Steaming Succulent Shrimp: A Home Cook's Guide

Steamed shrimp is a great, easy-to-make dish that can be prepared in just a few minutes. It is a gentle cooking technique that helps elevate the shrimp's flavour and tender snap. There are several ways to steam shrimp, and it can be done with or without a steamer basket. This dish can be served as an appetizer or a main course and is perfect for a summer dinner or a party.

How to prepare your shrimp before steaming

Preparing your shrimp before steaming is a simple process, but there are a few steps to follow to ensure the best results. Firstly, you'll want to decide whether to keep the shell on or off. Shell-on shrimp is better for steaming as it locks in moisture and flavour, but it can be messy and difficult to remove when eating. If you decide to remove the shell, simply grab onto the section of shell that meets the belly (where the legs are) and pull back. You can leave the tail on to make it easier for your guests to grab with their fingers when eating.

Next, you'll want to devein the shrimp. The intestinal tract is safe to eat but can add a sandy texture to the finished dish, so it's best to remove it. To do this, use a paring knife to cut a slit along the back of each shelled shrimp and remove the dark intestinal tract with the tip of your knife or your fingers. Then, rinse your shrimp and they will be ready to steam.

If you want to add extra flavour or ensure your shrimp are extra juicy, you can also brine the shrimp before steaming. Simply soak the prepped shrimp in an ice water-salt brine for an hour before cooking. You can also add a tablespoon of sugar and a teaspoon of baking soda to the brine for extra crispiness. Just be sure to rinse the shrimp before steaming to wash off the baking soda.

How to steam shrimp without a steamer basket

Steaming shrimp is a great way to get the most flavor out of the crustaceans. It's also easy to steam with the right tools and yields tender shrimp in no time. But what if you don't have a steamer basket? Not to worry, there are a few ways to steam shrimp without one. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the shrimp

Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp. You can remove the shell with your fingers, and use the tip of a sharp knife to cut down the center of the shrimp's back and dig out the vein. If the head and legs are still attached, pull them off with your fingers. You can also remove the tail, or leave it on for decoration.

Step 2: Boil a small amount of water

Fill a large saucepan with 1 to 2 inches of water and heat it on the stove over high heat. If you have a steamer rack, you can place it inside the saucepan as the water comes to a boil. If you don't have a steamer rack, you can use a metal or wire mesh colander instead. Make sure the water level is below the bottom of the steamer or colander to avoid boiling the shrimp instead of steaming them.

Step 3: Season the shrimp

Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on the steamer rack or colander. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any other desired seasonings. If you used salt in the water, you don't need to add more salt to the shrimp.

Step 4: Steam the shrimp

Cover the saucepan with a lid and place it on the stove. Steam the shrimp for about 3 minutes, or until they turn opaque and curl up into a "C" shape. For jumbo or colossal shrimp, add another 2 to 3 minutes of cooking time.

Step 5: Serve or chill the shrimp

If you plan to serve the shrimp hot, transfer them to a serving dish using a slotted spoon. They should be served immediately. If you want to serve them chilled, transfer the shrimp to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process, then drain and serve.

Alternatively, if you don't have a steamer basket or rack, you can also poach the shrimp in water at a low simmer for about four minutes. Check the shrimp for doneness; if they're bright pink and firm, turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let it stand for about two minutes before draining the shrimp.

Tips for Steaming Shrimp:

• It's best to keep the shrimp in a single layer during cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Don't overcook the shrimp, as this can result in a rubbery texture.
• If using a steamer basket, make sure there are at least two inches between the bottom of the basket and the waterline.
• You can also steam shrimp in the oven or microwave without a steamer basket.

How to tell when your shrimp are done

The biggest challenge in cooking shrimp is determining when they’re done. Undercooked shrimp will be mushy and translucent, with uncurled tails, whereas overcooked shrimp will be rubbery and almost inedible. The best way to tell when shrimp are cooked through is to look for visual cues.

Firstly, observe the colour of the shrimp. Raw shrimp will turn from grey to red/pink when cooked. You can also check the opacity of the shrimp; they should be opaque with a colour ranging from pink or orange, depending on the variety.

Secondly, watch the shape of the shrimp. Undercooked shrimp will be in a "U" shape, cooked shrimp will be in a "C" shape, and overcooked shrimp will be in an "O" shape. However, this is only a rough guide, as some "U" shaped shrimp may be cooked through.

Finally, you can also check the tails of the shrimp. The tails of undercooked shrimp will be straight, whereas perfectly cooked shrimp will have tails that curl slightly to make a "C" shape. Overcooked shrimp will have tails that are completely curled into a tight circle.

How to store steamed shrimp

Storing steamed shrimp is a delicate process, as shrimp is more delicate than poultry or meat and has a shorter shelf life. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your steamed shrimp to ensure it stays safe and tasty:

• Refrigeration: Steamed shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days, whether it is shelled or unshelled. To refrigerate, wrap the shrimp tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Ensure your refrigerator is set to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service, there is no need to cool the shrimp before refrigerating if your refrigerator is functioning properly.
• Freezing: If you wish to store your shrimp for longer, freezing is an option. Cooked shrimp can be frozen for up to three months if wrapped tightly in freezer-grade plastic or foil. However, the quality of the shrimp may deteriorate after this time. It is important to note that if your power goes out, you should discard the shrimp, as the temperature change can affect its safety.
• Defrosting: When you are ready to enjoy your frozen shrimp, it is best to defrost it in the refrigerator to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. If the shrimp smells unpleasant or appears slimy after thawing, discard it.
• Reheating: As the shrimp is already cooked, it does not need to be cooked again. Simply reheat it briefly or use it in cold dishes such as a shrimp cocktail.

Sauces and dips to serve with steamed shrimp

There are many sauces and dips that can elevate the flavour of steamed shrimp. Here are some options to serve with your steamed shrimp:

Cocktail Sauce

A classic pairing with shrimp, cocktail sauce is a must-try with steamed shrimp. The sweet, zesty, and spicy flavours of the sauce complement the shrimp perfectly. You can either buy cocktail sauce from a store or make it at home.

Soy Ginger Dipping Sauce

This versatile sauce is an excellent choice for steamed shrimp. It is packed with flavour, thanks to the combination of soy sauce, ginger, scallions, and red pepper flakes. The best part? You can make this sauce in just 7 minutes!

Buffalo Blue Cheese Sauce

If you're looking for a quick and easy dipping sauce, Buffalo Blue Cheese Sauce is a great option. It requires only three ingredients: sour cream, hot sauce, and blue cheese crumbles. The result is a creamy, spicy, and tangy sauce that pairs beautifully with shrimp.

Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce

This dipping sauce is a perfect blend of spicy chilis, pungent garlic, and sharp lime juice. It is an excellent choice for those who like a bit of sweetness to balance out the spice. The sauce can also be used as a marinade, and it can be stored for up to 3 weeks.

Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

A timeless classic, the honey mustard dipping sauce is a combination of sweet and salty flavours. It is incredibly easy to make, requiring only two ingredients: honey and mustard. This sauce pairs well not just with shrimp but also with fries and sandwiches.

Chinese Hot Mustard

For those who enjoy a bit of spice, Chinese hot mustard is a great option. It is easy to make and takes only 15 minutes. The mustard powder and rice vinegar provide a tangy and savoury flavour that will leave you craving more.

Frequently asked questions