or butter and add desired seasonings before baking.
How do you reheat cooked shrimp in the oven?
To reheat fully cooked shrimp, arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 325°F for 4-6 minutes until heated through.
How long does it take to reheat frozen shrimp in the oven?
From frozen, arrange shrimp in a single layer and bake at 325°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check frequently to avoid overcooking.
Reheating Shrimp on the Stovetop
The stovetop allows you to quickly reheat shrimp in a skillet while adding extra flavor.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tsp oil or butter.
- Add the thawed shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until opaque and warmed through.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic, or other spices as it reheats.
- For extra flavor, you can sauté minced garlic or shallots before adding shrimp.
- Add a splash of lemon juice at the end.
- Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery.
How do you reheat boiled shrimp on the stove?
To reheat boiled shrimp, heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked shrimp and sauté for 1-2 minutes just until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook.
Reheating Shrimp on the Grill
The grill adds delicious charred flavor when reheating shrimp.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Toss the thawed, uncooked shrimp with olive oil and seasoning of your choice.
- Arrange the shrimp directly on the preheated grill grates.
- Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until charred and opaque.
- Flip the shrimp halfway through to prevent burning.
- For cooked shrimp, grill for 1-2 minutes per side just to reheat.
- Serve grilled reheated shrimp with desired sauces or as shrimp tacos.
How can you reheat grilled shrimp?
Toss previously grilled shrimp in a bit of oil then return to a hot grill for 1-2 minutes per side to reheat. Be careful not to overcook.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know when reheated shrimp are done?
Shrimp are fully reheated when they turn opaque and become hot throughout. Undercooked shrimp will still be translucent in the center.
Can you reheat cooked shrimp without drying them out?
Yes, use a method with moisture like the microwave with some water or lemon juice or bake in the oven with some oil or butter. Avoid overcooking.
Is it safe to reheat shrimp more than once?
It’s best to only reheat shrimp once. Reheating shrimp multiple times increases the risk of bacterial growth. Eat reheated leftovers within 3-4 days.
Can you reheat shrimp from frozen?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be reheated. Thaw first for quicker cooking. Microwave or bake for longer intervals to ensure it fully reheats in the center.
Is reheated shrimp still good?
Properly reheated shrimp is safe to eat and retains much of its moisture and flavor. However, texture declines after the first reheat. Eat within 3-4 days.
How do you reheat shrimp without making them rubbery?
Use short cook times when reheating and don’t overcook. Microwave for 1-2 mins, sauté for 1-2 mins per side, or grill briefly just until opaque. Check frequently.
Tips for Reheating Shrimp
- Pat dry shrimp before reheating to prevent steaming.
- Preheat grill, broiler, or pan before reheating for best results.
- Flavor with herbs, spices, garlic, or citrus juices to boost taste.
- Use a cooking thermometer to check doneness; shrimp are done at 145°F.
- Do not crowd shrimp when reheating; cook in a single layer.
- Partially thaw frozen shrimp before reheating for quicker, more even cooking.
- Brush grilled shrimp with oil or melted butter before reheating on the grill.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and reheat only once for food safety.
Recipes for Reheated Shrimp
Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Toss cooked shrimp with lime juice, cilantro, and chili powder. Reheat on a grill for tacos.
Shrimp Salad
Chop reheated shrimp and toss with diced celery, onions, mayo, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Serve over greens.
Coconut Shrimp Curry
Reheat shrimp in an instant curry sauce made with coconut milk, peas, and spices. Serve over rice.
Shrimp Scampi
Sauté reheated shrimp with garlic, white wine, lemon, parsley, and butter. Toss with pasta.
Shrimp Casserole
Combine reheated shrimp with rice or pasta, cheese, roasted bell peppers, and creamy sauce. Bake until bubbling.
Shrimp Ceviche
Marinate cooked shrimp in lime juice, diced onions, tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeno, avocado, and seasonings. Chill before serving.
Here are some specific microwaves, ovens, stoves, grills using for reheating shrimp:
Microwaves:
- Panasonic NN-SN966S – 1200W, 2.2 cubic feet capacity
- Toshiba EM131A5C-BS – 1100W, 1.2 cubic feet capacity
- Breville Quick Touch BMO734XL – 1200W, 0.7 cubic feet capacity
- GE JES1145SHSS – 1.1 cubic feet capacity, 300W grilling element
- Sharp SMC1452CH – 1250W, 1.4 cubic feet capacity
Ovens:
- GE JT5000SFSS – 5.0 cubic feet capacity, convection cooking
- Bosch HGI8056UC – 5 cubic feet capacity, convection and European convection modes
- KitchenAid KODE500ESS – double oven, convection baking
- Frigidaire FGET3065PF – 5.3 cubic feet total capacity, air fry mode
- LG LDE4415ST – 6.3 cubic feet capacity, EasyClean® interior
Stovetops:
- Frigidaire FFGF3047LS – 30″ gas range with 5 sealed burners
- GE Profile PGP7030SLSS – 30″ gas range with tri-ring burner
- Bosch 800 Series HGI8056UC – 30″ gas range with continuous grates
- Wolf DF304 – 30″ dual-fuel range with dual-stacked burners
- Viking Professional VGCC5488B – 48″ gas range with VariSimmer setting
Grills:
- Weber Spirit II E-310 – 529 square inches cooking area, porcelain-enameled cast iron grates
- Char-Broil Performance 475 – 475 square inches primary cooking area, stainless steel grates
- Dyna-Glo DGB390SNP-D – 507 square inches total cooking area, porcelain cast iron grates
- George Foreman 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Grill – 240 square inches primary cooking area, nonstick plates
- Coleman RoadTrip LXE – 285 square inches cooking surface, interchangeable cooktops
Reheating shrimp using the proper method restores its texture beautifully. Follow these tips for microwaved, baked, sautéed, or grilled shrimp that tastes freshly cooked. Adjust cook times based on amounts. Check shrimp frequently as they reheat quickly.