Can You Cook Frozen Shrimp in the Microwave?

Frozen shrimp can be a quick and easy option to add seafood to your dinner. There are a lot of questions that come up when it comes to cooking shrimp.

But can you cook frozen shrimp in the microwave? There is no direct answer to this question. Most people will answer that you don’t need to cook frozen shrimp in the microwave. It would make them dry, hard, and rubbery. 

However, you can thaw them overnight or run them under a cold trap. After that, you can cook them in the microwave.

Many people don’t know if they can cook frozen shrimp in the microwave. Some of them believe that because shrimp are small, they can be cooked in the microwave without any problems.

However, there are a few reasons why you should follow some steps to cook frozen shrimp in the microwave.

Reasons Why You Should Not Cook Frozen Shrimp in the Microwave

The first reason is that you don’t actually need a microwave to defrost your cooked or undercooked shrimp. If they are cooked and frozen, microwaving them will make them overcooked.

The second reason is that microwaving food can cause it to become dry. This is because of the way microwaves cook food, which can cause the outside of the shrimp to be more cooked while the inside remains raw.

And the third reason is that microwaving can cause seafood to taste rubbery or fishy. This is because microwaves destroy the delicate flavor and texture of seafood.

LEARN MORE: Can You Cook Ground Beef In The Microwave?

How to Cook Frozen Shrimp in the Microwave

Though cooking seafood in the microwave is not a sensible choice especially if it’s shrimp. But if you have decided to give it a try then just be sure to follow these tips:

• Place the frozen shrimp in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate.
• Cook the shrimp for two to three minutes, or until they are cooked through.
• For large shrimp, cook for three to four minutes.
• Turn the shrimp over halfway through the cooking time so they will cook evenly

LEARN MORE: Does A Microwave Cook From The Inside Out?

Get the Best Results if You Decide to Cook Frozen Shrimp in the Microwave

If you do choose to microwave your shrimp, here are some tips for cooking them properly:

• Use a large bowl or plate with high sides so that the water will not boil over.
• Add salt and pepper to taste before microwaving. Do this after you’ve placed the shrimp in the microwave but before turning it on! This helps preserve their flavor.
• Cook for about five minutes on high, rotating the bowl every minute or so.
• If your shrimp are still frozen in the center, cook them for a little longer until they are cooked through.
• In the case of frozen shrimps, add 1 teaspoon liquid (e.g. water, chicken stock, soy sauce) every 8oz of shrimp. This will enhance the flavor. It’s possible that you’ll need to extend the cooking time.
• Add salt and pepper again after taking them out of the microwave if desired.

LEARN MORE: Does Microwave Cooking Change The Taste Of Food?

Other Ways to Cook Frozen Shrimp Without the Microwave

There are other ways to cook frozen shrimp without using a microwave. You can steam them, boil them, or even bake them.

All of these methods are relatively simple and will result in delicious, cooked shrimp. Just be sure to follow the directions carefully so that your shrimp turn out perfect every time.

Steaming

If you’re looking for an easy and faster way to cook your shrimp, steaming is a great option. To steam your shrimp, all you need is a pot with a tight-fitting lid and some water.

Place the frozen shrimp in the pot, cover it with water, bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the shrimp simmer for five to seven minutes.

Once they’re cooked through, remove them from the pot and serve immediately.

Boiling

If you’d rather boil your frozen shrimp than steam them, it’s easy to do. Just place a pot of water on the stovetop and bring it to a boil. Add your shrimp to the water and let them cook for two to three minutes.

Once they’re done cooking, remove them from the pot with a slotted spoon or strainer and serve immediately.

Baking

If you have a little bit more time on your hands, baking is another excellent way to cook frozen shrimp without using a microwave.

Just place a baking sheet in the oven and preheat it to 425 degrees. Arrange your frozen shrimp on the pan, and brush them with some melted butter or oil.

Bake for five minutes at 425 degrees, then turn down the heat to 375 degrees and continue cooking for another five minutes.

Once they’re done cooking, remove them from the oven and serve immediately.

All of these methods will be a better and more convenient option than microwaving your shrimps!

LEARN MORE: Is Microwave Sensor Cooking Worth It?

Conclusion

There are plenty of ways to cook frozen shrimp without using a microwave. So if you’re looking for a different way to prepare your seafood, give one of these methods a try.

But again, despite some potential problems, microwaving shrimp is a different way than regular methods if you follow some tricks.

Whether it is cooked frozen or uncooked, you have to be very cautious about not making them overcooked.