Can You Cook Raw Shrimp in the Microwave? Everything You Need to Know

Microwaving shrimp may seem unconventional, but it’s actually a quick, easy and effective cooking method. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy juicy, flavorful shrimp in minutes using your microwave.

As someone who loves shrimp but doesn’t always have time for traditional stovetop or oven cooking methods, I was skeptical about microwave shrimp at first But after trying it myself, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it worked Here’s what I learned about how to cook raw shrimp in the microwave, along with tips to help you make perfect microwave shrimp every time.

Is It Safe to Microwave Raw Shrimp?

This was my first question when considering microwave shrimp. Rest assured that microwave cooking is safe for shrimp, as long as you follow proper cooking guidelines. The key is making sure the shrimp cooks through completely to eliminate any food safety risks.

Microwaves cook food much faster than conventional ovens by producing energy waves that cause water molecules in food to vibrate rapidly, creating internal friction that heats and cooks the food. This high-speed cooking makes the microwave well-suited for delicately cooking seafood like shrimp without overcooking it.

Prep Raw Shrimp for the Microwave

Start with fresh, raw, uncooked shrimp that’s been cleaned and deveined. Peel and remove the shells if desired, though shells can be left on for added flavor. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

I recommend buying shrimp fresh whenever possible, but frozen shrimp works too. Thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking in the microwave. Size-wise, opt for medium or large shrimp, as smaller shrimp can overcook quickly.

How to Microwave Cook Raw Shrimp

Microwaving raw shrimp only takes a few minutes, but there are some steps to follow for best results:

Use a Microwave-Safe Dish

Choose a microwave-safe bowl or dish that’s large enough to lay the shrimp flat in a single layer. Glass, ceramic and microwave-safe plastic containers all work well.

Metal dishes should be avoided, as they can damage the microwave and unevenly cook the shrimp.

Prepare Your Seasonings

Since microwave cooking time is so fast, I recommend seasoning the raw shrimp before cooking to infuse flavor. A simple sprinkle of salt, pepper and garlic powder works nicely. Or get creative with Cajun seasoning, Italian herbs, lemon-pepper or an all-purpose seafood seasoning blend.

You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil or melted butter over the shrimp to keep it moist while cooking.

Cover the Dish

Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid, plate or plastic wrap. This traps steam and moisture to prevent the shrimp from drying out. Leave one corner of the covering slightly vented so excess steam can escape.

Microwave on High

Microwave the seasoned shrimp on high heat for 1-3 minutes, depending on the microwave wattage and shrimp size. Microwaves vary, so keep an eye on it and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Check for Doneness

After microwaving, check to make sure the shrimp is fully cooked. Properly cooked shrimp will turn pink and opaque throughout and curl into a C-shape. If any part remains translucent, continue cooking in 30 second intervals until done.

Be careful not to overcook the shrimp or it may become rubbery. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the shrimp should read 145°F when done.

Flavorful Microwave Shrimp Recipes to Try

Once you get the basics down, there are endless ways to flavor microwave shrimp. Here are some of my favorite recipes to experiment with:

Lemon Garlic Shrimp

• Raw shrimp
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Mix garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper and olive oil. Toss raw shrimp in mixture. Microwave 2-3 minutes until cooked through. Finish with fresh lemon and parsley.

Cajun Shrimp

• Raw shrimp
• Cajun seasoning
• Butter
• Lemon wedges

Sprinkle shrimp generously with Cajun seasoning. Dot with butter. Microwave 2-3 minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over shrimp when done.

Coconut Curry Shrimp

• Raw shrimp
• Curry powder
• Coconut milk
• Chili pepper, minced
• Lime wedges

Combine coconut milk, curry powder and minced chili pepper. Add raw shrimp and marinate 15 minutes. Microwave 2-3 minutes till cooked through. Serve with fresh lime.

Lemon Pepper Shrimp

• Raw shrimp
• Olive oil
• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Fresh lemon juice

Toss shrimp with enough olive oil to coat. Sprinkle generously with lemon pepper seasoning. Microwave 2-3 minutes. Finish with fresh lemon juice.

Honey Sesame Shrimp

• Raw shrimp
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Sesame seeds
• Rice vinegar
• Sriracha or red chili flakes (optional)

Whisk together honey, soy sauce, sesame oil and rice vinegar. Add chili flakes if desired. Toss sauce with raw shrimp to coat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Microwave 2-3 minutes.

Microwave Shrimp Tips and Tricks

With these tips, you can take your microwave shrimp from basic to gourmet status:

• For added flavor, leave the shells on the shrimp while cooking. Just peel before eating. The shells impart more briny, savory flavor to the meat.

• Brush the shrimp with a bit of oil or melted butter before cooking. This ensures juicy, tender texture.

• Arrange the shrimp in a single layer for even cooking. Stacked or piled shrimp may not cook properly.

• Stir or rearrange the shrimp halfway through cooking to promote even exposure to microwave energy.

• Allow the cooked shrimp to rest 1-2 minutes after microwaving. Letting it sit finishes the cooking process for perfectly cooked shrimp.

• Add veggies to cook alongside the shrimp. Squash, zucchini, peppers and broccoli pair nicely. Just add them to the dish before microwaving.

• Use the leftover shrimp broth as an instant seafood stock. Strain and use for soups, sauces or to cook grains like rice or quinoa.

• Undercooking is better than overcooking. It’s easy to microwave shrimp a bit longer, but overdone shrimp can’t be fixed.

Common Microwave Shrimp Questions

If you’re new to microwave shrimp cooking, here are some common questions answered:

How long does it take to microwave shrimp?

Cooking time can range from 1-5 minutes depending on microwave wattage and shrimp size. For a 1000W microwave, medium shrimp take 2-3 minutes while jumbo may need 4-5 minutes. Watch carefully and adjust cooking time as needed.

Should shrimp be thawed before microwaving?

Yes, shrimp must be fully thawed before microwave cooking. Microwaving frozen shrimp can result in uneven cooking.

Is it better to microwave shrimp with shells on or off?

Either method works fine. Shells-on will add more flavor but can be messier to peel after cooking. Cooked shelled shrimp is easier to eat.

Can you overcook shrimp in the microwave?

Yes, it’s possible to overcook microwave shrimp if cooked too long. Stop cooking immediately once the shrimp is fully pink and opaque to prevent rubbery, overdone shrimp.

How do you know when shrimp is done in the microwave?

Shrimp is fully cooked when it turns pink/orange with a curled C-shape and is no longer translucent. Use a thermometer to check 145°F for doneness.

The Bottom Line