Steaming Shrimp: How Long Does It Take?

Steaming shrimp is a great way to cook the shellfish, and it's easy to do with the right tools. The gentle cooking technique helps elevate the shrimp's flavour and tender snap. The process is also more convenient than boiling, as it requires less water and therefore less time waiting for it to boil. When steaming shrimp, it's important to ensure that the food is elevated from the simmering water below – you want your shrimp to cook in the steam, not the water.

How to steam cooked shrimp without a steamer basket

Steaming shrimp is a great way to get the most flavor out of the crustaceans. It's easy to steam and yields tender shrimp in no time. If you don't have a steamer basket, there are a few alternative methods you can use to achieve the same results. Here are the steps you can follow:

Method 1: Using a heat-safe bowl and plate

• Turn a heat-safe bowl upside down in your pot.
• Place a heavy, heat-safe plate on top of the overturned bowl.
• You've now created an impromptu steamer!

Method 2: Using a colander

• Place a heatproof colander on top of a pot of simmering water.
• Make sure the colander is large enough to rest on the rim of the pot, with the base elevated above the water.

Method 3: Using vegetables

• Layer potatoes and corn on the cob inside your pot, along with water or another liquid.
• Place your shrimp on top of the vegetables, which will keep them elevated above the liquid.
• Fire up your stove and start steaming!

Regardless of the method you choose, the key is to keep the shrimp elevated above the simmering water so that they cook in the steam and not in the water.

Once you've set up your steamer, follow these steps to steam your shrimp:

• Bring the liquid in the pot to a boil over high heat.
• Reduce the heat to medium.
• Add the shrimp to the steamer.
• Steam the shrimp for 4 to 6 minutes, or until they are opaque and cooked through.
• To stop the cooking process, transfer the shrimp to an ice water bath using a slotted spoon.
• Let the shrimp sit in the ice water for 5 minutes, then drain.

Your shrimp are now ready to be served or stored!

How long to steam cooked shrimp

Steaming shrimp is a great way to get the most flavour out of the crustaceans. It's a gentle cooking technique that helps elevate the shrimp's flavour and tender snap. The process is easy and can be done in a few simple steps.

Firstly, you'll need to gather your equipment. You'll need a large pot with a steamer basket insert that sits on top. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a stainless mesh strainer, a heat-proof bowl, or a heat-proof colander. You'll also need a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process once the shrimp are done.

Next, prepare your shrimp. You can steam shrimp with the shell on or off, but if you want the seasoning to adhere directly to the shrimp, it's best to remove the shell. You'll also need to remove the heads and tails if they're still attached. If you want to devein your shrimp, use a paring knife to cut a slit along the back of each shelled shrimp and remove the dark intestinal tract. Rinse your shrimp, and they are ready to steam.

Now it's time to steam! Fill the pot with about 1 inch of water, making sure there are at least two 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. Place the shrimp in the steamer basket, cover the pot, and steam for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.

Finally, transfer the shrimp to the ice water bath using a slotted spoon and let them sit for about 5 minutes to stop the cooking process. Then, simply drain the shrimp and enjoy!

How to store steamed shrimp

Storing steamed shrimp correctly is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure the shrimp stays tasty and safe to eat. Here is a detailed guide on how to store steamed shrimp:

Cooling the Shrimp:

Before storing, it is essential to cool the shrimp promptly. Place the cooked shrimp in an ice water bath for 5 minutes to stop the cooking process. Then, drain the water and pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.

Refrigeration:

For short-term storage, you can keep steamed shrimp in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Here are the steps to properly refrigerate steamed shrimp:

• Place the cooled shrimp in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap.
• Ensure your refrigerator is set to 40°Fahrenheit or below.
• Store the shrimp in the coldest part of the refrigerator, such as the back of the bottom shelf.
• For optimal freshness, aim to consume the shrimp within 2 days.

Freezing:

If you want to store steamed shrimp for an extended period, freezing is a suitable option. Here's how to do it:

• Place the cooled shrimp in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Remove as much air as possible from the bags or containers.
• Label the bags or containers with the date and store them in the freezer.
• Steamed shrimp can be safely frozen for up to 3 months.
• For the best quality, it is recommended to consume the shrimp within 2 months of freezing.

