Steaming Already-Cooked Shrimp: A Quick And Easy Method

Steaming shrimp is a great way to get the most flavour out of the crustaceans. It's a quick and easy method that yields tender shrimp in no time. However, it's important to remember that shrimp cooks quickly and should never be overcooked. If you're using pre-cooked shrimp, you can steam them, but you'll need to be careful not to overdo it.

To steam pre-cooked shrimp, you can use a stove, microwave, or oven. If you're using a stove, fill a pot with water and place a steamer or colander inside. Place the shrimp in the steamer and bring the water to a boil. Let the shrimp cook until they start to smell fragrant. You can also steam pre-cooked shrimp in the microwave. Arrange them on a microwave-safe plate, add a splash of water, and cover with plastic wrap. Microwave on high heat for one to two minutes. If you're reheating breaded or coconut shrimp, the oven is your best option. Wrap the shrimp loosely in foil and place them on a baking tray. Cook at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes.

How to steam already cooked shrimp in the microwave

How to Steam Already-Cooked Shrimp in the Microwave

Steaming shrimp in the microwave is a quick and easy way to cook this seafood favorite. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by selecting fresh shrimp with firm flesh and a mild odor. You can also use fresh, frozen shrimp. Ensure that the shell is not slippery, gooey, or spotted (unless it's black tiger shrimp). The flesh should be grayish-pink or pinkish-tan in color. If you're using frozen shrimp, make sure to defrost it before proceeding.

Step 2: Shell and Devein the Shrimp

Remove the shells from the shrimp and devein them using the tip of a paring knife. The "vein" is actually the shrimp's intestine, and leaving it in can give the shrimp a bitter flavor. Cut down the center of the shrimp's back with a paring knife, making a shallow cut to reveal the vein. Then, dig out the vein with the tip of your knife.

Step 3: Prepare the Seasonings

In a microwave-safe dish or casserole dish, mix together your desired seasonings. You can use butter, water, broth, onion, garlic, and pepper. Heat this mixture in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds on high power.

Step 4: Add the Shrimp

After heating the seasoning mixture, carefully remove the dish from the microwave and add the shrimp. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer, ensuring even cooking. If you're using frozen shrimp, make sure they are in a single layer with the tail ends pointing inward.

Step 5: Cover and Microwave

Cover the dish with plastic wrap, venting it on one side. Then, place the dish in the microwave and cook on "High" power for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the strength of your microwave. For more accurate timing, refer to the guidelines below:

• Miniature and small shrimp: 2.5 to 3 minutes
• Medium or standard shrimp: 3 to 5 minutes
• Large or jumbo shrimp: 6 to 8 minutes
• Colossal shrimp: 8 to 10 minutes

Step 6: Rotate and Resume Cooking

Stop the microwave halfway through the cooking process and rotate the dish a quarter turn. Then, resume cooking until the shrimp are opaque pink.

Step 7: Let the Shrimp Stand

Once the shrimp are cooked, let them stand inside the microwave for 1 minute before removing the dish. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents overcooking.

Step 8: Serve the Shrimp

Carefully remove the plastic wrap from the dish, being cautious of the steam. Then, pour the shrimp onto a platter and serve immediately. You can also chill the shrimp and serve them cold. To do this, transfer the cooked shrimp to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process, then refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes.

How to steam already cooked shrimp on the stove

Steaming shrimp is a great way to get the most flavor out of the crustaceans. It is also easy to steam with the right tools and yields tender shrimp in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the shrimp

If your shrimp is frozen, it is best to thaw it overnight in the fridge. If you don't have time, you can place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes. If your shrimp still has the head and legs attached, pull them off with your fingers. Most cooked shrimp have their veins removed, but if there is a dark vein running along the back, use a pair of scissors to cut through the back of the shrimp's shell and gently pull out the vein.

Step 2: Prepare the stove

Fill a large saucepan with 1 to 2 inches of water and place it on the stove over high heat. If you want to add extra flavor, you can add a few slices of lemon to the water. Place a steamer rack, steamer basket, or metal colander inside the saucepan. Make sure the water level is below the steamer.

Step 3: Steam the shrimp

Place the shrimp on the steamer rack in a single layer. If your shrimp is not already seasoned, you can sprinkle it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or any other seasonings you choose. Cover the saucepan and let the shrimp steam for 2 to 3 minutes, or until it turns pink.

