How To Reheat Scallops In The Microwave

Reheat scallops in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute on high, covered with a damp paper towel, checking every 15 seconds after the first 30 to avoid a rubbery texture.

Scallops go from perfectly tender to rubbery fast in the microwave, so the technique matters more here than with most leftovers. This is exactly how I do it so they come out right every time.

Key Takeaways

• 30 seconds to 1 minute on high covers most reheats. Start at 30 seconds and add time in 15-second bursts.
• Cover them with a damp paper towel so they don’t dry out.
• Let scallops sit at room temperature for a few minutes before microwaving for more even heating.
• They’re safe to eat once they hit 145°F internally, but pull them the moment they’re heated through to avoid rubberiness.

How To Reheat Scallops In The Microwave

Start with a microwave-safe dish sized for the amount you’re reheating, with a lid or cover to keep moisture in. Keep a damp paper towel handy too, since it does more than the lid to stop the scallops from drying out.

Scrape off any sauce or seasoning first if you’re working with dressed leftovers, being careful not to take scallop meat with it. Let them sit out for a few minutes to lose some of the fridge chill before they go in, since that helps them heat more evenly.

Cover the dish with the damp paper towel and microwave on high in 30-second bursts, checking each time. Most scallops are done within 30 seconds to a minute total. Let them rest for a moment once they come out before digging in.

How Long to Reheat Scallops in Microwave

30 seconds to 1 minute on high is the range for most portions, depending on your microwave’s power and how many scallops you’re reheating.

Start at 30 seconds, then check and add time in 15-second increments if needed. Overshooting this is the single biggest reason reheated scallops turn rubbery, so it’s worth erring on the short side and adding more time rather than guessing high.

The damp paper towel matters here too. It keeps the scallops from drying out while they reheat, which preserves both texture and flavor.

Tips When Using a Microwave to Reheat Scallops

1. Use a microwave-safe dish sized appropriately for the amount of scallops you’re reheating.
2. Microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently to prevent the rubbery texture that comes from overcooking.
3. Add a squeeze of lemon juice or your favorite sauce after reheating for extra flavor.
4. Stir halfway through if you’re reheating a larger batch, so they heat evenly.
5. Only reheat scallops once. Repeated reheating raises the risk of foodborne illness.
6. Use a lower power setting if your microwave has one, for more even heating.
7. Store leftovers in an airtight container. They’re good in the fridge for up to two days, or freeze them if you need more time.
8. Add a small dish of water to the microwave alongside your scallops if they’re already a bit dry, to help retain moisture.
9. Reheat in batches if you have a large quantity, so everything heats evenly.
10. Check with a meat thermometer if you want certainty. Scallops should reach at least 145°F (63°C).
11. Hold off on salt until after reheating, since salting beforehand draws out moisture and dries them out further.

My Take

The damp paper towel and short bursts are really the whole trick. Skip either one and you’re much more likely to end up with something rubbery.

Once you’ve got the timing down, reheated scallops taste close enough to fresh that it’s hardly a compromise.

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