How to Microwave Shrimp: A Simple Guide for Cooking Shrimp in the Microwave

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!.

Microwaving shrimp is a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious shrimp recipes without spending too much time cooking With just a few minutes in the microwave, you can have perfect shrimp ready to eat or add to your favorite dishes Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about how to cook shrimp in the microwave.

Why Cook Shrimp in the Microwave?

Cooking shrimp in the microwave offers several benefits:

It’s incredibly fast – shrimp can be cooked in just 2-5 minutes! No need to wait around for a skillet or pot to heat up.
It’s convenient – all you need is a microwave-safe dish, shrimp and a few seasonings. No extra tools or equipment required.
It’s easy to get consistent results – the microwave evenly cooks the shrimp, eliminating under or overcooked spots.
It retains moisture – the covered dish keeps shrimp tender and juicy as it cooks
It enhances flavors – shrimp cooked in its own juices absorbs seasoning and aromatics.
It requires minimal cleanup – with only one dish to wash afterward!
It’s versatile – microwaved shrimp can be used in a variety of recipes.

For quick weeknight meals, easy appetizers, or hassle-free entertaining, the microwave is ideal for cooking shrimp.

Tips for Microwaving Shrimp

Follow these simple tips for perfect microwave shrimp every time:

Choose fresh or thawed shrimp – Cooked frozen shrimp may turn out rubbery. Defrost frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge first.
Use raw, peeled shrimp – The shells can interfere with thorough, even cooking. Save the shells for stock.
Arrange in a single layer – This ensures the shrimp cook evenly. Avoid overcrowding.
Season as desired – Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, Old Bay, lemon-pepper, etc.
Add a pat of butter – This keeps the shrimp moist and adds richness of flavor.
Use a microwave-safe dish – A casserole dish or steamer works well, along with a lid or plastic wrap.
Cover for cooking – The lid or plastic wrap traps steam to evenly cook the shrimp. Vent to let excess steam escape.
Cook for 2-5 minutes – The cooking time depends on the amount and size of the shrimp.
Allow to rest – Let the shrimp sit covered for 1-2 minutes before serving.
Check for doneness – Shrimp should be pink and opaque when cooked through.

Step-by-Step Microwave Shrimp Recipe

This easy recipe walks you through exactly how to cook shrimp in the microwave for perfect results every time.

Ingredients:

1 pound peeled, deveined raw shrimp
2 tbsp butter, melted
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 1⁄2 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or any seafood seasoning blend)
Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
Place shrimp in a single layer in a microwave-safe dish. Pour melted butter and lemon juice over shrimp. Sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning.
Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap, venting one corner. Microwave on HIGH for 3 minutes.
Carefully remove dish, stir shrimp, and re-cover. Microwave for 2 more minutes, until shrimp are opaque.
Let shrimp stand, covered, for 2 minutes to complete cooking.
Transfer shrimp to a serving plate. Garnish with lemon wedges. Enjoy immediately!

The shrimp can be served as-is, added to salads, pasta dishes, tacos, or any recipe calling for cooked shrimp. Adjust cook times as needed for larger shrimp or more shrimp.

Flavor Variations

Customize your microwave shrimp with globally inspired herbs, spices, and flavor combinations:

Lemon-Garlic: Fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley
Cajun: Cayenne, paprika, oregano, thyme
Thai: Chili paste, ginger, lime, cilantro
Mexican: Chili powder, cumin, lime, cilantro
Italian: Basil, oregano, parsley, garlic
Jerk: Jerk seasoning, allspice, thyme

Experiment with your favorite flavors to put a delicious twist on quick and easy microwave shrimp.

Handy Tips for microwave Shrimp Success

For extra tender shrimp, add a splash of beer or wine to the cooking liquid.
Veggie stock, clam juice, or seafood stock can be used instead of water.
Stir in a dollop of pesto or hummus for bonus flavor.
Swap the butter for olive oil for a lighter option.
Undercook the shrimp by 30 seconds if adding to pasta or stir fries.
For a spicy kick, toss cooked shrimp with hot sauce.
Skewer and grill the cooked shrimp for charred, smoky flavor.
Chill cooked shrimp to use in shrimp cocktails, salads, and apps.

Common Microwave Shrimp Questions

If you’re new to cooking shrimp in the microwave, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

How long should I microwave shrimp?

Small shrimp: 2-3 minutes
Medium shrimp: 3-4 minutes
Large/jumbo shrimp: 4-5 minutes

Should the shrimp be thawed or frozen?

For best results, thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge before cooking. The microwave can partially cook frozen shrimp before the inside is done.

Is it necessary to peel the shrimp first?

Yes, peel and devein the shrimp prior to cooking for even cooking. The shells may interfere with thorough cooking.

Should I cover the dish when microwaving?

Covering the dish is important to trap steam and cook the shrimp evenly. Vent one corner so excess steam can escape.

How can I tell when the shrimp is cooked through?

Check that the shrimp have turned pink/orange and are opaque throughout. Undercooked shrimp will still be semi-translucent.

Why are my microwaved shrimp tough?

Overcooking is the main reason for rubbery shrimp. Use suggested cook times and don’t microwave extra long.

Can I reheat leftover microwaved shrimp?

Yes, leftovers can be covered and reheated at 50% power for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. Add a splash of liquid to prevent overcooking.

Delicious Ways to Enjoy Microwave Shrimp

Here are just a few of the many possibilities for using cooked microwave shrimp:

Shrimp tacos or burritos with all the fixings
Shrimp salad with veggies, greens, and vinaigrette
Garlic butter shrimp pasta or stir fry
Shrimp cocktail with zesty cocktail sauce
Shrimp quesadillas, fajitas, or enchiladas
Shrimp & grits with bacon and cheese
Shrimp fried rice or pad thai
Quick shrimp soup or chowder
Shrimp po’ boy or banh mi sandwich
Shrimp and veggie kabobs
Easy shrimp pizza or nachos

Microwaving shrimp makes it easy to incorporate more seafood into your diet and explore new recipes!

Cooking shrimp in the microwave is truly fast, unfussy, and convenient while still producing deliciously juicy, flavorful shrimp. With the right techniques and a microwave-safe vessel, you can skip dirtying multiple pans and waiting for the stove or oven. Simple seasonings and aromatics pair well with microwave shrimp, so you can experiment with global flavors. In just a few minutes, a nutrition-packed protein is ready to eat on its own or use in recipes. Hopefully this guide has demystified the ease of microwaving shrimp to enjoy anytime!

how to microwave shrimp

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!

Ingredients For Easy Microwave Garlic Shrimp Recipe

- Shrimp
- Butter
- Garlic Cloves
- Fresh Parsley
- Salt
- Lemon

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 one eat raw shrimps?

While raw shrimp or shrimp sashimi can be consumed safely, raw shrimp is considered a high-risk food because it can harbour harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and various Vibrio bacteria. Although some people consider the seafood used in ceviche raw, it is actually cooked by immersing it in an acid rather than using heat. The acid from the citrus can reduce harmful bacteria but it is not as effective as using heat. The safest approach would be to consume only cooked shrimp from a reliable source. The US Food and Drug Administration(FDA) advises that pregnant women, those with weakened immunity, older adults, and young children are at higher risk of foodborne illness and its consequences and should avoid all raw seafood.

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.

How long do you microwave frozen shrimp?

When microwaving shrimp, the cooking time will vary based on the size of the shrimp. Small shrimp may only need 1-2 minutes, while larger shrimp can take 3-4 minutes to cook through. Can I microwave frozen shrimp? While it is possible to microwave frozen shrimp, it’s generally best to use fresh or thawed shrimp for more consistent results.