Grilled shrimp leftovers are great for creating new dishes or enjoying a quick and delicious meal without the need for extensive cooking. Read on to learn my favorite way to reheat them so they remain juicy and flavorful.
Get the Most of Your Shrimp Leftovers
Grilling shrimp in the summertime is a delightful way I find to enjoy the season’s bounty and create delicious, light, and flavorful meals. They are perfect whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply enjoying a casual outdoor meal.
I Love to Grill Shrimp Because
- Shrimp cook relatively quickly, making them a convenient option for summer grilling.
- Shrimp readily absorbs marinades and seasonings, allowing you to experiment with various flavors.
- Grilling shrimp allows you to enjoy a light and nutritious meal without compromising on taste.
- Grilled shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be used in numerous dishes.
If you’re a shrimp enthusiast like me, you probably end up with shrimp leftovers, which are great for creating new dishes or enjoying a quick and delicious meal without the need for extensive cooking.
How To Properly Store Grilled Shrimp Leftovers
Properly storing grilled shrimp is essential to maintain its freshness and prevent any potential foodborne illnesses. Here are the steps to store grilled shrimp safely:
- Cool the Shrimp. Allow the grilled shrimp to cool down to room temperature for approximately 30 minutes before storing. This step helps prevent condensation and the growth of bacteria when the shrimp is placed in the refrigerator.
- Transfer to an Airtight Container. Place the cooled grilled shrimp in an airtight container. A sealable plastic container or a resealable freezer bag works well for this purpose. Make sure to remove any shells or skewers if they were used during grilling.
- Add Moisture (Optional). If you want to help retain moisture in the shrimp, you can drizzle a small amount of olive oil over them before sealing the container. This step can help prevent the shrimp from drying out.
- Label and Date. To keep track of the storage time, label the container with the date of grilling. This helps you ensure that the shrimp is consumed within a safe timeframe.
- Refrigerate promptly. Place the sealed container in the fridge and ensure it is stored at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. Refrigeration slows down bacterial growth and helps maintain the quality of the shrimp.
- Use Within Two Days. Grilled shrimp is best consumed within two days of grilling. After this time, the quality and taste may begin to deteriorate, and there is a higher risk of foodborne illness.
Best Ways To Reheat Cooked Shrimp
Reheating grilled shrimp can be a delicate process since you have to ensure that the shrimp remains juicy and flavorful. The best way to reheat leftover shrimp depends on personal preference and the desired outcome. So here are a few simple recommendations on how to reheat grilled shrimp:
Sautéing or Stir-Frying
This method works well for smaller shrimp or shrimp in dishes like stir-fries or pasta. Heat a skillet or pan on the stovetop over medium heat, add a small amount of oil or butter, and sauté the shrimp for a few minutes until heated through. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.
Oven Reheating (my personal fave)
Preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 275°F (135°C). Place the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with foil to retain moisture; this will help trap steam and retain moisture during the reheating process. Reheat for about 5-10 minutes until the shrimp are warmed through. Carefully remove the foil and check the shrimp for doneness. The reheated shrimp should be heated through, opaque, and slightly firm to the touch. Avoid overcooking to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
PRO TIP: You can add a small amount of liquid to the baking sheet or dish to prevent the shrimp from drying out. This can be a splash of broth, lemon juice, or even melted butter. The moisture will help keep the shrimp tender during reheating.
Steaming
Steaming is a gentle and effective way to reheat larger shrimp or whole shrimp. Bring a pot of water to a simmer and place the shrimp in a steamer basket or colander above the water. Cover and steam for a few minutes until the shrimp are heated through.
Microwave (my least fave)
While it is the quickest method, reheating shrimp in the microwave can sometimes result in uneven heating or a loss of texture. If using this method, place the shrimp in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Extra Helpful Tips When Reheting Shrimp
When using shrimp leftovers, ensure they are properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Before consuming, check for any signs of spoilage or an off smell.
Shrimp can become overcooked and rubbery if reheated for too long, so it’s important to monitor the process closely and stop heating once they are heated through.
Enjoy your reheated shrimp promptly to maintain their texture and flavor.
Do Not Reheat Twice. When reheating leftover grilled shrimp, it’s important only to reheat what you plan to consume and avoid reheating the same portion multiple times. Reheating shrimp more than once can increase the risk of bacterial contamination.
How to Use Leftover Grilled Shrimp
Once the shrimp are properly reheated, remove them from the oven. You can serve them as is or use them in various dishes such as salads, pasta, or tacos. Here are some of my favorite ways to use leftover grilled shrimp:
Salad: Toss chilled cooked shrimp with crisp salad greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and your favorite dressing for a refreshing and protein-packed salad. For added flavor and texture, you can also add other ingredients like avocado, feta cheese, or roasted vegetables. Check out my Grilled Barbecue Shrimp and Corn Avocado Salad Bowls.
Tacos, Tostadas, Bruschetta, or Wraps: Fill soft tortillas or wraps with reheated shrimp, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of lime crema or your preferred sauce. Top with fresh herbs like cilantro, and enjoy a quick and flavorful handheld meal. My family loves my Mexican Crispy Shrimp Bruschetta.
Pasta, Noodle Dishes: Reheat the shrimp and toss them with cooked pasta or noodles. Add sautéed vegetables, garlic, and a splash of olive oil or a light sauce for a simple yet satisfying meal. You can also incorporate the shrimp into stir-fries or fried rice for an Asian-inspired twist. For a health-ish version, try Zucchini noodles (also known as “zoodles“).
Sandwiches: Make a delicious shrimp sandwich by layering the shrimp on a toasted bun or baguette with lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and your choice of condiments. Consider adding sliced avocado, bacon, or a tangy remoulade sauce for extra flavor.
Fried Rice: Transform your shrimp leftovers into a tasty fried rice dish by stir-frying cold rice with vegetables, soy sauce, and seasonings. Add the reheated shrimp towards the end of cooking to warm them through. Customize with additional ingredients like peas, carrots, scrambled eggs, or diced ham.
Quesadillas or Grilled Cheese: Create a savory and melty treat by placing shrimp, cheese, and any desired fillings (such as diced peppers or onions) between two tortillas or bread slices. Cook until the cheese is melted and the filling is warmed.
Shrimp Cocktail: Serve cold shrimp with a classic cocktail sauce or a tangy homemade dip as a refreshing appetizer or light snack. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for an added touch.
By getting creative with your shrimp leftovers, you can enjoy a variety of delicious meals while minimizing waste. Explore different flavor combinations and let your culinary imagination soar as you transform your leftover shrimp into enticing dishes.
Shrimp Recipes You’ll Love!
- Easy Peri Peri Shrimp
- Grilled Barbecue Shrimp and Corn Avocado Salad Bowls
- Easy Honey Chipotle Grilled Shrimp
- Spanish Style Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)
- Mexican Crispy Shrimp Bruschetta
- Shrimp and Sweet Pea Shoots Fried Rice
- Three Cheese Shrimp Beer Soup
- Chicken and Shrimp Potato Corn Chowder
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