The question of how to reheat shrimp without turning it into a rubbery mess is always a popular one!
Fear not, my seafood-loving friends, for this guide is here to help you through this treacherous journey.
First and foremost, let’s establish that reheating shrimp is a delicate art that requires finesse and patience.
Meaning you can’t just throw shrimp in the microwave and hope for the best. (Trust me, I’ve tried.)
So, what’s the best way to reheat shrimp? Well, there are a few methods to do it, depending on your preference and equipment.
No matter which way you choose, the key is to do it slowly and gently.
Treat those little crustaceans with care, and they’ll reward you with succulent goodness.
So, without further ado, let’s explore how to reheat shrimp in the following ways.
1. How to Reheat Shrimp on the Stovetop
One of the easiest ways to reheat shrimp is on the stovetop.
You can expect the final product to be juicy and delicious with no lack of moisture.
The stovetop method works especially well if you’re reheating shrimp solo without any other ingredients.
To start, find a saute pan or medium-sized pot, then fill it with around 2 inches of water or broth.
If you want to add even more flavor to your shrimp, toss in a pinch of salt or a splash of lemon juice to the liquid.
Bring the liquid to a near boil, being sure to take it off the heat right before it starts bubbling.
Dump your pre-cooked shrimp into the pan and let them lounge around in the hot water bath until they reach the desired temperature.
It will only take a minute or two.
Remove your little crustaceans, and voila! You have reheated shrimp, just as tasty as the first time around.
Now go forth and enjoy your shrimp like the shellfish connoisseur you are.
2. How to Reheat Shrimp in the Oven
If you have a large batch of shellfish to warm up or your stovetop is acting finicky, you can always reheat shrimp in the oven.
This method takes the longest but produces ultra-succulent shrimp in a snap.
First, preheat your oven to 300°F.
While your oven is warming up, find a rimmed sheet pan or baking dish and spread the little crustaceans in a single layer across the surface.
Dribble a couple of spoonfuls of water over the shrimp, then cover the pan snugly with tin foil.
Slide the little guys in the oven and wait around 10-15 minutes until they’re nice and warm.
Keep an eye on things, though.
You don’t want to leave your shrimp in there too long, or it’ll dry out faster than a fish out of water.
Have a heavy helping of yesterday’s pad thai or shrimp alfredo you’re trying to warm up?
Luckily, the oven method makes it easy to heat up leftovers, with one caveat.
You can technically slather everything on the sheet pan and stick it in the oven.
But the shrimp might dry out while the other ingredients are reheating.
If you can, try to separate the ingredients before warming everything up in the oven.
3. How to Reheat Shrimp in a Skillet
Reheating shrimp in the skillet is one of the best methods out there.
If you want to reheat a whole meal instead of the standalone shellfish, this technique works wonders.
First, you want to grab a skillet, non-stick preferably, because who wants to deal with stuck-on shrimp bits?
Melt a tablespoon of butter, then toss your shrimp into the skillet to soak up the buttery goodness.
Lower the heat and let them slowly warm up.
As they start to sizzle, add a splash of water, or broth.
Turn off the heat, then place a lid over the skillet for another minute to trap the moisture inside.
Remove the lid and finish with a squeeze of lemon. And that’s it!
You now have perfectly reheated shrimp that’s ready to be devoured.
Can You Reheat Shrimp in the Microwave?
You might be eyeing the microwave while holding your container of leftover Bang Bang shrimp.
I mean, sure, you can nuke shrimp. But the question is, should you?
Absolutely not, my friend.
Sure, it may be the quickest way to get your shrimp back to a warm temperature, but trust me, it’s not worth it.
Reheating shrimp in the microwave can leave it rubbery and tough, ruining all the delicious flavor and texture.
Plus, the smell that will waft through your kitchen will be enough to make your nose hairs curl.
Still, if you’re short on time, the trusty microwave might be the only option available to you.
If that’s the case, there are some preventative measures you can take to set your shellfish up for success.
Drizzle a few spoonfuls of water over the shrimp, or lie a damp paper towel on top to help lock in the moisture.
Reheat it for the shortest time possible- we’re talking 10-15 second increments.
When it’s done, inspect it and see if it needs another round of nuking.
If all else fails, you might just be better off eating it cold. Who needs warm shrimp anyway?
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Shrimp?
The best way to reheat shrimp is in a skillet.
It’s the easiest, fastest, and gives the shellfish a second life without sacrificing texture.
Plus, you can add more butter while using this method, adding moisture and flavor to every bite.
And let’s not forget, shrimp cooks in a flash. So why heat up the whole oven just to reheat a few pieces?
How Long Will Cooked Shrimp Last in the Fridge?
You might be wondering how long you can let your little crustaceans linger in the ice box.
If stored properly in an air-tight container, you can expect these little guys to last up to 4 days in the fridge.
(But if you’re like me, you’ll probably want to devour them within the first 24 hours.)
Tips and Tricks
Don’t think I left you alone in the dark.
Here are some of the best tips and tricks to help you along your shrimp reheating journey.
Only Reheat Shrimp Once
This might be a no-brainer, but since shrimp has such a delicate texture, it’s recommended to only reheat it once.
Warming it up more than once will deteriorate the quality of your shellfish and may even contaminate it.
So remember the golden rule when reheating shrimp: one and done.
Bring Your Shrimp to Room Temperature First
When you’re hungry, the last thing you want to do is let your leftover garlic butter shrimp reach room temperature before warming it up.
But I promise this small step will make a huge difference in the final product.
If your shrimp is too cold before reheating, it won’t warm up evenly.
When you toss one of these little guys in your mouth, you can expect some cold bits that quickly destroy your shrimp fantasy.
Do yourself a favor and let your crustaceans reach room temp.
Add Liquid
The secret to reheating shrimp without drying it out is simple, add liquid!
That’s right, a little bit of moisture can go a long way in reviving your leftover shrimp.
You can add a splash of water, broth, oil, or even some lemon juice to your pan before reheating.
Just be careful not to drown your shrimp in liquid, or you’ll end up with a soggy mess.
Avoid Overcooking
Don’t take your sweet time with the shrimp reheating process.
Keep a close eye on them and check them frequently.
As soon as those bad boys are hot to the touch, pull them off the heat.
Don’t be tempted to keep cooking them unless you want to end up with shrimp jerky.
How to Reheat Shrimp (3 Best Ways)
This guide for how to reheat shrimp will save you from a tough, rubbery meal! Learn 3 easy methods to use to successfully heat up your shrimp.
Ingredients
Leftover pre-cooked shrimp
1 tablespoon butter
1-2 tablespoons of water or broth
Splash lemon juice
Instructions
- Melt butter in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp, tossing them in the butter, then reduce the heat to medium.
- Add the water or broth to the pan, then cover. Let it steam for 60 seconds.
- Remove the lid, and add a splash of lemon juice. Bon appetit!
