You’ve just bought a bag of prawns from the grocery store and you’re eager to cook them up. But then you remember that you don’t have much time and you need to get dinner on the table quickly.
Then you see the microwave and wonder, can they be microwaved? And if so, what are the right steps? Don’t worry, I’m here to help. In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about microwaving prawns, including whether or not it’s safe and how long to cook them.
Can You Microwave Prawns?
Yes! Prawns are versatile seafood that can be cooked and reheated in a number of ways, including in the microwave. The microwave provides a quick and easy way to cook or reheat prawns without having to wait for an oven to preheat or for water to boil.
There are several benefits to cooking prawns in the microwave. Let’s take a closer look:
Convenience
One of the main reasons to cook prawns in the microwave is for convenience. If you’re short on time or don’t want to dirty up another pot or pan, microwaving prawns is a quick and easy way to get them on the table. Just pop them in, set the timer, and let the microwave work its magic.
Even if you’re reheating leftover prawns, the microwave is still a convenient option. Just be sure to add a little bit of water or broth to prevent them from drying out.
Less Mess
Another advantage of microwaving prawns is that it’s less messy than other cooking methods. There’s no need to worry about splattering oil or boiling water when you’re using the microwave. Just be sure to use a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent any mess.
Retain Nutrients
When cooked properly in the microwave, prawns can retain most of their nutrients. This is especially true when compared to other cooking methods like frying, which can cause nutrients to be lost during the cooking process.
Is It Safe to Microwave Prawns?
Microwaving prawns is perfectly safe as long as you follow a few simple guidelines.
First, always use a microwave-safe container. Microwave-safe containers are made from materials that will not leach chemicals into food when exposed to high heat. In addition, these containers can help to evenly cook food and prevent hotspots.
Second, be sure to stir the prawns occasionally while they’re microwaving. If you don’t stir them, you’ll risk uneven cooking which can lead to undercooked or overcooked prawns.
By stirring them, you ensure that all the prawns are exposed to the heat for the same amount of time and that they’ll all be cooked through.
And finally, make sure that the prawns reach an internal temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit before you eat them. If they are not cooked properly prawns can harbor harmful bacteria, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
At 120 degrees Fahrenheit, all harmful bacteria will be killed and the prawns will be safe to eat.
How Long to Microwave Prawns
Cooking times for prawns in the microwave will vary depending on the recipe, but most recommend 4-5 minutes for 8 oz of prawns.
If you’re reheating prawns that have already been cooked, start with 30 seconds in the microwave and then heat them in additional 30-second intervals until they are warmed through.
Keep in mind that the wattage of your microwave will also impact cooking times. microwaves with a higher wattage will cook food faster than those with a lower wattage.
If you’re not sure how long to cook prawns in your microwave, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and cook them for less time than more. You can always put them back in the microwave for additional time if they’re not cooked through.
How to Cook Prawns In The Microwave
Now that we’ve answered the question “Can you microwave prawns?”, it’s time to learn how to do it.
Here are the basic steps:
- Start by thawing the prawns, if frozen. The best way to do this is to place them in a fridge overnight. You can also thaw them in a bowl of cold water.
- Once thawed, rinse the prawns under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Next, place the prawns in a microwave-safe container and season them with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.
- Cover the container with a lid and cook the prawns (8 oz) on high for 4-5 minutes, or until the color changes from translucent to opaque white.
- Let the prawns rest for 1-2 minutes before serving.
How to Store and Reheat Microwave Prawns
If you’re planning on eating the prawns within the next few days, you can store them in the fridge. Just place them in an airtight container and they’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days.
Otherwise, it’s best to keep them in the freezer. When stored properly in the freezer, cooked prawns will be good for up to three months.
To freeze them, simply place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and pop them in the freezer. Don’t forget to squeeze out any excess air before sealing the bag.
When you’re ready to eat them, thaw the prawns in the fridge overnight or in a bowl of cold water. Once thawed, reheat them in the microwave for 30 seconds and then in additional 30-second intervals until they are warm throughout. Add a little bit of water if they start to dry out.
You can also reheat them in a pan on the stove over medium heat. Just cook them until they are warmed through, stirring occasionally.
What to Serve with Prawns
Prawns are versatile seafood that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas of what to serve with prawns:
1. Fried rice: Fried rice is a classic pairing for prawns. The rice soaks up all the flavors of the dish and the crunchy vegetables add a lovely contrast in texture. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover rice you might have.
2. Pasta: Pasta is always a good idea. There are endless possibilities when it comes to pasta dishes, but we recommend something with a light sauce so as not to overpower the delicate flavor of the prawns.
3. Garlic bread: This one is for all the garlic lovers out there. Garlic bread is the perfect side for prawns because it’s packed with flavor and pairs perfectly with seafood. Just be sure not to overdo it on the garlic or your guests will be begging for water all night!
4. Salad: A green salad is a refreshing side that cuts through the richness of the prawns. Plus, it’s healthy! Win-win.
5. Crusty bread: And last but not least, crusty bread. Bread is always a good idea, and it’s especially good for mopping up any extra sauce from your plate. Yum!
Conclusion
And that’s all there is to it! Microwaving prawns is a quick and easy way to cook or reheat a delicious seafood meal. Just be sure to follow the steps above to ensure that your prawns are cooked properly and safely.
For some ideas on what to serve with your prawns, see the suggestions above. Bon appetit!
