We all know that shrimp tastes delicious, but it’s hard to get the texture right.
Shrimp is a great source of protein and also very versatile in how you can prepare it. But when you try to reheat leftover shrimp from your last meal, things don’t always go according to plan. Sometimes you end up with chewy or rubbery shrimp, which ruins an otherwise tasty dish.
Follow these four simple steps for perfectly re-heated shrimp every time!
How to Reheat Shrimp in the Skillet or Pan
This method is great for those who want to reheat grilled shrimp in smaller batches.
Step 1:
Add about a tablespoon of butter or oil to the bottom of the skillet and let it melt over medium heat. Once melted, add your shrimp. You can mix in some spices if you like, but I would recommend letting the flavor of the shrimp shine through.
If you want to add some veggies, your best bet is to add them in while cooking the grilled shrimp so they both finish around the same time.
Step 2:
Let the shrimp cook until it turns pink and then flip it over like a pancake.
Step 3:
Let the other side turn pink and then flip it over again. This second time will help make the shrimp extra crispy, which is always my favorite part of fried shrimp!
Step 4:
Remove the skillet from the heat and drain any excess liquids. Transfer to a plate and enjoy! Or you can also use this same method in a pan over a stovetop grill, or even in a panini press.
Alternatively, it is possible to substitute butter for olive oil in place of cooking oil. Olive oil, as well as butter, can enhance cooked shrimp flavor.
You can also make the shrimp warm if you sauté them in a pan. Sautéing helps absorb moisture and gives a delicious, juicy dish a delicious flavor. It absorbs the taste of the juice and quickly turns golden brown. The shrimps are easy to clean, healthy, and low-calorie.
Serve sauteed shrimp over steamed white rice, fried rice, or pasta. This stovetop method works well if you’re reheating cooked shrimp without any other ingredients.
How To Reheat Shrimp in the Steamer
This method is great for those who want to reheat large batches of shrimp at once. You can use a stovetop steamer or even one of those microwave steamer bags to reheat your shrimp.
The best part about this reheating method is that you can eat the shrimp as it is, without any additional preparation. This method is great for those who want to reheat large batches of shrimp at once.
Step 1:
Fill up your steam pot with an inch or two of water and set it on the stove over medium heat. Once the water is boiling, put the plate of shrimp in like you would normally do when steaming fresh seafood.
Step 2:
Turn the heat down to medium-low and let the steamed shrimp cook for 5 minutes. If you’re trying to stretch the time, you can also turn the heat down even more and let it go for 15 – 20 minutes. If you’re reheating more than 1 pound of shrimp, add more water whenever necessary.
How To Reheat Shrimp in a Microwave?
Step 1:
Cover a microwave-safe plate with a sheet of paper towel. This will absorb the extra liquids from the shrimp and also help keep it warm longer than if you just left it uncovered in the microwave.
Step 2:
Place your shrimp on top of the paper towel. Make sure that they’re in a single layer with no overlapping pieces.
Step 3:
Cover your plate of shrimp with another sheet of paper towel. This will keep the heat in and also help prevent overcooking.
Step 4:
Microwave on high for 1 minute per 100g (3.5 ounces) of shrimp you’re reheating. If your shrimp still isn’t warmed through, cook for 30 seconds and check again.
If you add 1 or 2 tablespoons of water to the plate before microwaving, it will give off steam that will also help keep your reheated shrimp warm. Just make sure not to drain this liquid when transferring to a serving dish, as it can be very hot.
Refrigerate once the shrimp are done. Use the microwave to warm shrimp a single time and don’t reheat it multiple times. It will also prevent the compromise in textures and flavor.
How To Reheat Breaded Shrimp?
If you’re cooking breaded shrimp, it’s best to add them directly to a preheated oven.
To reheat breaded shrimp, bake them for about 8 – 12 minutes at 350 F (177 C).
Preheat the oven and place your fried shrimp on a sheet pan. Brush with melted unsalted butter and bake for 8-12 minutes or until hot. You can use an oven thermometer to ensure the temperatures are perfect!
Don’t let the shrimp sit in the fridge for more than 3 days after buying it. The best way to prevent spoilage is by placing it inside an airtight container, as well as covering your shrimp with ice packs. If you’re planning on eating your shrimp within 3 days, you don’t have to worry about it spoiling!
Just make sure to keep it cold. You can even purchase these small ice packs that are specifically made for keeping food fresh in the fridge.
The shelf-life of shrimp is only decreased by about 1 day if purchased chilled and less than two weeks if purchasing frozen shrimp. However, shrimp can spoil very quickly. Plan on eating your shrimp as soon as possible and you’ll be safe!
How To Reheat Frozen Shrimp
Place the frozen shrimp in a bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Transfer to the refrigerator to thaw overnight.
If you need your shrimp immediately, just add cold water into a bowl and place the bowl into hot water. Thaw for around 15 minutes and then drain.
Now that they’re thawed, you can use any of the above-mentioned methods to reheat them.
If you’re using wet or thawed shrimp, don’t let it sit at room temperature for more than an hour. Reheat immediately. If you’d like, you can also refreeze your shrimp after they’ve been cooked and then refry them before serving.
How to Store Leftover Shrimp Dishes?
Wrap cooked shrimp with plastic wrap as soon as possible. Leftover shrimp recipes can be stored for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
When storing cooked shrimp in airtight containers, wrap the dish in plastic wrap or seal it in sealed containers. Using freezer bags or reusable bottles shrimp will remain fresh in refrigerators or freezers. Conserve the shrimp in the fridge for up to 2 hours before cooking.
Storing cooked shrimp at room temperatures is acceptable for about 3-4 days. But it may last longer at home. The shorter it takes to store food for storage, the better the food. It’s better to toss shrimp after being stored in too long.
Reheating Shrimp FAQ:
How Do You Reheat Cooked Shrimp?
- In the microwave: place the shrimp in a single layer on a microwavable plate. Cook on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- On the stovetop: Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until heated through.
- In the oven: preheat the oven to 300-350 degrees F. Place the shrimp on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Cooking shrimp in the oven is another great way to easily reheat your shrimp.
How Do You Reheat Shrimp Without Overcooking It?
Reheating shrimp can be tricky because it’s easy to overcook them. The best way to reheat them is to place them in a cold skillet, then add a small amount of water or stock. Cook them over medium heat until they’re heated through, then remove them from the pan and serve.
Can I Reheat the Shrimp the Next Day?
Yes, you can reheat shrimp the next day. However, it is important to reheat shrimp properly to prevent bacteria growth. The best way to reheat shrimp is by steaming them.
You can also cook shrimp in a skillet over medium heat until they are pink and slightly charred around the edges.
Is It Bad to Reheat Shrimp in the Microwave?
Yes, it is bad to reheat shrimp in the microwave. When you microwave shrimp, the high heat can cause them to shrink and toughen up. This not only makes them less appetizing but also decreases their nutrient value.
The best method for reheating shrimp is by poaching them in a little bit of water or butter.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. Four simple methods for reheating shrimp without sacrificing the flavor or texture of your favorite seafood dish.
Whether you’re a veteran cook in need of some new ideas to add to your repertoire or just someone looking to save time and money on takeout, we hope these tips will help make your life a little easier in the kitchen!
If you liked this post, be sure to share it with friends and family who might appreciate our advice as well. As always, thanks so much for reading!