Step 4: Serve the shrimp

If you plan to serve the shrimp cold, immediately remove it from the steamer rack and dunk it into a bowl of ice water. If you plan to serve the shrimp hot, transfer it to a serving dish and serve immediately. Do not refrigerate and reheat, as this may overcook the shrimp and make it rubbery.

How to steam already cooked shrimp in the oven

Yes, you can steam already cooked shrimp in the oven. Here's how:

• Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius).
• Prepare a shallow, small baking pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. You can also line the pan with nonstick aluminium foil or parchment paper.
• Devein the shrimp. For oven-steaming, shrimp should be left in their shells, so you don't need to peel them. Instead, cut open a small slit in the back of the shell and remove the vein through it. Use a pair of kitchen scissors to cut into the shell and just into the flesh of the shrimp's back. Then, dig the vein out with the tip of a paring knife.
• Rinse and drain the shrimp. Place them in a colander and rinse lightly under cool, running water. Drain the excess water and place the colander on paper towels to absorb any remaining water.
• Arrange the shrimp in the prepared pan. Place the shrimp in a single, even layer.
• Drizzle with melted butter or olive oil, and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, or any other desired seasonings. Toss lightly to coat each shrimp evenly.
• Cover the pan loosely with aluminium foil and steam-cook in the oven for 7 to 8 minutes, turning the shrimp once after 5 minutes. Larger shrimp may take longer to cook.
• Drain any excess liquid and serve the shrimp hot.

How to prepare cooked shrimp

Preparing cooked shrimp is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Thaw the Shrimp

If your shrimp is frozen, you can thaw it overnight in the fridge. Place the bag of shrimp in the fridge, and it should be ready by the next morning. If you don't have time for this, you can also thaw the shrimp by placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes.

Step 2: Remove the Veins

Most cooked shrimp have their veins removed. However, if there is a dark vein running along the backs of the shrimp, use a pair of scissors to cut through the shell and gently pull out the vein.

Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method

There are several ways to cook already cooked shrimp, including:

• Microwave: Arrange the shrimp on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer. Add a splash of water and cover with plastic wrap. Microwave on high heat for one to two minutes.
• Stove: Fill a pot with water and place a steamer or colander inside. Place the shrimp in the steamer and bring the water to a boil. Cook until the shrimp become fragrant.
• Oven: This method is best for shrimp that are coated in breading or coconut. Wrap the shrimp loosely in foil and place on a baking tray. Cook at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes.
• Skillet: Coat the bottom of a skillet with cooking oil and add the shrimp in an even layer. Cook for two to three minutes on each side.

Step 4: Add Seasoning (Optional)

If your shrimp are not already seasoned, you can add some simple seasonings like garlic and butter. Toss the shrimp in a spoonful of butter and a couple of cloves of minced garlic.

Step 5: Serve or Use in a Dish

You can serve the shrimp as a snack with cocktail sauce, or add them to dishes like pasta or salad.

How to use already cooked shrimp in meals

There are many ways to use already cooked shrimp in meals. Here are some ideas:

Shrimp Pasta

You can cook your choice of pasta and mix in things like Parmesan cheese, garlic, and dried basil for flavor. Then, mix in some freshly heated shrimp for a nutritious dish. For added nutrition, add some sauteed vegetables to your dish.

Garlic and Butter Shrimp

Simple garlic and butter can add a mild but tasty flavor to shrimp. Add about a spoonful or so of butter and a couple of cloves of minced garlic to your shrimp. Mix the shrimp together until they're coated in the garlic and butter, then enjoy.

Shrimp Salad

A salad can be great for lunch or dinner. If you want to add a little extra protein, toss in a handful of shrimp. This will make your salad more filling, cutting back on excessive snacking throughout the day.

Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Fold shrimp into tortillas with tomatillo salsa and a lime-dressed, crunchy celery salad for a refreshing take on tacos.

Grilled Shrimp Sandwiches

Sandwich grilled shrimp with lettuce, tomato, and avocado on a Kaiser roll for a Mexican-style sandwich.

Grilled Shrimp with Noodles

Instead of stir-frying shrimp, add already grilled shrimp to the finished noodle dish before serving. Toss grilled shrimp with soba, Japan’s buckwheat noodles, and a garlicky, spicy sauce that’s both warming and energizing.

Grilled Shrimp Fried Rice

Add grilled shrimp to fried rice during the last minute of cooking. For a unique twist, add quick-pickled onions and nutty shredded coconut.

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