Steaming Shrimp: The Perfect Timing For Succulent Seafood

Steaming shrimp is a great way to cook the shellfish, as it helps elevate the shrimp's flavour and tender snap. The steaming method is also gentler on seafood and helps lock in the shrimp's flavour. It is also more convenient than boiling as you need less water, which means you don't have to wait as long for it to come to a boil. The prep work involved before steaming shrimp depends on your personal preferences and whether you bought your shrimp peeled and deveined. If you bought shell-on shrimp, you will need to remove the shell and devein the shrimp before steaming. Once prepped, shrimp can be steamed in a few minutes, depending on the quantity and whether they are frozen.

How to steam shrimp without a steamer basket

Steaming shrimp is a great way to cook them, as it helps lock in their flavour and texture. If you don't have a steamer basket, there are several ways to steam shrimp without one. Here are some methods you can try:

• Use a metal or wire mesh colander: Simply place the colander inside a large saucepan and fill the saucepan with 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of water. Make sure the water level is below the bottom of the colander to avoid boiling the shrimp.
• Make a makeshift steamer: Place a heat-safe bowl upside down in a large pot and put a heavy, heat-safe plate on top of the bowl. This creates an impromptu steamer for your shrimp.
• Use a heatproof colander: Set a heatproof colander on top of a pot of simmering water. This will allow you to steam your shrimp without fully submerging them in water.
• Create a steamer from vegetables: Layer potatoes and corn on the cob inside your pot, along with water or another liquid. Place the shrimp on top of the vegetables, which will keep them elevated and steaming without boiling.
• Poach the shrimp: If you don't have a steamer basket, you can simply poach the shrimp in water at a low simmer for about four minutes. Keep an eye on the colour change, and remove them from the heat when they turn bright pink and are firm but still slightly bouncy.

Remember, when steaming shrimp, it's important to keep the shrimp elevated above the water level to ensure they are steamed and not boiled. Additionally, shrimp cook quickly and should never be overcooked, so keep an eye on them during the cooking process.

How long to steam shrimp

Steaming shrimp is a great way to cook the shellfish, as it helps elevate the flavour and tender snap of the shrimp. The gentle cooking technique also locks in the shrimp's flavour and makes it convenient as you need less water compared to boiling.

To steam shrimp, you will need a steaming setup that keeps the food elevated from the simmering water below. There are various options for this, including a large metal pot with a steamer basket insert, a tamale pot, a Chinese-style bamboo steamer, or a steamer rack in an Instant Pot.

Once you have your setup ready, here's how long you should steam your shrimp:

• Bring water to a boil in your pot, making sure that the water level is not touching the bottom of your steamer basket.
• Place the shrimp in the steamer basket and season as desired.
• Carefully place the basket in the pot, cover, and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle boil.
• Steam the shrimp for 4 to 6 minutes for 1 to 2 pounds of shrimp, or until they are opaque and cooked through.
• For smaller amounts of shrimp (around 1 pound), steam for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are opaque.
• If using shelled shrimp, cook for 1 to 3 minutes, being careful not to overcook to avoid a rubbery texture.

With these guidelines in mind, you can now steam shrimp to perfection!

How to store steamed shrimp

Storing steamed shrimp is simple, but it does require some attention to detail. Here are the steps to ensure your shrimp stays fresh and safe to eat:

• Cooling the Shrimp: Once your shrimp is steamed, it is important to stop the cooking process. To do this, prepare an ice water bath in a large bowl and transfer the shrimp to it using a slotted spoon. Let the shrimp sit in the ice water for around 5 minutes, then drain the water. This step is crucial to prevent overcooking and to lock in the shrimp's flavour and texture.
• Storage Container: After draining the shrimp, ensure they are thoroughly dried. Then, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. It is important to use a container that is specifically designed for food storage and ensure it is clean and dry.
• Refrigeration: Store the shrimp in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius) or lower. The refrigerator temperature should be checked to ensure it is cold enough to safely store the shrimp.
• Storage Time: Freshly cooked shrimp can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, whether it is shelled or unshelled. It is important to consume or freeze the shrimp within this time frame to ensure food safety and maintain optimal quality.
• Freezing: If you wish to extend the shelf life of the shrimp, you can freeze it. Wrap the shrimp in freezer-grade plastic or foil and store it in the freezer. Cooked shrimp can be safely frozen for up to 3 months while maintaining its quality. However, it will remain safe to eat indefinitely if kept frozen, although the texture and flavour may deteriorate over time.
• Defrosting: When you are ready to enjoy your frozen shrimp, it is best to defrost them in the refrigerator to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Do not refreeze the shrimp after defrosting.
• Food Safety: Always be mindful of food safety practices. If the shrimp develops an unpleasant odour or appears slimy, discard it immediately. Additionally, if your power has gone out at any time, it is best to toss out the shrimp and any other perishable items in your freezer.

What type of shrimp is best for steaming

When it comes to choosing the best shrimp for steaming, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to opt for wild shrimp, which is generally considered a more environmentally-friendly and ethically-conscious choice than farmed shrimp. Specifically, wild Gulf shrimp is a good option, and it can be purchased fresh or frozen. When buying frozen shrimp, it is important to check the labels for preservatives and aim for those with minimal added ingredients.

In terms of size, shrimp in the US are typically sold by weight, and the labels "jumbo", "medium", or "small" refer to the number of shrimp per pound. For example, one pound of large shrimp usually contains around 20-25 shrimp.

When preparing shrimp for steaming, it is common to leave the tail on, and you can choose whether to peel and devein them beforehand or keep them shell-on. Peeling and deveining shrimp can make them easier to eat, especially if you plan to serve them as an appetizer or finger food. However, leaving the shells on during steaming infuses the shrimp with more flavour.

Additionally, it is worth noting that steaming shrimp with their shells on may require a slightly longer cooking time compared to peeled shrimp. Overall, the best type of shrimp for steaming will depend on your personal preferences, but choosing wild shrimp, considering the size, and deciding whether to peel and devein them are key factors to ensure a delicious and successful steamed shrimp dish.

What to serve with steamed shrimp

Steamed shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways, depending on your preference. Here are some ideas on what to serve with steamed shrimp:

Appetizers and Salads

A simple and classic way to serve steamed shrimp is as an appetizer with melted butter, cocktail sauce, or tartar sauce for dipping. If you're looking for something more substantial, consider making a shrimp cocktail or pairing it with a salad. Some salad options that complement shrimp include Roquefort Pear Salad, Good for You Greek Salad, Spinach and Orzo Salad, or a simple tomato, cucumber, and avocado salad with a lemon vinaigrette.

Side Dishes

When it comes to side dishes, there are plenty of options to choose from. Vegetables like roasted broccoli, asparagus, or grilled fruit and vegetable kabobs go well with shrimp. If you're looking for something more filling, consider oven-roasted corn on the cob, macaroni salad, or oven-roasted potatoes. For a starch option, easy coconut rice, lemon-parmesan asparagus, or Greek lemon-roasted baby potatoes would be excellent choices.

Main Course

Steamed shrimp can also be the star of the show as a main course. Try pairing it with a flavorful pasta dish like shrimp scampi, shrimp Alfredo, or a simple shrimp and burst cherry tomato pasta. If you're in the mood for something more exotic, go for shrimp and grits, a classic Southern dish. You could also wrap your steamed shrimp in spring rolls or serve them with avocado salad and crunchy romaine lettuce for a refreshing meal.

Drinks

Don't forget to pair your meal with a refreshing drink! A crisp white wine or a chilled beer would go well with steamed shrimp, especially on a warm day.

Frequently asked questions