Steaming Succulent Prawns: A Quick, Easy Guide

Steamed prawns are a delicious and healthy dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. This cooking method is gentle on seafood, helping to lock in flavour and resulting in tender, juicy prawns. The process is simple and requires little preparation, making it an excellent choice for a quick and easy meal. Prawns can be steamed with the shell on or off, although cooking them with the shell on will enhance the dish's natural flavour. Additionally, steaming equipment is not necessary, as a regular stock pot can be used instead.

How to butterfly prawns

To butterfly prawns, start by using kitchen scissors to snip off the antennae and sharp edges (rostrum) of the prawns. You can also cut off the first half section of the prawns' heads if you don't want the eyes in your presentation. Next, snip off the front legs, swimming legs, and the sharp ends of the tail.

Then, use kitchen scissors or a sharp knife to make a slit across the back of the prawn, from the head to the end of the tail. Remove any black veins, including the smaller one hidden on the underside of the prawn. Make a tiny incision and use a toothpick to remove it without cutting further and accidentally halving the prawn.

For partial butterfly prawns, cut a little deeper to make a cavity, being careful not to cut too deep and halve the prawn. This cut allows you to fit more prawns on a plate and is useful for adding small stuffings like minced garlic.

For full butterfly prawns, create a cavity by making a deeper cut and then gently flattening the body of the prawn with your fingers. Full butterflied prawns are ideal for very large or jumbo-sized prawns and when you want the topping to be the star of the dish. They take up more space in the dish but have a gourmet look in their presentation.

How to prepare glass noodles

Glass noodles, also known as vermicelli or mung bean noodles, are a key ingredient in Chinese-style steamed prawn dishes. They are widely used in Chinese cuisine and can be found in stir-fries, salads, stews, soups, and steamed dishes.

Soaking the Noodles:

• Glass noodles come in a dry form and need to be soaked before cooking. Place the desired amount of noodles in a container and fill it with warm water until the noodles are completely submerged. Soaking in warm water helps speed up the process and makes the noodles softer, smoother, and more tender.
• The soaking time can vary from 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the noodles and the desired texture. For thinner noodles, 5-10 minutes should be sufficient. Drain the noodles in a colander once they have reached the desired texture.

Cutting the Noodles (Optional):

If you prefer shorter noodle strands, use a pair of kitchen scissors or a knife to cut the noodles into sections after soaking. This step is optional and depends on your personal preference and the presentation style you aim to achieve.

Arranging the Noodles for Steaming:

Place the soaked and drained noodles on a steaming plate or tray. Spread them out evenly to form a bed for the prawns.

Steaming the Noodles:

Place the plate or tray of noodles in a steamer or wok with a steamer rack. The steaming time will depend on the thickness of your noodles and the desired texture. For thinner noodles, 4-5 minutes of steaming should be sufficient.

Absorbing the Flavors:

Glass noodles are known for their ability to absorb flavors from other ingredients and sauces. When steamed alongside prawns, they will soak up all the delicious juices and flavors from the prawns and the garlic sauce.

By following these steps, you will have perfectly prepared glass noodles to accompany your steamed prawns, creating a flavorful and elegant Chinese dish.

How to remove shrimp heads

Removing shrimp heads might seem daunting, but the process, known as "heading," is quite simple. Head-on shrimp retain their natural moisture better, resulting in a superior flavour and texture.

Firstly, ensure you are using very fresh shrimp. Avoid shrimp with black spots, as this indicates bacterial growth. Choose shrimp that are firm to the touch, not mushy or waterlogged. If you are using frozen shrimp, let them defrost slowly in the refrigerator, allowing the water to drain off as they thaw.

Now, you are ready to begin the "grip and snap" technique. Pick up a shrimp and hold it in your dominant hand, with the body curving towards you and your thumb and bent forefinger just behind the gill plates on opposite sides. With your other hand, grip the shrimp head firmly, with your thumb and forefinger on the gill plates, on opposite sides. In one quick movement, bring your forefingers up and your thumbs apart in a snapping motion. The head should now be removed. Repeat this process with the remaining shrimp.

Once you have learned this technique, you can keep a paper towel in your hand while snapping the heads off. This will give you a better grip, minimise the mess, and help with removing the digestive tract.

Dispose of the heads or save them for shrimp stock. Rinse the shrimp in cold water, and they are now ready to cook!

Alternatively, you can simply cut off the heads. Place the shrimp on a cutting board, angling the head towards your dominant hand. Using a sharp knife, cut through right behind where the head meets the body. Without lifting the knife, push the head to the side. Repeat with the remaining shrimp.

How to peel and devein shrimp

Peeling and deveining shrimp is a simple process that can be done in a few easy steps. Firstly, it is important to note that removing the vein is a matter of personal preference and taste, not hygiene. It is not harmful to eat, but larger shrimp can have grittier veins, which may be unappealing in texture.

To begin, pull off the head and legs of the shrimp. You can then use your thumbs to crack the shell open along the underside, where the shell is softer, and pull off the outer shell. Depending on your presentation preferences, you can keep the last segment of the shell and the tail tip on for decoration. Alternatively, you can leave the shell on and use kitchen scissors to cut along the outer edge of the shrimp's back to access the vein.

The next step is to make a shallow cut of about 1/4 inch deep along the outer edge of the shrimp's back, using a small paring knife. If you can see the vein, use your fingers or the tip of your knife to remove and discard it. The vein will appear as a thin string filled with dark grit, running along the back of the shrimp just beneath the surface. If the vein is not visible, you can skip this step.

Return the peeled and deveined shrimp to a bowl of ice or ice water until you are ready to use them. Remember to keep the shrimp cold while you work, either on ice or in ice water.

You can save the shrimp shells and make a quick shrimp stock by simmering them in water for about 15 minutes.

How to brine shrimp

Brining shrimp is a great way to ensure they turn out plump and juicy. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to brine shrimp before steaming them:

• Prepare the brine solution: In a container, mix 1 tablespoon of salt for every 2 cups of ice water. You can also add other ingredients like sugar and baking soda to enhance the flavour and texture of the shrimp. A good ratio is 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of baking soda for every 2 cups of ice water.
• Soak the shrimp: Submerge the shrimp in the brine solution and let them soak for about an hour before cooking. If your shrimp are not peeled and deveined, you can do this before brining or after, depending on your preference. Just make sure to rinse the shrimp after brining to wash off the baking soda.
• Rinse and cook: After brining, rinse the shrimp with fresh water to remove any excess salt or brine solution. Now your shrimp are ready to be steamed! Follow your favourite steamed prawns recipe, like the delicious steamed garlic prawns recipe outlined earlier, or experiment with different flavours and ingredients.

By brining your shrimp before steaming them, you'll be able to achieve that perfect, juicy texture and enhance their natural flavour. This simple step can take your steamed prawns to the next level, impressing your dinner guests or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal.

Frequently asked questions