How to Reheat Shrimp [Oven, Microwave, Skillet & Steamer]

Reheat shrimp quickly while still keeping all the flavors you love. Enjoy delicious seafood leftovers in the oven, microwave, skillet, and steamer.

If you’re anything like me then you’re a big believer in making food in bulk for the sake of frugality. This usually entails freezing food to reheat later, and while this isn’t always the purist way to enjoy food, it does mean make it far easier to budget and save money.

Reheating seafood can often seem daunting to people, and with the number of foods out there that you can’t reheat it’s completely understandable. However, it’s actually very straightforward, easy, and – most importantly – safe. Here are four of the best ways to reheat frozen shrimp!

Microwave

The easiest and most common way for reheating food, and in the case of shrimp it’s no exception. This method is especially useful if you’re reheating an entire dish containing shrimp. However, be careful because it’s far easier to overcook shrimp in the microwave.

H​ere’s how to reheat shrimp in the microwave:

1. Chuck the shrimp in a microwave-safe dish (not a plastic dish), like a casserole dish. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer (i.e. don’t pile them on top of each other) and splash a small amount of water on them.
2. Cover the shrimp with a lid. If you don’t have a lid then plastic wrap applied tightly to the top will do fine.
3. Cook on high for 1-2 minutes, depending on how much shrimp you have (the more shrimp, the longer you reheat for).
4. Remove from the microwave and allow to cool for a couple of minutes – it will be hot.
5. It will go perfectly on rice, in a salad, or as part of an omelette.

Skillet

As long as they’re not mixed in with other food, then this is the way to go. My personal favorite. Cooking them in a skillet will help them retain texture and flavor, without going mushy.

Be careful however – breaded shrimp can’t be reheated in a skillet. Also, ensure you use a good nonstick pan to maintain quality and flavor.

H​ere’s how to reheat shrimp in a skillet:

1. Heat up the pan over a medium-high heat and add a couple of tablespoons of oil.
2. Cook the shrimp for a couple of minutes on each side. Keep a close eye over it though, as it’ll reheat quickly.
3. Remove the shrimp from the pan and leave to cool on a rack or kitchen towel to absorb the oil.

Oven

With the skillet being the wrong option for breaded shrimp, using an oven is a great alternative. This method will ensure that they don’t get soggy, and retain that delicious crispiness.

H​ere’s how to reheat shrimp in the oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F/160°C.
2. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and lay your shrimp out in a single layer, spreading them out as much as possible. Apply a light coat of olive oil and salt for flavor.
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes then turn off the oven, letting the shrimp sit there and steam for 2 further minutes.
4. Remove from the oven carefully and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Steamer

Just like with the skillet and microwave, you should only steam shrimp if it’s not breaded.

This method can be done with a double boiler, but also a simple saucepan and steaming insert will also do nicely.

Here’s how to reheat shrimp with a steamer:

1. If you’re using a simple saucepan then fill the water up halfway, but make sure that the insert isn’t in contact with the water.
2. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer, avoiding piling them up
3. Boil the water, and allow the shrimp to steam for five minutes
4. Remove from heat and allow to cool before serving