Learn to prep and cook shrimp in the microwave for a quick and delicious addition to your dinner. When you add garlic shrimp to creamy pasta or one of our many Buddha Bowl recipes, it gives the dish a satisfying snap of flavor.
This dish, which is high in protein, goes well with any salad and tastes even better when wrapped in a tortilla and eaten as tacos. Shrimp is versatile enough to be incorporated into just about any meal. If butter isn’t your thing, add olive oil in place of it with an additional pinch of salt. Get creative with this versatile dish and use it in many forms!.
As someone who loves shrimp but hates waiting for pans to heat up or ovens to preheat, I was thrilled to learn you can cook shrimp in the microwave. Microwaved shrimp cooks up fast, comes out tender and juicy, and lets you skip dirtying a ton of pots and pans It’s become my go-to weekday dinner!
However, microwaving shrimp can get tricky. It’s easy to accidentally overcook it into chewy rubber. Follow my tips below for how to cook shrimp in the microwave perfectly every time
Should You Remove the Shells Before Microwaving Shrimp?
This is a common question when microwaving shrimp. Here are the pros and cons:
Shells on:
- Retains moisture so shrimp doesn’t dry out
- Adds flavor from shells and seasonings
- Looks prettier for serving
Shells off:
- Cooks slightly faster since heat penetrates quicker
- Absorbs flavors from marinade or sauce better
- Easier to eat
For the juiciest texture, I recommend leaving shells on. Just be sure to adjust cook times slightly longer. However, both ways work fine. Choose based on your recipe and preferences.
Pro Tips for Microwaving Shrimp
Follow these tips and tricks for perfect results:
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Arrange in a single layer – This allows steam to circulate evenly for even cooking.
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Use a microwave-safe dish – Glass or ceramic work best, not metal. A dish with a lid retains moisture.
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Pat shrimp very dry – Extra moisture causes splattering.
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Cook in batches – For large quantities, microwave 1 pound at a time.
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Stir halfway – Ensures the sides facing out cook evenly.
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Let sit 2 minutes after cooking – Allows carryover cooking to finish without overcooking.
How to Cook Raw Shrimp in the Microwave
Here is a simple step-by-step method for cooking shrimp from raw in the microwave:
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Rinse and pat dry shrimp. Leave shells on or peel based on preference.
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Place shrimp in a single layer in a microwave-safe dish. Season as desired.
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Cook on high for 1 minute per 1/4 inch thickness. For medium shrimp, cook 2-3 minutes.
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Stir shrimp and microwave 30 seconds to 1 minute longer if needed.
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Let sit 2 minutes before serving. Shrimp should be pink and opaque.
That’s all it takes for juicy shrimp without the hassle! The key is using brief cook times to avoid overcooking.
Monitor shrimp closely and stop cooking at the first sign of opaque flesh. They will continue cooking off heat. Microwaves vary, so adjust times as needed.
Handy Microwaving Times for Shrimp
For easy reference, here are approximate microwave cook times for different sizes of shrimp:
- Colossal shrimp (under 10 per pound): 5-6 minutes
- Jumbo shrimp (11-15 per pound): 4-5 minutes
- Extra large shrimp (16-20 per pound): 3-4 minutes
- Large shrimp (21-30 per pound): 2-3 minutes
- Medium shrimp (31-40 per pound): 1-2 minutes
Add 30 seconds to 1 minute to the cook time if shrimp are shelled and deveined. And remember to stir and let rest before serving!
How to Tell When Shrimp Are Done
Microwaved shrimp cook very fast, so pay close attention. Check doneness by looking for these signs:
- Flesh turns opaque and milky white
- Shrimp curl into a “C” shape
- They become firm yet still tender when pressed
- No translucent flesh remains
Immediately stop cooking at the first signs of opaque flesh to prevent overcooking. Shrimp overcooks quickly in the microwave.
Best Ways to Season Shrimp Before Microwaving
One of the benefits of microwaved shrimp is that flavors really penetrate the flesh. Take advantage by seasoning shrimp before cooking:
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Marinate in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes. The microwave “bakes” the flavors in.
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Rub with chili powder, paprika, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne for a spicy kick.
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Coat in melted butter and cajun seasoning for rich, bold flavor.
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Toss with pesto, tapenade, or salsa to infuse tons of flavor fast.
Get creative with marinades, spice rubs, herb blends, and sauces. The microwave seals in the flavors.
Handy Uses for Perfectly Microwaved Shrimp
Once you’ve mastered the art of microwaving shrimp, use them in all kinds of easy recipes:
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Shrimp tacos – Add to warm tortillas with salsa and avocado.
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Shrimp salad – Toss with greens, vegetables, and lemon vinaigrette.
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Shrimp pasta – Mix with linguine, olive oil, and parmesan cheese.
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Shrimp skewers – Thread onto skewers and finish on the grill.
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Shrimp sandwiches – Pile shrimp on buns with spicy mayo and lettuce.
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Shrimp fried rice – Stir into rice with veggies, eggs, and soy sauce.
The options are endless! A batch of microwaved shrimp can be used in anything from appetizers to main courses.
Mistakes to Avoid When Microwaving Shrimp
It’s easy to overcook shrimp in the microwave if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
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Cooking too long – Start with the shortest cook time and check often. You can always cook more, but you can’t reverse overcooking.
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Not stirring – Stirring midway helps exposed areas cook evenly so no spots are overdone.
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Too much moisture – Pat shrimp very dry so steam cooks it instead of boiling it.
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Uneven layers – Arranging shrimp in a single layer helps it steam and cook evenly.
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Using plastic containers – The plastic can melt. Use only microwave-safe glass or ceramic.
Follow my tips and you’ll have tender, delicious microwaved shrimp ready in minutes any night of the week! It makes an easy, fuss-free dinner.
How to Cook Garlic Shrimp in the Microwave
- Defrost your shrimp if it is frozen.
- In a small bowl combine butter, garlic, parsley, and salt. Put the butter in the microwave and heat it on high for 30 seconds. Then, mix it in.
- Put the shrimp in a baking dish that can go in the microwave. Pour the butter mixture over the shrimp. Cover with a plate or plastic wrap. Microwave on high for three minutes, or until the shrimp are pink.
- Add more salt and half a lemon’s worth of juice to taste.
Why This Microwaved Garlic Shrimp Recipe Works
- This simple method is the quickest way to cook shrimp.
- Since no pots or pans are needed, there is very little cleanup and preparation time.
- Put extra food in the fridge to eat the next day or add to a Buddha Bowl!
How to Cook Shrimp in Microwave
Can you cook raw shrimp in a microwave?
1. Place the raw shrimp in a microwave-safe dish. 2. Season the shrimp with your desired spices or marinade. 3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. 4. Cook the shrimp on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. 5.
Can You reheat leftover shrimp in the microwave?
Yes, it is safe to reheat leftover shrimp in the microwave. Place the shrimp in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Reheat on high in 30-second intervals until the shrimp is heated through. Be sure to stir the shrimp between intervals to ensure even reheating.
Can You Nuke shrimp in the microwave?
One of the easiest methods of cooking just about anything is microwaving it. But can you nuke shrimp? It sounds too good to be true — but it isn’t. According to culinary experts, you absolutely can cook shrimp in the microwave as long as you follow a few key directions.
Can You microwave a shrimp boil?
No, it is not recommended to microwave a shrimp boil. Shrimp boils typically involve a combination of shrimp, corn, potatoes, and various seasonings, all of which require different cooking times and methods. Microwaving the entire shrimp boil would result in uneven cooking and potentially unsafe food temperatures.