I used to think shrimp dishes cannot be reheated; but, I found out that there are simple ways on how to reheat shrimp so, and to make sure that they are not overcooked or spoiled.
Shrimp dishes are my kids’ favorite. Regardless of how shrimps have been prepared, my kids will definitely eat them down to the bones. However, as a pretty occupied mother, I cannot prepare these dishes all the time. We all know how time-consuming these meals could be!
So, to come up with a compromise, I usually cook my shrimp dishes in large batches. At least, I just need to reheat them every time my kids want some. Considering that shrimps are seafood though, they require our attention in order for them not to go to waste.
A lot of parents would rather not cook shrimps, especially if they do not have the time to keep these dishes fresh and flavorful. Here is the good news for you! You can simply do what I do— preparing them in large batches, and just preserving and reheating them properly.
Let me show you how to reheat shrimp in four easy methods. These include the following:
Table of Contents
#1. How To Reheat Shrimp Using The Microwave
When you hear the word “reheat”, the microwave is usually the first thing in mind. However, there are some moms who have doubts about using the microwave to reheat shrimp dishes. I should know, because I had the same doubts, too.
Eventually, I overcame my fear of using the microwave to reheat cooked shrimps I set aside for future consumption. It was after finding out that you only have to do it properly, in order to avoid spoiling the food. In fact, it is the fastest and simplest way to reheat shrimp dishes.
So, how do I do it?
First, I place the shrimps on a microwave-friendly container. I sprinkle this layer with a small amount of water. Then, I cover it with a plastic wrap. Alternatively, you may use any microwave-friendly cover or lid. Your food is now ready to be reheated in the microwave!
Remember to use high settings. As much as possible, you would not want the dish to stay in the microwave for more than two minutes. However, if after reheating it for two minutes, it is still a bit cold, you may place it back in the microwave. Reheat for another minute.
Just like that, your shrimps will be ready. Let them cool for a few minutes after taking them out from the microwave.
STERLING LOPEZ: Do not use plastic containers and covers or lids when reheating shrimps. These are not microwave-friendly because they melt easily when exposed to high temperatures.
#2. How To Reheat Using The Oven
Using the oven is perfect for reheating shrimp dishes with dried ingredients such as bread, coconut, among others. It helps maintain the crunch and prevents the food from becoming soggy. My kids are really choosy when it comes to food; so, it is really important for me to keep the shrimps fresh even if they have been in the fridge for days.
To reheat shrimp dishes using the oven, you need to preheat it at 300°F before anything else. While it is preheating, wrap the shrimps in an aluminum foil. Then, place them on the oven tray.
Put the oven tray inside and let the shrimps cook for up to 15 minutes. You would not want to go beyond the 15-minute time limit. Otherwise, you would be overcooking your dish, spoiling the entire reheated batch.
Check the shrimps every now and then. In most cases, they are reheated in less than 15 minutes.
Once you are satisfied with the result, take them out. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving them to your kids.
#3. How To Reheat Shrimp Using The Skillet
The skillet is suitable for reheating shrimps without dried ingredients. If you have plain, cooked shrimps, then this is your best option.
For this method, start off by heating the skillet. Once it is hot evenly, apply a very thin amount of liquid oil on it. Spray oil is not recommended; but, you may use it as an alternative or last resort.
Once the oil is hot enough, place the shrimps on the skillet evenly. Cook them for at least three minutes on each side. Do not forget to flip them. This is to avoid overcooking, and having to compensate for it by undercooking the other side.
On the other hand, butter may also be used as an alternative for liquid oil. This will help improve the flavor of your shrimp dish. You may also apply butter on your dishes when reheating using all other methods. Also, it works especially if you are trying to fix or enhance your dish.
Speaking of improving flavor, fresh lemon squeeze also works its magic on shrimp dishes. Before reheating your shrimps using any method, you can apply fresh lemon squeeze on them for a tastier delight.
Trick: Before reheating your shrimps using any method, you can apply fresh lemon squeeze on them for a tastier delight.
#4. How To Reheat Shrimp Using The Steamer
The steamer is a great choice for preserving the flavor of your shrimp dishes. Actually, you can reheat shrimp dishes of all kinds with this method. The only exception goes for those with dried ingredients such as bread, coconut, and the likes. It is not a great idea to use a steamer for these dishes because you will only end up with a soggy meal.
For this method, begin by filling a pot with water. Then, place the steamer insert inside this pot. Once all set, you may place the shrimps in the steamer insert. Keep in mind that you have to place them as far as possible from the water.
As the water boils, the steamer reheats the shrimps. Once you have achieved your desired results, you may take out the dish from the steamer insert. Set it aside and let it cool for a few minutes.
Tips
Make sure that the shrimps are spaced evenly . They tend to become soggy when they are overcrowded.
To Wrap It Up…
Reheating shrimps is not that hard! As you have seen in our discussion today, there are four ways on how to reheat shrimp, which are the following:
- Microwave method;
- Oven method;
- Skillet method; and
- Steamer method
Of course, before reheating, make sure that your dishes have undergone proper and sufficient thawing process. You would not want your shrimps to be warm on the surface, but have these cold spots once you bite on them. That is just uncomfortable!
Also, do not reheat a shrimp dish more than once. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you reheat only what you can consume at a time. Reheating food more than once has a lot of disadvantages such as flavor lost and food contamination.
Remember:
Also, do not reheat a shrimp dish more than once. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you reheat only what you can consume at a time. Reheating food more than once has a lot of disadvantages such as flavor lost and food contamination.
Are there any other ways on how you reheat shrimp dishes at home? I would love to hear from you!
Related Tips and Tricks from TheWiseMum Lists:
