As a busy home cook, I’m always looking for quick and easy ways to prepare tasty meals for my family. And one shortcut I rely on is cooking frozen shrimp in the microwave. It’s so fast and convenient!
Microwaved shrimp turns out plump and flavorful in a fraction of the time it takes to cook on the stovetop. No need to hassle with thawing or messy pans. With just a few minutes in the microwave you can enjoy succulent shrimp for a weeknight dinner easy lunch, or impromptu appetizer.
In this article, I’ll share my tips and tricks for microwave-cooking frozen shrimp. You’ll learn how long to cook shrimp based on the amount, plus my favorite seasoning ideas and serving suggestions. Let’s unlock the secret to amazing shrimp meals from your microwave!
Why Cook Frozen Shrimp in the Microwave?
Microwaving is my go-to method for preparing frozen shrimp. Here are some of the benefits that make it so appealing:
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Fast cooking times – Shrimp cooks through in just 2-4 minutes per 1/2 pound. Perfect for busy nights when you need dinner ASAP.
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No thawing required – You can skip the hours of thawing and cook directly from frozen. Makes meals even more last-minute friendly.
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Tender, moist texture – The rapid heating helps shrimp stay tender and juicy, not rubbery.
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Easy cleanup – With minimal prep and no need to dirty pots or pans, cleanup’s a breeze.
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Energy efficient – Microwaves use less electricity than stoves and ovens. An eco-plus!
With so many advantages, it’s easy to see why microwave cooking is ideal for frozen shrimp.
Step-By-Step Guide for Microwaving Shrimp
Follow these simple steps for perfect shrimp every time:
1. Rinse and Pat Dry
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Rinse frozen shrimp under cool water to remove ice crystals. This prevents splattering during cooking.
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Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Excess moisture leads to steaming versus heating.
2. Arrange in a Single Layer
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Place shrimp in a single layer on a microwave-safe dish. Overcrowding causes uneven cooking.
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Use a shallow dish so shrimp heat through from the top and bottom.
3. Season Generously
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Season shrimp with desired spices, herbs, garlic, or citrus before cooking. This adds lots of flavor.
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Try a spritz of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Microwave on High
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Cook shrimp for 2-4 minutes per 1/2 pound, depending on your microwave’s wattage.
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For a 1000W microwave, cook for 2 1/2 minutes per 1/2 pound. Adjust time as needed.
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Watch carefully to avoid overcooking. Shrimp should be opaque and firm when done.
5. Allow Resting Time
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Let shrimp stand for 1-2 minutes before serving. This finishes the cooking process gently.
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Be very careful when removing the hot dish from the microwave. Use oven mitts.
And your juicy, delicious microwave shrimp are ready to be devoured!
Handy Tips for Microwaving Shrimp
Here are some top tips to take your microwaved shrimp to the next level:
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Use peeled, deveined shrimp to save peeling time after cooking.
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Partially thaw very large shrimp before cooking for more even results.
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Stir or rearrange shrimp halfway through for the most uniform doneness.
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Tent with a paper towel or microwave cover to prevent splatter.
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Undercook slightly, then let stand to finish cooking without overdrying.
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Add a tablespoon of liquid like lemon juice, wine, or broth for extra moisture.
Flavorful Seasonings for Microwaved Shrimp
One of the best parts of cooking shrimp in the microwave is that you can add lots of flavor before cooking.
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Lemon Pepper – For bright, zesty flavor, coat shrimp with olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and cracked pepper.
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Italian Herbs – A drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of Italian seasoning, parsley, and Parmesan makes a tasty Italian-style shrimp.
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Cajun Spice – For heat and flair, toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Teriyaki – For Asian flavor, marinate shrimp briefly in a teriyaki sauce and sesame oil mixture before microwaving.
Let your creativity run wild and get inspired with global flavors! The microwave lets you infuse shrimp with lots of taste in mere minutes.
Simple Serving Suggestions for Microwaved Shrimp
Thanks to its versatility, microwave-cooked shrimp shines in all kinds of dishes:
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Toss with pasta, olive oil, and veggies for easy shrimp pasta primavera.
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Pile into tacos, lettuce wraps, or quesadillas for quick shrimp tacos.
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Serve over grits or polenta for a flavorful brunch or lunch.
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Mix into rice along with frozen vegetables for fast shrimp fried rice.
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Add to salads, soups, omelets, sandwiches – the possibilities are endless!
Microwaved shrimp also makes great appetizers. Skewer for shrimp cocktail or serve chilled with a spicy dipping sauce. Quick and impressive!
Enjoy Fast, Delicious Meals with Microwave Shrimp
As you can see, cooking frozen shrimp in the microwave is a total game changer for easy, tasty meals. In just minutes, you can have juicy, flavorful shrimp ready to be turned into anything from weeknight dinners to party appetizers.
I hope these tips help you see just how handy your microwave can be for fuss-free shrimp dishes. No more thawing and waiting – let your microwave unlock speedy shrimp joy!
What are your favorite ways to prepare microwaved shrimp? Share your quick and creative ideas in the comments!
The Benefits of Microwaving Frozen Shrimp
Microwaving frozen shrimp offers a range of benefits that make it an enticing choice for busy cooks:
- Time-saving: Microwaving only takes a small amount of time compared to other ways of cooking.
- Easy: You don’t have to defrost the shrimp ahead of time, which saves you time while you’re cooking.
- Preserved Taste and Texture: Microwaving shrimp helps keep its natural flavor and soft texture.
- Saves energy: Using the microwave instead of the stove uses less energy.
Explore More Delicious Shrimp Recipes
Now that you know how to cook frozen shrimp in the microwave, you can jump right into trying out a bunch of different tasty recipes that use this skill. There are a lot of different flavors in these dishes, from the simple Quick and Easy Microwave Shrimp Fried Rice to the fancy Classic Microwave Shrimp Scampi. You can make them for any event. The Speedy Microwave Shrimp Tacos are a great choice for a quick weeknight dinner because they are easy to make and taste great. If you want something a little different, the Exotic Coconut Curry Shrimp Microwave Recipe is a great mix of flavors that is sure to please. These recipes not only save time but also allow you to enjoy gourmet-style meals right from your microwave. Share your tips and tricks for cooking frozen shrimp in the microwave in our.
How do you cook frozen shrimps in the microwave?
How do you cook shrimp in a microwave?
Choose the Right Container: Select a microwave-safe dish that allows the shrimp to lay flat in a single layer. This ensures even cooking and optimal results. Add Flavor: Enhance the taste of your shrimp by seasoning them with your favorite spices and herbs.
Can You microwave frozen shrimp?
To recap: To microwave frozen raw shrimp, defrost them by microwaving on the defrost setting for 3-4 minutes per pound, then cook on high for an additional 4-5 minutes. For frozen cooked shrimp, just heat them on the microwave’s high setting for 1-2 minutes till warm enough, since they are already cooked and only need to be warmed through.
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.
How do you defrost shrimp in a microwave?
Place the dish in the microwave and heat in the defrosting mode for short intervals of 30 seconds each, leaving a gap of 10 more seconds between each heating session. Check the shrimp repeatedly, making sure to stir if needed.