Do you know how to reheat steamed shrimps?
Steaming shrimps is arguably the best way to enjoy this amazing seafood. Few things compare to those pink, tender and crisp pieces of shrimp straight out of a steamer basket.
You may think that once steamed, you have to consume all the shrimps as soon as possible, as reheating them may be difficult and would result in bland and soggy shrimps. This is false.
It is true that it can be a little tricky to reheat steamed shrimps, overheating even a little bit can cause the shrimp to lose flavor and become chewy.
However, it is not impossible. If you follow these tips to the core, you can successfully reheat steamed shrimps without detracting it from its flavor and texture.
How to Store?
The way you store your shrimps is equally as important as the method you use to reheat them to preserve the most flavor and texture. Shrimps are more delicate than other kind of meat and poultry, so you will have to take extra care in storing them.
There are two ways you can store steamed shrimp:
Refrigerate
Freshly steamed shrimp will stay good in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days, whether it is shelled or unshelled. Just wrap the shrimp tightly with plastic, or place them in an airtight container, and refrigerate it. Make sure that your fridge is set to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
Freeze
Steamed shrimp can stay good to eat in the freezer for about three months. Although it will stay safe for an indefinite amount of time in the freezer, the quality starts diminishing after three months. Use the same method of wrapping the shrimps in plastic or storing them in an airtight container and freeze them immediately.
How to Reheat Steamed Shrimps?
There are several ways you can reheat steamed shrimp while preserving its flavor and texture, or even enhance the flavor. No matter what method you use, make sure to place the shrimps at a distance so they don’t touch each other. This will ensure a more even reheating. Always give frozen shrimp ample amount to defrost before reheating them.
Re-Steam the Shrimps
The most efficient way to reheat steam shrimps is to steam the again. Whether you have shelled or unshelled shrimps, this works for all.
- Fill a pot with once inch water.
- Place a steamer basket inside the pot.
- Lay the shrimp evenly on the steamer basket.
- Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil.
- Steam them for about 2 minutes until they become fragrant. Do not overheat.
- Remove from the pot and serve immediately.
Sauté the Steamed Shrimps
This method can be used when you don’t just want to reheat your shrimps, but also enhance the flavor.
- Place a pan over a medium flame.
- Add a tablespoon of butter or olive.
- As soon as the pan starts to sizzle, place the steamed shrimps around the pan in a single layer.
- Add a squeeze of lemon if you like.
- Stir frequently for about one minute.
- Remove from the pan and serve immediately.
Microwave
Reheating steamed shrimp in the microwave is the easiest as well as the quickest method to do so. The only issue is that it is very easy to overheat shrimp in a microwave, so it is crucial that you follow the guidelines strictly and keep a close eye on the shrimp.
- Layer the shrimp in a microwave friendly plate or bowl. Make sure they don’t touch each other.
- Sprinkle some water over the shrimps.
- Use a plastic wrap to cover the plate or bowl. Another microwave-friendly plate or lid to cover it.
- Place the shrimps inside a microwave and turn it on a high setting.
- Heat them for no more than 2 minutes.
- Take the shrimp out and check if it is hot enough. Heat for another minute if it is slightly cold.
- Remove them from the microwave and serve as soon as they aren’t too hot to eat.
There you have it – enjoy leftover steamed shrimps as if they were made fresh by using these simple reheating methods. Just remember to not overheat them.