How to Microwave Already-Cooked Shrimp

Adding pre-cooked shrimp is a delicious and healthy way to take your lunch or dinner to the next level! Whether it's an Asian stir fry or an Italian fettuccini alfredo, this versatile seafood can be incorporated into a variety of dishes and you can even reheat cooked shrimp in the microwave.

Before you toss your pre-cooked shrimp in the microwave, it's important to note that after it's been cooked once, there's no need to keep re-heating shrimp.

Chilled shrimp makes a tasty addition to a cucumber soup or a summer pasta salad. It can also be turned into a delicious shrimp cocktail using only your favorite cocktail sauce. Heating pre-cooked shrimp is necessary only if it is called for in the dish being prepared or if you prefer it that way.

Using the microwave is a quick and safe way to heat up shrimp that's been pre-cooked:

1. Begin by spreading the shrimp out in a microwave-safe dish. Be sure not to stack the shrimp, but instead to use a dish big enough to accommodate a single layer.
2. Then, cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap to trap in steam and aid in the heating process.
3. Place the shrimp in the microwave and heat them on high in one-minute increments until they are warm all the way through.

Be sure not to overcook the shrimp as this can make them rubbery and ruin the taste. Once the shrimp is reheated, it can be added to your favorite dish or eaten as is.

Read more: What is the Nutritional Value of Shrimp?

Once it's cooked, shrimp is good for about two hours at room temperature before it should be refrigerated. Keeping it out past this time leaves it susceptible to bacteria growth and may cause foodborne illness. According to the Food and Drug Administration, if shrimp has been out for longer than two hours, it's best to throw it away.

Refrigerating cooked shrimp can significantly extend its shelf life. Shrimp that's cooked and stored in an airtight plastic container can last for two days before going bad. If you're unable to eat the shrimp by this point, it's best to put it in the freezer. This can extend the seafood's life up to six months.

Incorporating shrimp into your diet is beneficial for a number of reasons. To start, shrimp is a relatively low-calorie food. According to the USDA, there about 60 calories per 3 ounces shrimp, making this seafood an attractive option for people looking to eat healthier.

In addition, shrimp has high amounts of protein. Three ounces of shrimp contain 20.4 grams of protein. This meets 36 to 43 percent of the daily recommended protein intake, according to National Academies of Sciences. To add to its appeal, shrimp is naturally low in carbohydrates and fats.

While shrimp are naturally low in fat, cooking the seafood in butter or other creamy sauces, can change this significantly. Use healthier alternatives like olive oil to reduce saturated fat intake — the "bad" fats that can contribute to heart disease, according to the American Heart Association.

Read more: Do Prawns Make a Healthy Meal?