Steaming Shrimp, Panlasang Pinoy Style: A Quick Guide

Steamed shrimp is a quick and easy shrimp dish that can be prepared in less than 10 minutes. It is a simple dish with a mild and delightful taste, allowing you to savour the natural flavour of the shrimp. The key to this dish is to use the freshest shrimp available and to avoid overcooking it. The shrimp is seasoned with a sprinkle of salt, garlic powder, and ground black pepper, then steamed for just 3 minutes if using medium shrimp or up to 5 minutes for larger shrimp or prawns. This steamed shrimp recipe is a great option for those who love shrimp and want a quick and easy way to prepare it.

Seasoning shrimp

Steamed shrimp is one of the easiest and quickest shrimp dishes to make. It is important to season the shrimp well to bring out its natural flavour.

Firstly, you will need to prepare your shrimp. Devein the shrimp and wash it thoroughly. You can also cut the antennae to make it easier to eat.

Next, you will need to season the shrimp. Sprinkle salt, garlic powder, and ground black pepper all over the shrimp. Toss the shrimp so that the seasoning coats it evenly. Let the shrimp sit for 5 minutes so that the seasoning is absorbed.

You can also marinate the shrimp in lemon soda for about 10 minutes for a unique, sweet taste. This is a common practice in some Asian countries, including the Philippines.

Another option is to add a pinch of Old Bay seasoning to your shrimp. This is a great way to add extra flavour to your dish.

After seasoning, arrange the shrimp in a steamer and pour in about 2 cups of water. Turn on the heat and steam the shrimp for 3 minutes. If you are using larger shrimp or prawns, you can steam for up to 5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.

Finally, remove the shrimp from the steamer and arrange them on a serving plate. Serve with spiced vinegar or garlic butter. Enjoy!

Preparing a steamer

Fill the pot or pan with water, ensuring that the water level is below the steamer basket. You will need around 2 cups of water for every pound of shrimp you plan to cook. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.

While the water is heating up, prepare your shrimp by sprinkling them with salt, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Toss the shrimp to ensure they are evenly coated, and let them sit for a few minutes to allow the flavours to absorb.

Once the water is boiling, place the seasoned shrimp in the steamer basket. Make sure the shrimp are arranged in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Place the steamer basket in the pot or pan, cover with a lid, and steam for 3 minutes for medium shrimp or up to 5 minutes for larger shrimp or prawns.

It is important not to overcook the shrimp, as this can affect their texture and taste. After steaming, remove the shrimp from the steamer and arrange them on a serving plate. Serve with spiced vinegar or your choice of sauce.

Cooking time

The cooking time for steamed shrimp is minimal, making it one of the quickest and easiest shrimp dishes to prepare. From start to finish, the whole process should take no longer than 10 minutes.

Firstly, sprinkle salt, garlic powder, and ground black pepper all over the shrimp. Toss the shrimp so that the seasoning coats them evenly, and leave them to sit for 5 minutes.

Next, arrange the shrimp in a steamer. Pour around 2 cups of water into the steamer and turn on the heat. The shrimp should steam for 3 minutes. If you are using large shrimp or prawns, you can steam for up to 5 minutes. It is important not to overcook the shrimp.

Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the steamer and arrange them on a serving plate. The steamed shrimp can be served with spiced vinegar.

Serving suggestions

Steamed shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your steamed shrimp:

Spiced vinegar dip

As suggested by Vanjo Merano, steamed shrimp goes well with spiced vinegar for dipping. The mild and delightful taste of steamed shrimp is enhanced by the tangy and spicy notes of spiced vinegar. This combination allows you to savour the natural flavour of the shrimp while adding a kick of flavour.

Rice

Steamed shrimp can be served with rice, either steamed or fried. This combination is a popular choice, as mentioned in the Panlasang Pinoy recipes for Sweet and Spicy Shrimp Stir Fry, Shrimp with Oyster Sauce, and Garlic Butter Shrimp. The savoury and slightly sweet shrimp dishes pair well with the neutral flavour of rice, making it a satisfying meal.

Fish sauce or shrimp paste

For those who enjoy adding extra condiments, fish sauce (known as "patis" in Filipino) or shrimp paste ("bagoong alamang") can be served on the side. These condiments provide a salty, savoury boost to the steamed shrimp and rice. Vanjo Merano, the creator of Panlasang Pinoy, mentions that he enjoys his Sauteed Shrimp with String Beans with a little fish sauce or shrimp paste.

Vegetables

If you're looking for a more well-rounded meal, steamed shrimp can be served with vegetables. Sauteed Shrimp with String Beans is a quick and easy recipe suggested by Vanjo Merano that incorporates fresh string beans. You can also add other vegetables of your choice to create a nutritious and colourful dish.

Toasted bread

For a different take on steamed shrimp, try serving it with toasted slices of French bread. This suggestion comes from the Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe, where the rich and savoury dish is complemented by the crispness of toasted bread. It provides a different texture and makes for a satisfying bite.

Buying shrimp

When buying shrimp, it's important to consider the size, freshness, and whether they are frozen or fresh.

Firstly, the size of shrimp you buy will depend on the recipe you are cooking and your personal preference. For steamed shrimp, you can use medium or large shrimp. If you are using large shrimp or prawns, you may need to steam them for a little longer to ensure they are cooked through. It's worth noting that the terms "shrimp" and "prawns" are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same; the best way to know which you are buying is to ask your vendor.

Secondly, when it comes to shrimp, freshness is key. If you are buying fresh shrimp, look for ones that are firm to the touch and have a mild, fresh sea-breeze scent. Avoid any shrimp that look slimy or have an overly fishy smell. If you are buying frozen shrimp, choose bags that feel solid and have no signs of ice or frost, which could indicate that the shrimp have been thawed and refrozen.

Finally, you can choose to buy either fresh or frozen shrimp. Fresh shrimp should be cooked and eaten within a couple of days of purchase, whereas frozen shrimp can be stored in the freezer for several months. Frozen shrimp are often already shelled and deveined, making them a convenient option, but some people prefer the taste of fresh shrimp.

Frequently asked questions