Whether you ventured out to your favorite local place or happened to cook in last night, one thing is for certain. Youβve got leftovers! If youβve ever wondered how to reheat seafood boil in the microwave then youβre in luck. Iβll show you how to quickly enjoy it for a second time!

Why You Need This Guide
Seafood boils are great, but thereβs always a ton of food. That typically means, unless youβre feeding a huge crowd, that youβre 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 β this is by far the fastest method!

While a lot of people shy away from it because itβs easy to overcook the seafood, Iβve got it down to a science. My shrimp is juicy and perfect (not rubbery) while my potatoes are still steamy, fresh, and delicious!
What Youβll 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 thatβs 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 thatβs 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, itβs an easy side to add on when youβre reheating a seafood boil, since youβll likely have some already cooked.
Try seafood boil reheated in the microwave alongside my quick Frozen Garlic Knots in the Air Fryer, tasty Air Fryer Focaccia, or some Pillsbury Cornbread Swirls in the Air Fryer.
Recipe FAQs
Can You Microwave Seafood Leftovers?
You can microwave seafood leftovers. However, it is very easy to overlook seafood in the microwave, resulting in a rubbery texture.
Itβs best to only heat a single portion at a time, and cook in small increments of time. Youβll 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. Youβll 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
- Itβs 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 microwaveβs 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

Other Reheating Guides to Check Out
- How to Reheat a Baked Potato in the Microwave
- Reheat Corn on the Cob in the Microwave
- How to Reheat Salmon in the Air Fryer
- Reheat Spring Rolls in the Air Fryer
- How to Reheat a Quesadilla in the Air Fryer
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to reheat seafood boil in the microwave, you can enjoy your leftovers even when youβre short on time!
While it is easier to overcook your seafood with this method, Iβve 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
Equipment
- Microwave (times based on 1000W)
- Microwave safe plate or bowl (plate preferred)
- Paper towel
IngredientsΒ Β
- 1 Portion leftover seafood boil
- 1 Tbsp water or seafood boil water
InstructionsΒ
- Remove leftover seafood boil from the bag, foil packet, or storage container1 Portion leftover seafood boil
- Place anything thatβs 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 bowl1 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 thatβs 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)
- Itβs 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 microwaveβs 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
Nutrition

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