Steaming Shrimp Perfection: Using A Pressure Cooker

Steaming shrimp is one of the best ways to cook the shellfish. The gentle cooking technique helps elevate shrimp’s flavour and tender snap. The Instant Pot is a great option for steaming shrimp, but it is important to note that the steam function on an Instant Pot is different from steaming on a stovetop because, in addition to steam, the Instant Pot will also create pressure. This may cause the shrimp to overcook or break apart. However, you can steam shrimp with the Instant Pot by using the steamer rack and the sauté setting to make the water come to a simmer. Cover with a cloth or plate instead of the Instant Pot lid to avoid creating a vacuum.

To steam shrimp in the Instant Pot, start by adding water to the pot and placing the shrimp in a steaming basket. Then, put the basket in the Instant Pot, place a glass lid on top, and press the “steam” function. Set the timer for 5 minutes for small to medium shrimp, and an additional 4-5 minutes for large shrimp. The shrimp are done when they are pink and slightly curled. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

How long to steam frozen shrimp in an Instant Pot

Steaming shrimp in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious seafood dinner in minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot

Start by adding water to your Instant Pot. The amount of water you need will depend on the size of your Instant Pot and whether you are cooking other ingredients with the shrimp. For a standard 6-quart Instant Pot, 1/2 cup of water is usually sufficient.

Step 2: Add the Frozen Shrimp

Place the desired amount of frozen shrimp into the steaming basket accessory that comes with your Instant Pot. If you don't have a steaming basket, you can create a foil bowl and place it on the wire trivet that comes with the pot. Make sure to use frozen, raw shrimp with the shells on for the best results.

Step 3: Season the Shrimp (Optional)

Before cooking, you can add seasonings to your shrimp for extra flavour. Lemon juice, lime juice, Old Bay Seasoning, and garlic are all great options. You can also marinate the shrimp in a mixture of lemon or lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for 30-60 minutes before cooking.

Step 4: Set the Timer

Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and turn the valve to the sealing position. Set the timer for 0 minutes if your shrimp are pre-cooked, or 1 minute for frozen raw shrimp. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure, and then it will start counting down.

Step 5: Quick Release the Pressure

Once the timer goes off, quickly release the pressure by turning the valve to the venting position. Be careful to avoid any escaping steam.

Step 6: Check the Shrimp

Open the lid and check the shrimp. They are done when they turn pink and curl slightly. If they are not quite done, you can stir them and add an additional 1-4 minutes to the timer, depending on their size.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the shrimp are cooked to your liking, serve them immediately. You can also store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for 3-6 months.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp:

• The cooking time will depend on the size of your shrimp. Smaller shrimp may only need 3 minutes, while larger shrimp may need up to 9 minutes.
• It is important to use frozen shrimp for this method. If your shrimp are thawed, they will likely overcook.
• Using shell-on shrimp will result in more flavourful and tender shrimp.
• Do not use the pressure cooker function on your Instant Pot, as this will likely overcook the shrimp. Stick to the steaming method.

How to steam shrimp without a steamer

Steaming shrimp is a great way to cook them, resulting in tender and juicy shrimp. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to steam shrimp without a steamer:

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

It is recommended to steam shrimp with their shells on, as this helps insulate them from direct heat and results in more tender shrimp. However, many people prefer to remove the shells before cooking due to the presence of the vein. If you wish to remove the vein, use a pair of scissors or kitchen shears to cut along the back of each shrimp, exposing the vein. Rinse the shrimp under cold water to remove the vein, but leave the shell intact.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

Even though the shrimp won't be directly in the water, a lot of the seasoning will still cook off due to the steam. Therefore, feel free to season the shrimp liberally. You can use a mix of Old Bay seasoning and Cajun seasoning, or other spices of your choice.

Step 3: Set Up Your Steaming Equipment

You can use a variety of methods to steam shrimp. The important part is to ensure that the shrimp are elevated above the water. Here are a few options:

• Use a steamer basket: Place the shrimp in a steamer basket and set it inside a pot of simmering water. Make sure the water doesn't touch the shrimp.
• Use a metal strainer: If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a metal strainer that fits inside your pot. Place the shrimp in the strainer and set it over the simmering water.
• Create a makeshift steamer: Fill a pot with about 1/2 inch of water and place three aluminium foil balls at the bottom. Rest a heat-proof plate on top of the foil balls, cover the pot, and bring the water to a boil. Add the shrimp to the plate and cover.

Step 4: Steam the Shrimp

Once you have your setup ready, it's time to steam the shrimp. For large shrimp (16-20 per pound), steam them for 5-6 minutes. If you are cooking smaller shrimp, adjust the timing accordingly, as they will cook faster. It's a good idea to give the shrimp a light toss halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

After the allotted time, check if the shrimp are done. Properly cooked shrimp will have an exterior that is pink with red tails, and the flesh will be slightly opaque and white. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can turn rubbery.

