Steaming Shrimp: Quick Cooker Method

Steaming shrimp is a great way to cook the shellfish, as it helps elevate the shrimp's flavour and tender snap. It is also a convenient method as it requires less water than boiling, which means you don't have to wait as long for the water to boil. There are many ways to steam shrimp, including using a stovetop steamer, a rice cooker, or even a pot with a steamer basket insert. However, it's important to note that steaming shrimp in an Instant Pot may not be the best idea, as the pressure may cause the shrimp to break apart.

How to steam shrimp in an Instant Pot

Steaming shrimp is a great way to cook them without overdoing it, allowing you to use them in a variety of recipes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam shrimp in an Instant Pot:

Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot

Firstly, add some water to the Instant Pot. The amount of water will depend on the size of your Instant Pot and the steamer basket you are using. Ensure there are at least two inches between the bottom of the steamer basket and the waterline.

Step 2: Prepare the shrimp

You can steam shrimp with or without the shell. If you are using shell-on shrimp, you will need to remove the heads by twisting or chopping them off. You can then peel off the shell, leaving the tail on if desired. Devein the shrimp by using a paring knife to cut a slit along the back of each shrimp, exposing the intestinal tract, and remove it. Rinse the shrimp before steaming.

Step 3: Add flavour (optional)

You can add flavour to the shrimp by marinating them or adding ingredients to the water in the Instant Pot. For a simple option, add slices of lemon to the water. Alternatively, you can marinate the shrimp in lemon or lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper before cooking. You can also add aromatics like onions, celery, carrots, garlic, and ginger to the water.

Step 4: Steam the shrimp

Place the shrimp in the steaming basket accessory and put the basket in the Instant Pot. Cover the pot with a glass lid. Press the "steam" function and set the timer for 5 minutes. Check the shrimp when the timer goes off. Small or medium shrimp may be done at this point, which is when they turn pink and slightly curled. Large shrimp will need more time, so stir them and add another 4-5 minutes to the timer.

Step 5: Serve or store the shrimp

Serve the steamed shrimp immediately, or store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze cooked shrimp for 3-6 months if wrapped well.

How to steam frozen shrimp

Steaming shrimp is a great way to cook the shellfish, as it helps elevate the flavour and tender snap of the shrimp. It is also a gentle cooking method that helps lock in the flavour.

• Get your steaming equipment ready. You can use a large metal pot with a steamer basket insert, or a pasta pot with a strainer. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can buy a separate one that fits inside your pot and has little feet to keep it elevated from the water. Alternatively, you can use a tamale pot, a Chinese-style bamboo steamer, or a steamer rack that is popular in Chinese and other East Asian cuisines.
• Prepare the shrimp. If you want to peel and devein the shrimp, start by twisting or chopping off the heads. Then, peel off the shell segment by segment, and snip off the tail with scissors or a knife unless you want to keep it on for serving. To devein the shrimp, use a paring knife to cut a slit along the back of each shelled shrimp and remove the dark intestinal tract with the tip of your knife or your fingers. Finally, rinse your shrimp, and they are ready to be steamed.
• Brine the shrimp for extra juiciness (optional). Soak your prepped shrimp for 1 hour before cooking in an ice water-salt brine. Use 1 tablespoon of salt for every 2 cups of ice water, and optionally add 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of baking soda to the brine. Don't forget to rinse the shrimp before steaming to wash off the baking soda.
• Add flavour to the shrimp steaming liquid (optional). If you want to add extra flavour to your shrimp, you can use different liquids instead of plain water, such as stock, wine, beer, or fruit juices. You can also add aromatics like onions, celery, carrots, garlic, or ginger, or seasonings like chili peppers, black pepper, bay leaves, thyme, cilantro, or parsley.
• Set up your steaming equipment. Fill the pot with about 1 inch of water, making sure there are at least 2 inches between the bottom of the steamer basket and the waterline.
• Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium.
• Add the shrimp to the steamer basket, cover, and steam for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. You can tell when shrimp are fully cooked as they will be slightly pink, opaque, and firm.
• Stop the cooking process. Make an ice water bath in a large bowl and transfer the shrimp to it using a slotted spoon. Let the shrimp sit for about 5 minutes, then drain.

Your steamed shrimp are now ready to be served hot or chilled!

How to steam shrimp without a steamer basket

Steaming shrimp is a great way to get the most flavor out of the shellfish, and it's easy to do with the right tools. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to steam shrimp without a steamer basket:

Prepare the shrimp:

Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp. You can leave the tail on for decoration or remove it, depending on your preference. To devein the shrimp, use the tip of a sharp knife to cut down the center of the shrimp's back and remove the dark vein. If the head and legs are still attached, pull them off with your fingers.

Use a pot and a heat-safe bowl:

If you don't have a steamer basket, you can create your own steamer by placing a heat-safe bowl upside down in a large pot. Fill the pot with 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of water. Make sure the water level is below the bottom of the bowl.

Add a heat-safe plate:

Place a heavy, heat-safe plate on top of the overturned bowl. This will serve as your steamer rack.

Bring the water to a boil:

Place the pot on the stove over high heat and bring the water to a boil. You can also add lemon juice and salt to the water to enhance the flavor.

Add the shrimp:

Once the water is boiling, carefully place the shrimp on the plate in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any other desired seasonings.

Steam the shrimp:

Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium. Steam the shrimp for 3-6 minutes, depending on their size. Standard-size shrimp will take about 3 minutes to cook, while jumbo or colossal shrimp may take an additional 2-3 minutes. Make sure to keep the pot covered to allow steam to build up, which is necessary for cooking the shrimp.

Check for doneness:

Shrimp are done when they turn opaque and curl up into a "C" shape. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they cook quickly.

Serve or chill the shrimp:

If you plan to serve the shrimp hot, transfer them to a serving dish and serve immediately. If you prefer to serve them chilled, prepare an ice water bath and dunk the shrimp in it to stop the cooking process. Then, drain the shrimp and serve.

Tips for Steaming Shrimp:

• If you're using an Instant Pot or electronic pressure cooker, avoid using the steam function, as it can overcook the shrimp and cause them to break apart. Instead, use the sauté setting to bring the water to a simmer, and cover with a cloth or plate instead of the lid.
• You can also use a heatproof colander set on top of a pot of simmering water to steam shrimp.
• For extra juicy shrimp, brine them before cooking. Soak the shrimp for 1 hour in an ice water-salt brine (1 tablespoon of salt per 2 cups of ice water). You can also add sugar and baking soda to the brine for crispier shrimp.
• When seasoning the shrimp, be generous, as the steaming liquid should be heavily seasoned.

How to store steamed shrimp

Storing steamed shrimp is a straightforward process, but it's important to act quickly as shrimp is delicate and perishable. Here are the steps to follow:

• Cool the Shrimp: After steaming, transfer the shrimp to an ice water bath using a slotted spoon. Let the shrimp sit in the ice bath for around 5 minutes to stop the cooking process and cool them down.
• Drain and Dry: Remove the shrimp from the ice bath and drain them thoroughly. It's important to remove excess moisture to prevent the growth of bacteria.
• Storage Container: Place the shrimp in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. Ensure there is no excess air in the container, as this can affect the quality and safety of the shrimp.
• Refrigerate: Store the shrimp in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°Fahrenheit or lower. Fresh cooked shrimp can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, whether shelled or unshelled.
• Freeze for Long-Term Storage: If you want to store the shrimp for longer, consider freezing them. Wrap the shrimp in freezer-grade plastic or foil and store them in the freezer. Cooked shrimp can be safely frozen for up to 3 months.
• Defrost Safely: When you're ready to use the frozen shrimp, defrost them in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth. Avoid defrosting at room temperature or under running water.
• Check for Spoilage: Always check the shrimp for any signs of spoilage before consuming. If the shrimp smells unpleasant or appears slimy, discard it immediately.

By following these steps, you can safely store and enjoy steamed shrimp. Remember that shrimp is delicate, so it's best to consume it as fresh as possible and not keep it stored for extended periods.

How to tell when shrimp are done steaming

There are several ways to tell when shrimp are done steaming. Firstly, you can check the internal temperature of the shrimp with a food thermometer; it should read 145 °F (63 °C) or higher to indicate that the shrimp are fully cooked. This is the most accurate method.

Secondly, you can examine the external colour of the shrimp. They should be opaque white with pops of pink or orange. The white colour should be pearlescent, not matte or dull, as this may indicate overcooking.

Thirdly, look at the shape of the shrimp. Fully cooked shrimp will be curved into a "C" or oval shape. If they are left too long, they will become overcooked and form an "O" shape. However, keep in mind that smaller shrimp may naturally look like an "O" due to their size.

Another way to tell is by feeling the texture of the shrimp. Press the shrimp with a fork or your finger; they should feel soft and tender when cooked perfectly. Undercooked shrimp will feel springy or slimy, while overcooked shrimp will feel tough or rubbery.

Lastly, you can cut open the thickest part of a shrimp to check the interior colour. It should be white and opaque, not grey or translucent. If it is still translucent, return it to the heat for another minute or so.

Frequently asked questions