Want to know the best way to reheat cooked shrimp so that it keeps its delicious taste and texture? Reheating shrimp can be tricky, but don’t worry! We’ll talk about the five easiest and most effective ways to reheat cooked shrimp so that they stay juicy and mouthwateringly delicious.
If youre looking for Shrimp recipes you can find some Filipino-inspired dishes using shrimp here on my blog. Some of our fan favorites are Garlic Butter Shrimp and Dynamite Shrimp. [feast_advanced_jump_to].
Shrimp is one of my favorite proteins to cook. It’s quick, easy, and versatile – perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu guests. But I often find myself with leftovers after preparing a big batch. Which leaves me wondering: can you reheat shrimp without ruining the texture and flavor?
The short answer is yes, you can reheat shrimp if you use the right method. But there are also some wrong ways that will dry it out and turn it rubbery. In this guide, I’ll share the do’s and don’ts of reheating shrimp, along with my top reheating methods. Read on for tips to revive leftover shrimp!
The Cardinal Rules of Reheating Shrimp
Before we get into specific reheating techniques let’s establish some cardinal rules
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Only reheat shrimp once – Reheating shrimp more than once causes the texture to break down. For food safety, only reheat leftover shrimp one time.
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Don’t overcook – Shrimp cooks very quickly and can go from succulent to rubbery in an instant When reheating, remove from heat as soon as it’s hot
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Add moisture – A splash of broth, oil, or lemon juice helps keep reheated shrimp from drying out.
Follow those principles, and you’ll be well on your way to reheating shrimp successfully! Now let’s look at the best techniques.
Skillet
My favorite way to reheat shrimp is in a skillet on the stovetop. Here’s how:
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Heat a drizzle of oil or pat of butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
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Add the raw shrimp and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until opaque and warmed through.
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Splash in a little lemon juice, broth, or white wine to add moisture.
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Remove from heat immediately when the shrimp is hot.
The skillet allows you to reheat the shrimp quickly while adding extra flavor. Just be sure not to overcook it!
Oven
The oven is great for reheating a big batch of shrimp without overcrowding a skillet. Follow these steps:
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Preheat oven to 300°F.
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Spread shrimp on a baking sheet in a single layer.
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Lightly drizzle shrimp with oil or butter and a spoonful of water or broth.
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Cover pan tightly with foil and bake 10-15 minutes.
The steam created from the foil cover helps keep the shrimp moist in the oven. Check it frequently to avoid overbaking.
Stovetop Poaching
For plain shrimp with no sauce or veggies, try poaching:
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Heat 2 cups broth, wine, or water to a bare simmer in a skillet.
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Remove from heat and add shrimp.
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Cover and let sit 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
The hot poaching liquid gently heats the shrimp without overcooking it. The broth or wine adds extra flavor as well.
Microwave (Not Recommended)
While you can reheat shrimp in the microwave, I don’t recommend it. The shrimp is likely to turn out rubbery and dried out. But if you must microwave, follow these precautions:
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Arrange shrimp in a single layer on a microwave-safe dish.
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Add a few drops of water or lemon juice.
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Cover with a damp paper towel.
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Microwave in 15 second intervals, checking frequently.
Even with these preventative measures, the texture will suffer. Use the microwave as an absolute last resort!
What Not to Do When Reheating Shrimp
Now that we’ve covered the right ways to reheat shrimp, let’s quickly go over what not to do:
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Don’t reheat shrimp on high heat – This overcooks the shrimp and dries it out. Always use medium-low heat.
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Don’t crowd the pan – Too many shrimp steaming can make them soggy. Give them space to reheat evenly.
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Avoid direct heat methods like grilling or broiling – These will turn shrimp tough and rubbery. Opt for gentle reheating methods.
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Don’t reheat cooked shrimp more than once – Multiple reheats deteriorate the texture. Only reheat leftovers once.
Follow those don’ts, and your shrimp will come out tender and moist time after time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reheating shrimp may seem tricky, but have no fear – I have answers to all your burning questions:
How do you reheat fried shrimp?
Fried shrimp requires gentler reheating methods. Try poaching in hot broth or oil to re-crisp the coating without overcooking the shrimp.
Can you reheat leftover shrimp Alfredo?
Yes, leftover sauced shrimp dishes like Alfredo reheat well in the oven or saucepan over low heat. The sauce helps keep the shrimp moist.
Is it safe to reheat fast food shrimp?
Shrimp from fast food likely contains preservatives allowing 1-2 safe reheats. Follow standard reheating guidelines, using the microwave or oven for fast food shrimp.
What is the best way to reheat shrimp?
The best way to reheat shrimp is in a skillet on the stovetop. The direct heat allows you to quickly warm the shrimp while adding extra flavor.
How long does cooked shrimp last in the fridge?
Cooked shrimp will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Reheat within that time frame for the best quality and food safety.
Revive Leftover Shrimp with Ease
Using the right reheating method, you can give leftover shrimp new life! Avoid rubbery overcooked shrimp with gentle stovetop, oven, or poaching techniques. The next time you’re left with extra shrimp, revive it with these handy tips. Just follow the shrimp reheating commandments: reheat gently, add moisture, and stop before it’s overdone.
Method 3: The Oven Reheating
When you have a lot of shrimp, the oven is a great way to make sure they are all heated through. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. To keep them moist, add a splash of water and cover with more foil. Heat for 10 to 15 minutes. This method is ideal for shrimp scampi, shrimp alfredo, sheet-pan shrimp fajitas, or this recipe for P. F. Changs Dynamite Shrimp.
Method 5: The Skillet Sizzle
The skillet method is the best way to add extra flavor to shrimp that has already been cooked. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of water or olive oil. Place the shrimp in a single layer and sauté for 1-2 minutes until theyre heated through. If you have shrimp left over from a one-pot garlicky shrimp recipe like this one for Garlic Butter Shrimp with Sprite, this is a great way to use them.