How to Reheat Prawns

There’s an unfounded preconception that you cannot reheat shellfish. But this is not true. There are actually a number of ways you can safely and effectively reheat prawns if you’ve cooked a few too many of them.

I’ll start with what I’ve found to be the best method. It gives you perfectly warmed-up prawns without them going rubbery. The other methods are a little more convenient but might not give you the best results.

How to Reheat Prawns on the Hob

Reheating prawns on the stovetop is an excellent way to enjoy king prawns in particular, but the method is suitable for any variety. Below are the steps you should follow to reheat prawns on the stovetop safely:

1. Heat Pan
   Add a small knob of butter to your pan and heat over low to medium heat until it melts. Season with salt and pepper, and perhaps add chilli or garlic, depending on the taste you desire for your prawns.
2. Add Prawns
   Once the butter has melted and started to sizzle in the pan, add your prawns. Instead of tossing them in, lay the prawns carefully (particularly if they’re king prawns), so they’re not on top of one another.
3. Heat for 5-10 Minutes
   Heat your prawns in the pan for up to ten minutes. Aim for 4-5 minutes on either side to make them nice and crispy.
4. Check Temperature
   When you think your prawns are ready, check their internal temperature with a thermometer. Prawns need to be 75°C before they’re safe to eat.
5. Serve and Enjoy
   Once your prawns are up to temperature, serve them up and enjoy whilst they’re warm and tasty!

How to Reheat Prawns in the Oven

The second option is to reheat your prawns in the oven. Although this takes a little longer, it’s still a good option for gre

1. Preheat Oven
   Turn on your oven and preheat it to 190°C.
2. Prepare Baking Sheet
   Add a sheet of greaseproof paper to a baking tray and grease with olive oil or butter.
3. Add Prawns
   Spread the prawns on the baking tray, ensuring they do not overlap.
4. Drizzle with Oil
   Drizzle olive oil on top of the prawns and season with salt and pepper (and maybe even chilli and garlic if you’re feeling adventurous).
5. Bake
   Place the tray of prawns in the oven, and allow to bake for around 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
6. Check Temperature
   When you think your prawns are done, remove the tray from the oven and check their temperature. Your prawns will need to be 75°C before they’re safe to eat.
7. Serve and Enjoy
   Providing your prawns are at the right temperature, they’re ready to serve up and enjoy in any way you choose.

How to Reheat Prawns in the Microwave

If you’re short of time, it’s possible to reheat prawns in the microwave safely. You have to be particularly careful to ensure the prawns don’t go rubbery in the microwave, which can be prevented by following the steps below:

1. Add Prawns to a Microwave-Safe Plate
   Lay your prawns on a microwave-safe plate, spreading them out, so they’re not on top of one another.
2. Drizzle with Oil
   Add a drizzle of olive oil to the surface of the prawns or a splash of water if you prefer. This will help manage the moisture content throughout the reheating process.
3. Cover and Reheat
   Cover the prawns with a paper towel and reheat in thirty-second intervals on medium heat, flipping them each time you pause the microwave. 
4. Check the Temperature
   When you think the prawns are ready, check their internal temperature. Your prawns should be 75°C before being safe to enjoy.
5. Serve and Enjoy
   Once up to temperature, your prawns are safe to enjoy in whichever way you choose!

How to Reheat Prawn Dishes

Although prawns are delicious on their own, many of us will enjoy them as part of a main meal. The question is, of course, can you reheat these dishes too and how?

Tips for Reheating Prawns

• Reheat Only Once: You should only ever reheat prawns once. If you’re unsure whether they’ve already been reheated, you shouldn’t risk doing it a second time. You can always enjoy prawns cold instead.
• Store Correctly: Cooked prawns should be stored in the fridge as soon as they’ve cooled, ideally within one hour of being cooked. You shouldn’t leave prawns out at room temperature for any longer than this, as harmful bacteria can grow on their surface.
• Freeze them: Although cooked prawns can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, you could freeze them to preserve them for a few months. This is an excellent option if you have lots of prawns left over or if you’re saving them for a special occasion.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Whether you’re reheating prawns in a pan, oven, or microwave, make sure they are spread out and not overcrowded. This helps to ensure even heating and prevents the prawns from becoming soggy.
• Add Moisture: If reheating prawns in the microwave, add a splash of water or cover them with a damp paper towel to add moisture. This helps to prevent the prawns from drying out during the reheating process.
• Skip the Microwave for Breaded or Fried Prawns: If your prawns are breaded or fried, avoid using the microwave as it can make the coating soggy. Instead, reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain their crispiness.