The Best Way To Reheat Shrimp Without Drying It Out

Most people have experienced the disappointment of rubbery, overcooked shrimp, particularly when it comes to heating up leftovers. Taking the right approach is crucial, in this case, as defrosting frozen shrimp prior to reheating can help you avoid unwanted rubbery textures while maintaining optimum juiciness. The best defrosting method for frozen shrimp is the fridge, as the appliance allows frozen items to safely defrost.

For the best results, allow shrimp to sit in the refrigerator overnight, as you can rest assured it'll be fully thawed by dinner time the following day. Once defrosted, toss the shrimp into a pan with a little fat, either butter or olive oil, depending on your preference, and heat the shrimp until they reach the optimal temperature. Don't leave it too long, or your smart defrosting technique will be for not, as your shrimp is likely to turn to rubber again. While this method is ideal for reheating frozen shrimp while ensuring it remains moist and juicy, you must employ other methods for other shrimp preparations.

Surprisingly, the microwave is a perfect cooking tool when it comes to heating up boiled shrimp. Not only will this method allow you to avoid a rubbery, unpalatable meal, but this technique also enables you to cook up some shrimp in a hurry. Grab a container that can be used in the microwave, and be sure to choose one with an accompanying lid. Layer your individual shrimps on the bottom of the container, making sure they're lying flat.

Now, take a little water and add it to the container, then cover and microwave for about two minutes. The combination of water and covered container allow the boiled shrimp to reheat in a steamy environment. This steam will bring the shrimp to the proper temperature and infuse them with moisture to ensure a juicy, toothsome meal. In the event you're lucky enough to have some leftover shrimp scampi you want to reheat, there's a third method to add to your convenient cooking arsenal.

Shrimp scampi is a tasty dish consisting of the eponymous shellfish, as well as pasta and seasonings like garlic and lemon. When reheating the dish, you'll want to use your oven to warm up both the seafood and the pasta simultaneously, as well as any other additions depending on your shrimp scampi recipe. Although you can do the same in a skillet, using the oven is a little less labor-intensive and can help you achieve the perfect texture for your shrimp and pasta.

Get started by setting the oven to 275 degrees. While you wait for the oven to heat up, grab your favorite casserole dish and use butter to grease it, spreading a thin layer of butter over the bottom. Next, take your shrimp scampi and add it to the dish, then sprinkle some water over it. Cover the dish with its lid or some aluminum foil if it doesn't have a lid. Then place it inside the oven. It should take about ten minutes for the dish to reach the desired temperature, but you can make certain by checking the internal temperature of the shrimp, which, according to the USDA, shellfish should be at least 145 degrees. At this point, you can enjoy a delicious, gourmet meal that hits all the right notes.