Steaming Succulent Shrimp: A Quick, Easy Guide

Steamed shrimp is a quick and easy dish to make, perfect for a last-minute dinner or as an appetizer when entertaining guests. The cooking method is simple – shrimp is placed in a steamer basket and cooked over a pot of boiling liquid, usually a combination of water, vinegar, and/or beer. The shrimp is then seasoned with Old Bay seasoning and served with a variety of sauces, such as cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or simply with a squeeze of lemon. Leaving the shells on during cooking is said to keep the shrimp tender and prevent them from drying out, but this is a matter of personal preference. Steamed shrimp can be served hot, warm, at room temperature, or cold, making it a versatile dish that can be prepared in advance.

What type of shrimp to use

When it comes to steamed shrimp, there are a few options to consider for the type of shrimp to use. Here are some factors to keep in mind when making your selection:

Size: Most recipes recommend using large or jumbo shrimp for steamed shrimp. Large shrimp cook quickly and are easier to handle. Medium or smaller shrimp can also be used, but they will require more time to shell and eat.

Fresh or Frozen: It is recommended to use raw, fresh shrimp for steaming. However, frozen shrimp can also be used if they are thoroughly defrosted and dried before cooking to prevent sogginess.

Shells: There are different preferences when it comes to leaving the shells on or removing them. Some people prefer to cook the shrimp with the shells on, as it keeps them tender, prevents drying out, and adds flavour. Others prefer to remove the shells before cooking, as it allows the seasoning to infuse directly into the shrimp meat. If you plan to leave the shells on, make sure to devein the shrimp before cooking.

Peel and Eat: This style of steamed shrimp is made and served with the shells on, and it is meant to be a leisurely dining experience where people peel and eat the shrimp while enjoying conversation.

Quantity: When steaming shrimp, it is important not to overcrowd the steaming basket. It is recommended to cook the shrimp in batches if you are working with more than 1 pound at a time.

In summary, the type of shrimp you use for steaming can vary depending on your personal preference and the specific recipe you are following. However, it is generally recommended to use large or jumbo raw shrimp, with the option to leave the shells on or remove them, and to defrost and dry frozen shrimp thoroughly before cooking.

How to prepare shrimp for steaming

Preparing shrimp for steaming is a simple and quick process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need shrimp, preferably large or jumbo shrimp for the best results. You can also use medium or smaller shrimp, but they will require more work to shell and eat. Ensure the shrimp are raw and deveined, with shells on to retain moisture and flavour. You will also need a seasoning mix, such as Old Bay, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and lemon wedges for serving.

Defrosting:

If you are using frozen shrimp, it is important to defrost them completely before steaming. You can do this by leaving them in the refrigerator overnight or placing them in a bowl of cool water for 30-60 minutes until they are fully thawed.

Seasoning:

Place the shrimp in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil and a generous amount of kosher salt and your chosen seasoning. Toss the shrimp to ensure they are thoroughly coated.

Steaming Setup:

For steaming, you will need a large pot or saucepan with a steamer basket or fine mesh strainer that fits inside. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can create a makeshift one by placing a fine-mesh strainer on top of the pot. Make sure the steamer basket doesn't touch the boiling liquid. Add water, and for extra flavour, you can also add beer or apple cider vinegar to the pot. Place it on high heat and bring the liquid to a rapid boil.

Steaming:

Once the liquid is boiling, carefully place the seasoned shrimp into the steamer basket. Cover the pot with a lid and begin steaming. For large shrimp, steam for about 4-5 minutes, tossing once halfway through to ensure even cooking. The shrimp are done when they turn pink or bright orange in colour.

Serving:

Remove the shrimp from the steamer and place them in a serving bowl. Sprinkle with some fresh lemon juice or serve with lemon wedges on the side. You can also serve them with cocktail sauce or tartar sauce. Steamed shrimp can be enjoyed hot, warm, at room temperature, or even chilled.

How long to steam shrimp

Steaming shrimp is a great way to get the most flavour out of the crustaceans. It's an easy way to cook them, yielding tender shrimp in no time.

To steam shrimp, you'll need a steamer basket, a pot, and some water. You can also add vinegar, seasoning, and/or beer to the water for additional flavour.

First, fill a large 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. Place the steamer basket inside the pot, cover, and bring the water to a boil over high heat.

Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium and add the shrimp to the steamer basket. Cover and steam the shrimp for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are opaque and cooked through. The shrimp should be bright pink and firm when done.

If you don't have a steamer basket, you can create a makeshift one by using a stainless mesh strainer or colander placed into a pot. Alternatively, you can poach the shrimp in water at a low simmer for about four minutes.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the shrimp and whether they are frozen or fresh. Frozen shrimp may take a little longer to cook, and it's a good idea to stir them as they cook if they are frozen together. Keep an eye on the colour change of the shrimp to ensure they don't overcook.

Once the shrimp are cooked, you can serve them hot, warm, at room temperature, or cold. They go well with melted butter, cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

What to serve with steamed shrimp

Steamed shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to enhance its flavour and make it a more substantial meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with steamed shrimp:

Salads

A fresh, crisp salad can be a great accompaniment to steamed shrimp, especially during the summer months. Some options include a Roquefort pear salad, a spinach and orzo salad, a Greek salad, a Caprese frittata, a tomato, cucumber and avocado salad, or a chickpea Greek salad.

Vegetables

Roasted or grilled vegetables can add a nice crunch and flavour to the plate. Try roasted asparagus with Parmesan, grilled fruit and vegetable kabobs, or balsamic roasted broccoli. Oven-roasted red potatoes or air-fryer smashed potatoes can also be a tasty and filling option.

Pasta and Rice

Pasta and rice dishes are always a good choice to serve with shrimp. Go for a shrimp and burst cherry tomato pasta, orzo salad with a lemon dressing, lemon-pepper shrimp scampi pasta, or easy coconut rice. For a more substantial dish, try a vegetarian paella or broccoli rice.

Breads

Cheesy garlic bread or rosemary cornbread can be a delicious and comforting side to steamed shrimp.

Sauces and Dips

A good sauce or dip can elevate your steamed shrimp. Try serving it with homemade cocktail sauce, fresh mango salsa, or a remoulade for dipping.

Other Seafood

If you're feeling extra adventurous, you can pair your steamed shrimp with other types of seafood. Crab or crawfish would be a great addition, especially if you're going for a seafood boil.

How to steam shrimp without a steamer

Steaming shrimp is a great way to cook the shellfish, as it helps elevate the shrimp's flavour and tender snap. Here is how you can steam shrimp without a steamer:

Step 1: Prepare your shrimp

Firstly, you will need to decide whether you want to steam your shrimp with the shell on or off. If you are going to remove the shell, you can do so by pulling it off segment by segment. You can also decide whether to remove the tails or leave them on for your guests to grab the shrimp with their fingers. If you want to remove the intestinal tract (which is safe to eat but can add a sandy texture), use a paring knife to cut a slit along the back of each shelled shrimp and remove the tract. Rinse your shrimp once you have finished preparing them.

Step 2: Prepare your steamer

If you don't have a steamer, you can use a regular stock pot and create a makeshift steamer. Turn a heat-safe bowl upside down in your pot and place a heavy, heat-safe plate on top of the bowl. You can also use a heatproof colander set on top of a pot of simmering water. Alternatively, you can create a steamer from potatoes and corn on the cob by layering them inside your pot along with water or another liquid. Place your shrimp on top of the vegetables, ensuring they are elevated above the liquid.

Step 3: Prepare your steaming liquid

Add your steaming liquid to the pot. You can use plain water, stock, wine, beer, fruit juices or any other beverage you like. You can also add aromatics to the steaming liquid for extra flavour. Try vegetables such as onions, celery, and carrots, or garlic and ginger. You can also experiment with spices and herbs such as chilli peppers, black pepper, bay leaves, thyme, cilantro, and parsley.

Step 4: Steam your shrimp

Place your steamer insert in the pot, ensuring there are at least two inches between the bottom of the steamer and the top of the liquid. Cover the pot and bring the liquid to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium, uncover the pot, and add your shrimp. Steam the shrimp for 4 to 6 minutes, or until they are opaque and cooked through. The shrimp should be bright pink and firm but still a little tender.

Step 5: Stop the cooking process

Make an ice water bath in a large bowl and transfer the shrimp to the bath using a slotted spoon. Let the shrimp sit for 5 minutes to stop the cooking process, then drain the water.

Frequently asked questions