Whether you ventured out to your favorite local place or happened to cook in last night, one thing is for certain. You’ve got leftovers! If you’ve ever wondered how to reheat seafood boil in the microwave then you’re in luck. I’ll show you how to quickly enjoy it for a second time!
Seafood boils are great, but there’s always a ton of food. That typically means, unless you’re feeding a huge crowd, that you’re going to have leftovers.
The good news is that leftovers are great for lunches! In fact, I made Air Fryer Frozen Seafood Boil yesterday and will be sitting down for lunch with it today.
But who wants to wait 20 minutes for the oven to heat it, or stand over a stove tending it? Reheat seafood boil in the microwave instead – this is by far the fastest method!
While a lot of people shy away from it because it’s easy to overcook the seafood, I’ve got it down to a science. My shrimp is juicy and perfect (not rubbery) while my potatoes are still steamy, fresh, and delicious!
What You’ll Need
Leftover seafood boil
Microwave safe plate or bowl
Paper towels
Tips and Notes
I find that a plate is a better choice than a bowl as it allows you to spread the food out better for even heating, but you can use a bowl if that’s all you have
If you have some leftover seasoned water from the boil, add 1 Tbsp or so to the plate or bowl to help with moisture and flavor (but plain water or broth is acceptable too)
How to Reheat Seafood Boil in the Microwave
Remove leftover seafood boil from the bag, foil packet, or other cooking devices
Place anything that’s not seafood, such as potatoes, corn, and sausage, onto a microwave safe plate
Cover with a damp (not soaked) paper towel
Microwave on high for 1 minute
Remove the plate, stir the vegetables and sausage, and then add your seafood, like shrimp, mussels, or crab legs
Add 1 Tbsp water or seafood boil water to the bottom of the plate or bowl
Moisten the paper towel again and re-cover the plate or bowl
Cook for an additional 45-60 seconds on high, or until the seafood is heated through
Top with additional seafood boil seasoning (like Old Bay) and melted butter if desired
What Bread Goes With Seafood Boil?
Garlic bread
Rosemary bread
Focaccia
Cornbread
Sourdough
Biscuits
French bread
Ciabatta
Cheese bread
Cajun bread
Dinner rolls
Rye
Olive bread
Crab bread
There are lots of great breads that go with a seafood boil! Bread is perfect for soaking up that delicious seafood and seasoning flavor in the water, while also adding some filling to your meal.
Plus, it’s an easy side to add on when you’re reheating a seafood boil, since you’ll likely have some already cooked.
You can microwave seafood leftovers. However, it is very easy to overlook seafood in the microwave, resulting in a rubbery texture.
It’s best to only heat a single portion at a time, and cook in small increments of time. You’ll also want to heat vegetables separate from your proteins. Check frequently for best results.
Can You Reheat Seafood Boil in the Microwave?
Yes, you can reheat seafood boil in the microwave. You’ll want to remove it from the bag or any other packaging first.
This method is the fastest, though it is easy to overcook the seafood which can leave it rubbery.
How Do You Warm Up Leftover Seafood Boil?
You can warm up leftover seafood boil in the microwave, air fryer, oven, or on the stove.
The microwave is the fastest method, while the oven is generally considered the best method in terms of the texture.
How Long Do You Warm Up Seafood in the Microwave?
Generally, you warm up seafood for between 30 and 60 seconds in the microwave. The type and quantity of the seafood as well as the wattage of the microwave will affect your specific time.
Use small increments and check frequently to prevent overcooked, rubbery seafood.
Recipe Pro Tips
It’s best to only reheat one portion at a time. This allows your food to reheat more evenly and gives a better result
If you have a sensor cooking microwave, I do not recommend using the sensor reheat option. This will dry out your seafood and make it rubbery in the microwave’s attempt to heat everything else
Cut your potatoes into halves or quarters if you have whole ones, as this will make reheating them a lot easier
My times are based on a 1000W microwave. If you have a different wattage, your cooking times may vary slightly
Now that you know how to reheat seafood boil in the microwave, you can enjoy your leftovers even when you’re short on time!
While it is easier to overcook your seafood with this method, I’ve consistently been able to turn out great results to enjoy my leftovers quickly and easily.
Pair it with some delicious bread for the perfect quick meal that will leave you feeling totally satisfied!
How to Reheat Seafood Boil in the Microwave
Reheat seafood boil in the microwave in only about 2 minutes of cooking! This method heats it perfectly, without making your seafood rubbery and overcooked.
Remove leftover seafood boil from the bag, foil packet, or storage container
1 Portion leftover seafood boil
Place anything that’s not seafood, such as potatoes, corn, and sausage, onto a microwave safe plate
Cover with a damp (not soaked) paper towel
Microwave on high for 1 minute
Remove the plate, stir the vegetables and sausage, and then add your seafood, like shrimp, mussels, or crab legs
Add 1 Tbsp water or seafood boil water to the bottom of the plate or bowl
1 Tbsp water or seafood boil water
Moisten the paper towel again if needed and re-cover the plate or bowl
Cook for an additional 45-60 seconds on high, or until the seafood is heated through
Top with additional seafood boil seasoning and melted butter if desired and enjoy warm
Notes
I find that a plate is a better choice than a bowl as it allows you to spread the food out better for even heating, but you can use a bowl if that’s all you have
If you have some leftover seasoned water from the boil, add 1 Tbsp or so to the plate or bowl to help with moisture and flavor (but plain water or broth is acceptable too)
It’s best to only reheat one portion at a time. This allows your food to reheat more evenly and gives a better result
I do not recommend using the sensor reheat option if your microwave has one. This will dry out your seafood and make it rubbery in the microwave’s attempt to heat everything else
Cut your potatoes into halves or quarters if you have whole ones, as this will make reheating them a lot easier
My times are based on a 1000W microwave. If you have a different wattage, your cooking times may vary slightly
Exact nutritional values will vary based on the contents of your original seafood boil, so please consider this a guideline only
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I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