Food Safety Tips:

• Always thaw frozen shrimp in the refrigerator to slow bacterial growth.
• Do not refreeze previously frozen shrimp that has been thawed.
• Discard the shrimp if it develops an off odor, slimy texture, or discoloration during storage.

What to serve with steamed shrimp

Steamed shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your preferences and the occasion. Here are some ideas on what to serve with steamed shrimp:

Appetizers and Snacks

Steamed shrimp can be a delicious appetizer or snack on its own, but you can also serve it with a variety of dips and sauces to enhance the flavour. Some popular options include melted butter, cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or a simple dip made from cream cheese and shrimp. You can also get creative and make a shrimp dip with cream cheese, or even a shrimp ceviche.

Salads

Salads are a great way to round out your meal and add some fresh vegetables to the plate. A simple green salad with a variety of leafy greens, such as arugula or spinach, can be a nice complement to the shrimp. You can also try a Greek salad, a Caprese salad with mozzarella cheese and balsamic tomatoes, or a tomato cucumber avocado salad with a lemon vinaigrette. For something more substantial, a shrimp Cobb salad with a bacon dressing is a delicious option.

Starchy Sides

Starchy sides like rice and potatoes go well with shrimp. Easy coconut rice or cilantro lime rice are great choices, especially if you're serving Thai, South Asian, or tropical-themed dishes. Oven-roasted potatoes or Greek lemon-roasted baby potatoes add a crispy texture to your meal. For a true Southern classic, try shrimp and grits, or cheese grits for added flavour.

Vegetables

Vegetables are a must-have side dish for shrimp, and there are plenty of options to choose from. Asparagus is a popular choice, especially when paired with a cheese sauce and herb breadcrumbs. Roasted broccoli is another simple yet tasty option. You could also try something different like grilled fruit and vegetable kabobs or oven-roasted mixed vegetables.

Pasta

Pasta is always a popular choice, and it goes well with shrimp. A simple lemon butter pasta or pesto penne pasta can be a great complement to the shrimp. For something more substantial, try a shrimp and burst cherry tomato pasta or a lemon-pepper shrimp scampi.

Other Seafood Options

If you want to make your meal more of a seafood feast, there are plenty of other seafood options to serve with steamed shrimp. Crab-stuffed mushrooms or imitation crab salad can be delicious and elegant choices. For something heartier, try a shrimp and pasta dish like shrimp Alfredo or shrimp fajitas.

How to steam cooked shrimp with a steamer basket

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. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam cooked shrimp with a steamer basket:

Step 1: Prepare the Steamer Basket

Place a steamer basket inside a large pot. Make sure the pot is large enough to accommodate the basket with some space left over. The basket should sit on top of the pot, with holes or perforations at the bottom to let in steam. Ensure there are at least two inches between the bottom of the basket and the waterline when you fill the pot with water.

Step 2: Fill the Pot with Water

Fill the pot with about an inch of water. Be careful not to fill it too much, as you don't want the water to touch the bottom of the steamer basket. The shrimp should be cooked by the steam, not by boiling in the water.

Step 3: Bring the Water to a Boil

Cover the pot and place it on a burner set to high heat. This will help the water reach a boil faster. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium.

Step 4: Add the Shrimp to the Steamer Basket

Place the cooked shrimp in the steamer basket. You can add seasoning to the shrimp at this point if desired. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket, as this can affect even cooking. If you have a lot of shrimp, you may need to cook them in batches.

Step 5: Steam the Shrimp

Place the steamer basket with the shrimp inside the pot. Cover the pot and steam the shrimp for 4 to 6 minutes. For even cooking, toss the shrimp halfway through. The shrimp are done when they are opaque and cooked through, with a bright pink color.

Step 6: Stop the Cooking Process

Remove the shrimp from the steamer basket using a slotted spoon and transfer them to an ice water bath. This will stop the cooking process and help the shrimp retain their texture and flavor. Let the shrimp sit in the ice water for about 5 minutes before draining and serving.

Frequently asked questions