Step 6: Serve or Chill the Shrimp

Once the shrimp are cooked, you can serve them immediately while they're still warm. Alternatively, you can chill them over ice if you prefer cold shrimp. Serve the shrimp with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce, or your favourite dipping sauce.

Tips for Steaming Shrimp:

• Don't overcook the shrimp: It's easy to overcook shrimp, especially when boiling them. Steaming helps prevent overcooking and results in more tender shrimp.
• Use the right size of shrimp: While you can steam any size of shrimp, larger shrimp (16-20 per pound) tend to give the best results.
• Leave the shells on: The shells help insulate the shrimp from direct heat, resulting in more tender shrimp.
• Add flavour with seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to add flavour to your steamed shrimp. Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, and garlic are all great options.

How to peel shrimp

There are two ways to peel shrimp: by hand or with a pair of kitchen shears.

To peel shrimp by hand, first pull off the legs. Then, use your thumbs to crack open the shell along the underside, where it is softer. Finally, pull off the shell.

To peel shrimp with kitchen shears, start by cutting through the shell along the top, where it is hardest, with the shears. Then, crack it open and pull off the shell.

The method you choose is a matter of personal preference. Peeling by hand can be messier, but it leaves you with a cleaner, more intact shrimp. Using kitchen shears can be a little easier, but it may cut into the shrimp more.

Once you have removed the shell, you can leave the tail on or remove it. Leaving the tail on can make for a nice presentation, while removing it makes the shrimp a little easier to eat.

If you are using frozen shrimp, you will need to thaw them before peeling. You can do this by transferring the shrimp from the freezer to the fridge a day or two in advance, or by placing them in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes.

How to brine shrimp

Brining shrimp is an excellent way to ensure your shrimp are plump, tender, and juicy. The process is simple: just soak your shrimp in a saltwater solution, and optionally, add sugar, herbs, or spices to the brine.

Step 1: Prepare the Brine

For a basic brine, combine 1 tablespoon of kosher salt with 1 quart of water. Stir the solution until the salt is fully dissolved. You can also add a tablespoon of sugar to the brine for a slightly sweeter taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

For best results, use raw, peeled shrimp. Devein the shrimp if necessary.

Step 3: Combine Shrimp and Brine

Place the shrimp in a resealable bag and pour in the brine. Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it.

Step 4: Brine the Shrimp

Place the bag of shrimp in the refrigerator and let it brine for 30 minutes to an hour. The exact time will depend on the size of your shrimp and whether they are peeled or unpeeled. Peeled shrimp will brine more quickly, so they only need about 20-30 minutes. Unpeeled shrimp will require 40 minutes to an hour.

Step 5: Remove and Dry the Shrimp

After brining, remove the shrimp from the brine, discard the brine, and pat the shrimp dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.

Step 6: Cook the Shrimp

At this point, your shrimp are ready to be cooked using your preferred method. You can pan-sear, grill, or steam them in an Instant Pot.

Tips:

• Do not rinse the shrimp after brining, as this will wash away the added flavor.
• Brined shrimp are best cooked immediately after removing them from the brine.
• If you want to add extra flavor to your brine, you can include ingredients like bay leaves, spices, and herbs.

Brining shrimp is a quick and easy way to enhance the flavor and texture of your shrimp. By following these simple steps, you can take your shrimp dishes to the next level!

How to flavour the shrimp steaming liquid

When it comes to flavouring the steaming liquid for shrimp, there are endless possibilities.

Firstly, you can use plain water as your steaming liquid, adding a few slices of lemon to complement the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

Alternatively, you can swap water for another liquid. This could be stock, wine, beer, fruit juices, or any other beverage of your choice.

Additionally, you can add aromatics to the steaming liquid to enhance the flavour. Vegetables such as onions, celery, and carrots are excellent options. Garlic and ginger will also add a punch of flavour. Spices and herbs like chili peppers, black pepper, bay leaves, thyme, cilantro, and parsley can further enhance the aroma and taste of the dish.

For those who enjoy a kick of spice in their seafood, tossing the raw shrimp in some cayenne or black pepper is a great option. You can also add a citrus zest, curry powder, or herbs for an extra punch of flavour.

If you're feeling creative, try adding liquid seasonings like vermouth or sherry, which complement the shrimp's natural sweetness. For an Asian-inspired dish, a drizzle of oyster sauce or Thai curry paste can be a delicious addition.

Remember, when adding extra flavour to your shrimp, it's important to heavily season the steaming liquid. This will ensure that the steam infuses just the right amount of flavour into your shrimp.

Frequently asked questions