How to Microwave Frozen Shrimp

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

8 oz shrimp
  • 8 oz shrimp
  • 16 oz shrimp
  • 24 oz shrimp

Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

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To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

Microwave oven by power - 1000w
1000w
  • 700w
  • 800w
  • 900w
  • 1000w
  • 1100w
  • 1200w

Recommended 

Dish

The Medium Shallow Dish

Ingredients

  • 8 oz (225g) peeled and deveined large frozen shrimp (21/25)
  • Olive oil (optional)
  • Salt and pepper

Preparation

  1. Arrange the frozen shrimp in a single layer in an Anyday shallow dish. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  2. Cook in the microwave at Power Level 7

    Certain foods cook best in the microwave at lower power levels. 

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    Different microwaves have different settings. See your microwave manual (or look it up online) to learn how to change your microwave’s power level.

    For many microwaves: enter the cook time, press the “Power” (or “Power Level”) button, and select a number between 1-10. Other microwaves may require selecting the Power Level first, and then entering the cook time.

    Microwaves list power levels in different ways. Here’s a guide to help you adjust:

    PL 10 = 100% = High (default)

    PL 9 = 90% = High

    PL 8 = 80% = Med-High

    PL 7 = 70% = Med-High

    PL 6 = 60% = Medium

    PL 5 = 50% = Medium

    PL 4 = 40% = Med-Low

    PL 3 = 30% = Med-Low

    PL 2 = 20% = Low

    PL 1 = 10% = Low

    You will know if the power level has been successfully changed if you hear periodic changes in the microwave’s tone after it begins cooking.

    for 4-6 minutes. Stir the shrimp halfway through cooking for best results.
  3. The cooked shrimp should be opaque and pink. If the shrimp are translucent or gray in color, add more cooking time until the shrimp are fully cooked through.
  4. Season shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.

Suggestions

  • Lemon pepper: Season the cooked shrimp with lemon juice, lemon zest, and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Fisherman's classic: Toss shrimp in melted butter and sprinkle generously with Old Bay seasoning.
  • Thai chili: Toss with Thai chili sauce, a splash of lime juice, and chopped fresh basil.
  • Garlic Parmesan: Toss the cooked shrimp with grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil for a rich, cheesy, and garlicky taste.
  • Discover more shrimp recipes by exploring our collection here!

Recipe Notes

  • It's easy to cook a variety of frozen shrimp in the microwave! For larger shrimp, cook at the suggested power level and add 1-2 minutes to the total cooking time. For smaller shrimp, subtract 1-2 minutes.
  • For fresh shrimp, follow the directions in our recipe for How to Microwave Shrimp for the best results.
  • Select your microwave's wattage in our recipe for the most accurate cooking time, or use the instructions on the back of the package as a guideline.
  • We recommend using an Anyday Shallow Dish for cooking proteins. If you choose to use an Anyday Deep Dish, you may need to add extra cooking time.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Microwave Match Up: Frozen Shrimp

See for yourself— microwaving frozen shrimp is simply faster, start to finish.

Appliance Cook Time
Microwave in an Anyday dish 4-6 mins
Oven* 15-20 mins
Stovetop* 10-15 mins
Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* 15-18 mins
*Includes preheat time

All You Need to Know About Cooking Frozen Shrimp in the Microwave

Can I cook frozen shrimp in the microwave?

Ingredient Power Level Cook Time
8 oz (225g) frozen shrimp 7 4-6 mins
16 oz (450g) frozen shrimp 7 6-8 mins
24 oz (680g) frozen shrimp 7 9-11 mins
Cook time calculated for 1000w microwave

Yes, you can cook frozen shrimp in the microwave! Simply place them directly from frozen into an Anyday dish and let the microwave do the work. It's an incredibly fast and easy way to cook shrimp without boiling a pot of water or turning on the stove. Reduce the power level to make sure the shrimp defrost and cook all in one step. Looking to cook fresh shrimp? Follow the directions in our recipe for How to Microwave Shrimp.

Do I need to thaw the shrimp before cooking?

No, you don’t need to thaw the shrimp before cooking! You can cook frozen shrimp in the microwave directly from frozen using an Anyday dish. Thanks to a lowered power level, the shrimp remain tender and cooked through.

How long does it take to cook frozen shrimp in the microwave?

Frozen shrimp typically take about 5-8 minutes to steam in the microwave at a lower power level using an Anyday dish. Cooking times can vary based on the size and amount of frozen shrimp. Be sure to stir the shrimp periodically to ensure even cooking. If any bit of the shrimp are gray or translucent, continue cooking in the microwave until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. It’s easy to overcook shrimp, so start with less time and add more as needed.

How long can I save cooked shrimp in the fridge?

Cooked shrimp can be stored (covered) in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an Anyday dish.  Press down on the knob on the lid to keep the shrimp fresh and prevent them from absorbing other odors in the fridge.

How do I know when frozen shrimp is cooked?

Frozen shrimp are fully cooked when they turn pink and opaque. They should be firm to the touch and curled into a "C" shape. If they appear translucent or gray, you'll need to add more cooking time. To make sure they’re completely cooked, cut one shrimp in half to check that the inside is no longer translucent. Fully cooked shrimp should have a consistent color and texture throughout.

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