Can You Microwave Shrimp? A Detailed Guide on Reheating Shrimp in the Microwave

Shrimp is one of my favorite proteins to cook with. It’s tasty, versatile, and cooks up quickly. However, I don’t always end up eating all of the shrimp I cook right away. This leaves me with leftovers that need reheating. But can you microwave previously cooked shrimp? Or does reheating shrimp in the microwave make it rubbery and weird?

I did some research on the science behind microwaving shrimp as well as asked fellow shrimp lovers their thoughts. Keep reading to find out if microwaving shrimp is a do or a don’t.

The Science Behind Microwaving Shrimp

First, let’s look at why shrimp can get rubbery and strange when you microwave it.

Shrimp is made up of proteins that are bundled up in long, coil-like structures. When shrimp is cooked for the first time, these proteins start to denature and unwind from their coils. This changes the texture, making the shrimp firm up.

If you overcook the shrimp, the proteins can unwind too much and link together into a tight matrix. This makes the shrimp tough and rubbery.

When you go to reheat previously cooked shrimp in the microwave, these proteins are already partially denatured from the initial cooking. Microwaving them again causes the proteins to bind together even tighter, exacerbating the rubbery texture.

So the science shows that microwaving shrimp can absolutely make it rubbery. But is it guaranteed to happen every time?

Real-Life Experiences with Microwaving Shrimp

To get first-hand accounts I asked shrimp lovers on Reddit if they microwave leftover shrimp and how it turns out. The responses were split down the middle.

Some people said that yes, microwaving shrimp makes it unpleasantly rubbery and they’d never do it. But an equal number said that microwaving shrimp works fine as long as you’re careful about cook times and power levels.

Those who successfully microwave shrimp offered the following tips:

• Use lower power, like 50% instead of full power. This more gently reheats the shrimp without overcooking.

• Only microwave the shrimp for short bursts of 20-30 seconds at a time. Check and stir in between.

• Add a damp paper towel over the shrimp to prevent it from drying out while microwaving.

• If reheating shrimp fried rice, stir in a splash of water before microwaving to steam it back to life.

• Don’t reheat an entire platter of shrimp. Microwave single servings so there’s less chance of uneven cooking.

• Accept that the texture will never be quite as perfect as the just-cooked shrimp. The microwave reheats nicely but doesn’t completely reverse the protein changes.

Best Practices for Microwaving Shrimp

After compiling both the science and the first-hand experiences, I came up with these best practices for microwaving shrimp:

• Use fresh, properly stored shrimp. Shrimp that’s been in the fridge too long will never reheat well.

• Remove the tails before storing or freeze shrimp without tails. The thin tails overcook easily.

• Only microwave chilled or fully frozen shrimp. Don’t microwave partially thawed shrimp.

• Arrange shrimp in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. No piles or mounds.

• Microwave at 50% power in 30 second bursts, stirring between each.

• Check every few bursts and stop when shrimp are hot throughout. Discard any with rubber bands.

• Use a paper towel or plastic cover to prevent drying out. Add a splash of water or broth if reheating shrimp fried rice.

• Only microwave what you plan to eat right away, not the whole batch.

• Season just before eating, not before reheating, to prevent rubberiness from salt.

Should You Even Bother Microwaving Shrimp?

After all this, is microwaving shrimp even worth it? Or should you just recook it another way?

Honestly, it depends on the context:

• For shrimp cocktail or a few shrimp on a salad, just cook fresh. The microwave will ruin the texture.

• For shrimp fried rice or a stir fry, the microwave works fine for convenience. Other ingredients mask small texture flaws.

• For a shrimp-focused dish like garlic shrimp or scampi, consider a quick stovetop reheat instead of using the microwave.

So in some cases, the microwave may still be the easiest option for leftover shrimp. Just avoid using it for dishes where the shrimp itself is the star of the show.

The most foolproof method is to intentionally undercook the shrimp when you make it the first time. That way, when you reheat it later, you have some wiggle room to preserve the texture.

It takes trial and error to find the ideal microwave times for your particular appliance. But with some strategic shrimp science, you can absolutely microwave leftover shrimp without it turning into a rubbery mess.

Have you tried microwaving shrimp? How did it turn out? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions about Microwaving Shrimp

Microwaving shrimp is controversial. Some people swear it ruins the texture, while others say it’s fine if done carefully. Here are answers to some common questions about reheating shrimp in the microwave.

Why does shrimp get rubbery in the microwave?

Shrimp contains bundled proteins that unwind and link up when cooked. Microwaving previously cooked shrimp causes these proteins to bind even tighter, resulting in a rubbery texture.

What are some tips for microwaving shrimp?

Use lower power, microwave in short bursts, stir between bursts, prevent drying out, and don’t reheat a large batch at once. Accept that the texture won’t be quite as good as just-cooked.

Should you remove the tails before microwaving shrimp?

Yes, remove tails before storing or freezing shrimp for later reheating. The thin tails overcook easily in the microwave.

Is it safe to eat reheated microwaved shrimp?

It is safe as long as the shrimp was fresh, stored properly, and cooked to the proper internal temperature both initially and after reheating. Follow the microwave best practices.

What’s the best way to reheat shrimp?

For dishes where shrimp is the star, stovetop reheating is best. But for fried rice and stir fries, the microwave works fine when done carefully. Avoid reheating large shrimp cocktail plates.

Can you reheat cooked shrimp from frozen?

Only microwave shrimp that is fully frozen or fully thawed. Partially frozen shrimp will cook unevenly in the microwave. Defrost first for even reheating.

Should you season shrimp before or after microwaving?

Season just before eating, not before reheating. Salt can make the proteins bind even tighter, worsening microwave rubberiness.

Is microwaved shrimp safe to eat when pregnant?

As long as it was fresh, properly cooked, and reheated to 165°F, microwaved shrimp is safe for pregnancy. Follow microwave best practices and reheat fully.

Reheating shrimp in the microwave can work but requires care. With the right techniques, you can enjoy convenient leftover shrimp without it turning rubbery and weird!