Easy Microwave Sweet and Sour Shrimp with Pineapple

Jul 29, 2026 · Everyday Microwave

Sweet and sour shrimp is one of those meals that looks colorful and a little special, but it does not have to be complicated.

This microwave version brings together tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, juicy pineapple, and plenty of sweet-and-tangy sauce. Everything gets mixed in one bowl, divided into two portions, and cooked one serving at a time in a ceramic microwave cooker.

Serve it over rice for a complete dinner, or enjoy it on its own when you want something a little lighter.

Quick Recipe Overview

This easy microwave sweet and sour shrimp makes two servings with shrimp, pineapple, green pepper, onion, carrots, and sweet and sour sauce.

Each portion cooks for about 2 minutes, followed by a 1-minute covered rest. Serve it with quick microwave rice, if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Sour Shrimp

Quick and easy to prepare
Made with familiar grocery-store ingredients
Full of sweet, tangy, and savory flavor
Loaded with shrimp and colorful vegetables
Portioned into two individual servings
Easy to pair with microwave rice

It is a practical choice for dinner for two, or for cooking one serving now and keeping the second uncooked portion refrigerated until you are ready to make it.

Ingredients

24 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 green pepper, diced
1 medium onion, diced
1 carrot, peeled and cut into thin rounds
1 8-ounce can pineapple tidbits, drained
1 cup sweet and sour sauce
Cooked rice, optional

How to Make Microwave Sweet and Sour Shrimp

Add the shrimp, green pepper, onion, carrot, drained pineapple, and sweet and sour sauce to a large mixing bowl.
Stir until the shrimp and vegetables are evenly coated with sauce.
Divide the mixture equally between two ceramic microwave cookers.
Place the lid on the first cooker and microwave on high for 2 minutes.
Leave it covered and let it rest for 1 minute.
Carefully remove the lid and check the shrimp. They should be firm and opaque rather than gray or translucent.
If any shrimp still appear undercooked, continue microwaving in 15-second intervals until fully cooked.
Repeat the same process with the second cooker and serve warm, with rice if desired.

Only have one cooker? Cook the first half of the mixture, transfer it to a serving bowl, and then repeat with the remaining portion. Keeping the portions separate prevents overcrowding and makes it easier to check the shrimp.

Why This Recipe Works

Sweet and sour shrimp is all about balance.

The pineapple and sauce bring sweetness and tang, while the onion and green pepper add savory flavor and texture. Thinly sliced carrots soften quickly without disappearing into the sauce, and the shrimp cooks in just a few minutes.

Because the ingredients are coated before cooking, the sauce remains evenly distributed throughout the dish rather than collecting only at the bottom.

Tips for the Best Results

Cut the Vegetables Evenly

Keep the pepper and onion pieces close in size, and slice the carrot thinly. This helps the vegetables cook more consistently during the short microwave time.

Drain the Pineapple Well

Too much pineapple liquid can thin the sweet and sour sauce and leave the finished dish watery.

Do Not Overcrowd the Cooker

This recipe is divided into two portions for a reason. Smaller portions cook more evenly and are easier to check for doneness.

Check the Shrimp After Resting

Microwave wattage varies. Check the shrimp after the covered resting time and add short cooking intervals only when needed.

Add Extra Sauce Only After Tasting

One cup of sauce should provide plenty of coating. Taste the finished dish before adding more.

How to Make Quick Microwave Rice

For one serving of rice, add the following to a ceramic microwave cooker:

1/2 cup instant white or brown rice
1/2 cup water

Put the lid on and microwave on high for 2 minutes.

Let the rice rest for 30 seconds, then fluff it with a fork. Repeat for the second serving if needed.

What to Serve With Sweet and Sour Shrimp

This easy shrimp dinner works especially well with:

White or brown rice
Cauliflower rice
Steamed broccoli
Green beans
A simple cucumber salad
Extra pineapple on the side

Rice is the most natural pairing because it absorbs the sweet and sour sauce and turns the recipe into a more filling meal.

Easy Ways to Customize It

You can substitute red or yellow bell pepper for the green pepper, add a few small broccoli florets, or reduce the onion for a milder flavor.

For a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes before cooking.

Why a Ceramic Microwave Cooker Works Well Here

This is a saucy recipe with ingredients that release moisture as they cook, so a covered ceramic microwave cooker helps keep the mixture contained while the shrimp and vegetables heat together.

Dividing the recipe between two cookers also gives each portion enough room to cook without crowding. Once it is ready, each serving can go straight from the microwave to the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook sweet and sour shrimp in the microwave?

Yes. This recipe is designed for microwave cooking and uses two smaller portions so the shrimp and vegetables can cook more evenly.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely and drain off excess liquid before adding them to the sauce.

Do I need to cook the vegetables first?

No. Dice the pepper and onion and slice the carrot thinly so they soften during the microwave cooking time.

Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?

You can cut the vegetables and drain the pineapple ahead of time. Keep the raw shrimp refrigerated and combine the ingredients shortly before cooking.

How do I know when the shrimp are done?

The shrimp should be firm and opaque rather than gray or translucent. Continue cooking in short intervals if needed.

Can I make this without rice?

Absolutely. Serve it on its own or pair it with vegetables for a lighter meal.