Can You Reheat Cooked Prawns?

Cooked prawns are safe to reheat if you follow the correct procedure. This seafood dish requires the consumer to adhere to strict storage rules. Cooked prawns can get rubbery or chewy. These dishes also provide a nesting ground for harmful bacteria.

You can use the microwave, oven, and stovetop to reheat cooked prawns. These methods support reheating defrosted or frozen prawns. However, for the best taste, it is best to take the prawns out of the freezer 6-12 hours before they are required to allow them to defrost. Defrosted cooked prawns are likely to heat more evenly than when frozen. The final internal temperature of this seafood should be 165°F before serving.

Steps to Reheat Cooked Prawns in the Microwave

1. Use a microwave-safe dish and evenly place the prawns close to the center. 
2. Cover the dish with a lid. Ensure you do not use foil to cover the plate as this can cause an electrical fire. This action conserves the juices and prevents the cooked prawns from tasting dry.  
3. Set the microwave on a high-temperature setting and allow the cooked prawns to reheat for 10 minutes.
4. Halfway through this time, you can stop the microwave and stir/flip the cooked prawns. This task helps to ensure that even reheating takes place. 
5. The prawns should be steaming hot once removed from the microwave. 
6. Remember, every microwave has a different wattage, so your timelines might vary. Some microwaves also have seafood reheating settings that can automate your process. 
7. Let the prawns cool down for a few minutes before serving. 

Steps to Reheat Cooked Prawns in the Oven

1. Use an oven-safe tray to reheat the prawns.
2. You can lace the bottom with a baking sheet to prevent the prawns from sticking to the tray. This task is optional as some of the prawn juice may spill over.
3. Spread out the prawns evenly on the tray. Avoid having the prawns touching each other, as this can cause the centers to turn soggy. 
4. Cover the oven-safe tray using a lid or aluminum foil. The cover helps to prevent the outside edges of the prawns from burning before the center warms up. It is a moisture preservation technique that helps to secure flavor.
5. Turn the oven to a temperature of 350°F and leave it to preheat for 5 minutes. 
6. Reheat the cooked prawns for 15 minutes. 
7. The prawns should be boiling when you take them out for serving. 

Steps to Reheat Cooked Prawns on the Stovetop

1. Use a non-stick cooking skillet that has a lid.
2. Place the stove on medium heat and the pan with oil or butter. This task adds flavor and moisture to the cooked prawns. 
3. When the pan is burning hot, you can add in the prawns. Be prepared for some oil/butter splashes. 
4. Allow the prawns to reheat in the skillet for 10 minutes. Ideally, this timeline will depend on the number of prawns being reheated. 
5. For smaller types of prawns, it is best to reheat them for 3 minutes on each side. 
6. Use a pair of long tongs to flip the prawns; otherwise, the oil can burn your hands.

Steps to Reheat Cooked Prawns Using Steam

1. For this method, you require a boiler or a heat-proof container. 
2. Add a 50/50 mixture of water and beer to the double boiler. This mixture adds flavor and preserves the softness of the prawns. 
3. When the mixture starts boiling, you can place the upper basket portion of the boiler into place.
4. Add the cooked prawns to the upper basket and allow them to reheat at a medium-high temperature.
5. Steam will appear as the water reaches a boil. 
6. Once the water is boiling, allow the steam to reheat the cooked prawns for approximately 20 minutes.
7. When the prawns are evenly reheated, they will be steaming hot throughout. 
8. The result should be juicy and mouth-watering prawns. 

Steps to Reheat Prawns Using a Deep Fryer

1. Fill the deep fryer with oil.
2. Set it to a temperature of 375°F.
3. Ensure the oil is scolding hot before you add the prawns.
4. Deep fry the cooked prawns for 5 minutes. 
5. The outer surface should be golden brown before serving.
6. When thoroughly reheated, lay the prawns out evenly on a paper towel for 5 minutes. This task will allow the oil to be drained, leaving you with a healthier meal.

Steps to Reheat Cooked Prawns using an Electric Wok

1. The electric wok works well with a small amount of cooking spray. 
2. Plugin the electric wok to allow it to preheat and set the temperature to medium.
3. Set the cooked prawns out evenly and allow them to reheat for 10 minutes. 
4. Stir the prawns every few minutes to prevent them from burning.
5. The outer edges should be golden brown before serving.

FAQ

Can you Reheat Frozen Cooked Prawns?

For the best-tasting cooked prawns, it is best to reheat them after they have defrosted. To thaw prawns, you can consider using the refrigerator as a gradual but effective method. Prawns take about 6-12 hours to defrost in the fridge.

How to Store Cooked Prawns?

Prawns must go into the fridge or freezer within two hours of preparation. After this period, the prawns can develop unhealthy bacteria that may lead to food poisoning. 

Prawns are best stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days between 0 – 4°C. At this temperature, it can survive effectively without expiring. You should ideally keep the prawns in an airtight container to prevent moisture loss. It is best to store the cooked prawns in their shells. Alternatively, you can cover the container tightly with plastic wrap. This task will work to prevent any unwanted bacterial growth.

Prawns that have never been frozen can be frozen for up to 3 months if kept at -18°C or below. If you buy frozen or thawed prawns, cook them as soon as possible and do not refreeze.