Steaming Shrimp: Beer's Unique Role In Seafood

Steaming shrimp in beer is a quick and easy way to add a unique and subtle hoppy-citrus flavour to your shellfish. The shrimp are not actually cooked in the beer but are steamed over a pot of boiling beer, which infuses a delicate aroma without overwhelming the natural sweetness of the shrimp. This cooking method can be adapted to create as many servings as you need by simply adjusting the number of shrimp in the steaming basket. The type of beer used will also affect the flavour, with lagers adding a hint of citrus and ales offering a fuller flavour.

What type of beer to use for steaming shrimp

The type of beer you use for steaming shrimp will depend on your personal preference. However, there are some things to consider. Firstly, shrimp have a delicate flavour that should be treated with care. Lagers tend to be lighter than ales and may be a better choice for creating a dish that appeals to a wider range of people. Lagers can add a hint of citrus to the steam pot and are generally preferred for food pairing. If you want a fuller flavour, you could opt for an ale, but it is recommended to go for a lighter style such as an English pale ale or a fruity wheat ale.

The quality of the beer is also important. Even though it is only used for steaming, the quality of the beer will impact the final flavour of the dish. It is recommended to choose a beer that you would be happy to drink.

Some specific beer styles that are recommended for steaming shrimp include:

• Flavourful lagers such as pilsners, American craft lagers, helles, dunkel, and bock
• Flavourful ales such as saisons, gose, low bitterness pale ales, and IPA's flavoured with citrusy or herbal aroma hops
• American wheat ales brewed with clean, citrusy American yeast
• Local beers, such as a Maryland lager or ale (e.g. Natty Boh or Guinness Blonde) if you are making Maryland-style steamed shrimp

How to steam shrimp without a steamer

Steaming shrimp in beer is a fun way to change up your shellfish routine. The shrimp are not actually cooked in beer but are steamed over a boiling pot of beer, which adds a subtle and sweet hoppy-citrus flavor.

To steam shrimp without a steamer, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the shrimp

Firstly, you'll want to prepare the shrimp by removing the shell and vein. While it is possible to steam shrimp with the shell on, it is not recommended as it can make them difficult to cook evenly and may result in overcooking. You can use kitchen shears or scissors to cut up the back of each shrimp, exposing and removing the vein. Rinse the shrimp under cold water to clean them, and then pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Prepare the steaming liquid

For the steaming liquid, you can use a combination of water and beer, or simply water if you prefer. Fill a large pot with enough liquid to reach just below the steaming basket or rack you will be using. You can also add other ingredients to the liquid, such as lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, to enhance the flavor. Bring this mixture to a boil on your stovetop.

Step 3: Steam the shrimp

Place the prepared shrimp in a single layer on a steaming basket, rack, or heat-proof plate that fits inside your pot. Make sure the shrimp are elevated above the liquid and not touching it. Cover the pot with a lid to contain the steam and cook the shrimp for approximately 5-6 minutes. For larger shrimp, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.

Step 4: Check for doneness

After steaming, the shrimp should be opaque and slightly curled, with pink and white flesh. You can also check the internal temperature, which should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5: Serve

Once the shrimp are cooked, you can serve them warm or chilled. They can be peeled and served with a simple cocktail sauce made from ketchup and horseradish, or with melted butter and lemon wedges.

How long to steam shrimp

Steaming shrimp is a great way to cook the crustaceans, and it's easy to do so in a short amount of time. The process can be done with or without a steamer basket, and the shrimp can be cooked from frozen.

When steaming shrimp, it's important to ensure that the water in the pot does not touch the bottom of the steamer basket. The basket should be placed inside a large pot, with a gap of about two inches between the basket and the waterline. The pot should then be covered and brought to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, the heat can be reduced to medium, and the shrimp added.

Shrimp should be steamed for around 4 to 6 minutes. They are cooked when they are opaque and have curled slightly, turning pink or bright orange in colour. It's important to keep an eye on the shrimp as they cook, as overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.

If you're steaming a large number of shrimp, it's a good idea to toss them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. This can be done with tongs, ensuring that all the shrimp change colour.

Once cooked, the shrimp can be served warm or chilled. They can be peeled and served with a variety of dips, such as melted butter, cocktail sauce, or tartar sauce.

What to serve with steamed shrimp

Steamed shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways and paired with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for what to serve with steamed shrimp:

Appetizers and Entrées

Steamed shrimp can be served as an appetizer or entrée, depending on the portion size. For an appetizer, a smaller serving of warm or cold shrimp can be offered with a side of cocktail sauce or melted butter. For an entrée, a larger portion of shrimp can be served over a bed of pasta or rice.

Salads

Salads are a great option to pair with steamed shrimp, especially during the summer months. Some salad ideas include a classic coleslaw, a spinach and orzo salad, a Greek salad, a Roquefort pear salad, or a fresh tomato, cucumber, and avocado salad. These salads offer a range of flavors and textures that can complement the shrimp.

Vegetables

Roasted or grilled vegetables are a healthy and flavorful side dish option. Asparagus, broccoli, and oven-roasted corn on the cob are all simple yet delicious choices. For a more indulgent option, try asparagus with cheese sauce and herb breadcrumbs.

Starch Sides

Starchy sides such as potatoes, rice, and pasta also go well with steamed shrimp. Consider oven-roasted red potatoes, Greek lemon-roasted baby potatoes, easy coconut rice, or a simple lemon butter pasta. For a heartier option, try a shrimp and burst cherry tomato pasta or a shrimp cobb salad with bacon dressing.

Breads

Cheesy garlic bread or rosemary cornbread can round out the meal and provide a tasty way to soak up any remaining sauces or juices.

How to make a shrimp boil

A shrimp boil is a great way to enjoy a variety of tasty ingredients in one big pot. It's a fun and easy dish to prepare and is perfect for a summer meal or entertaining guests. The basic ingredients are shrimp, potatoes, sausage, corn, and a blend of spices. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a delicious shrimp boil.

Ingredients:

• Water
• Red or yellow onion
• Garlic
• Old Bay seasoning
• Thyme
• Red or Yukon gold potatoes
• Salt and pepper
• Corn on the cob
• Andouille sausage or another type of smoked sausage
• Shrimp, preferably frozen and freshly thawed
• Unsalted butter
• Lemon
• Parsley
• Beer (optional)

Steps:

Prepare the Broth:

• Fill a large stockpot with water. You can use hot water to speed up the process.
• Add halved lemons, garlic, onion, Old Bay seasoning, thyme, and any other desired spices to the water.
• Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

Cook the Potatoes:

Add the potatoes to the boiling broth and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until they are just barely fork-tender.

Add Corn and Sausage:

Put the corn and sausage into the pot and cook for an additional 3-6 minutes.

Cook the Shrimp:

Gently stir in the shrimp and cook until they turn opaque and pink, which should only take about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.

Drain and Serve:

• Drain the mixture and spread it out on a large serving platter or baking sheet.
• Drizzle with melted butter and lemon juice, and sprinkle with parsley, Old Bay seasoning, and pepper to taste.
• Serve warm with some bread on the side, or as part of a potluck or BBQ.

Tips:

• You can also add other ingredients like crab, lobster, clams, or vegetables such as green beans, okra, or asparagus.
• If you want to add a unique flavour to your shrimp, you can steam them over boiling beer. The beer will add a subtle, sweet, hoppy-citrus flavour.

Frequently asked questions