Steaming Succulent Shrimp With Old Bay: A Tasty Guide

Steamed shrimp with Old Bay seasoning is a quick, easy, and delicious dish that can be served as an appetizer or a meal. The recipe involves steaming shrimp in a mixture of water, vinegar, and Old Bay seasoning, resulting in a flavorful and healthy dish that can be served with cocktail sauce, melted butter, or vinegar. This recipe can be prepared in just a few minutes, making it a convenient option for a quick dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

How to prepare your shrimp

Preparing your shrimp for steaming is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare your shrimp for Old Bay Steamed Shrimp:

Choosing the Right Shrimp:

• Look for large or extra-large shrimp: They cook more quickly and evenly.
• Fresh or Frozen: Fresh shrimp is ideal, but if you don't have access to truly fresh shrimp, go for frozen ones. Just make sure they are completely thawed before cooking.
• Shell-on or Shelled: You can leave the shells on for more flavour, or remove them for easier eating. If you decide to remove the shells, make sure to leave the tails on.
• Deveining: You can choose to devein your shrimp or leave it as it is. It's a matter of personal preference, but if you prefer to devein, use a pair of kitchen scissors to cut along the back of the shrimp, remove the vein, and rinse under cold water.

Preparing the Shrimp:

• Rinse and Clean: Rinse the shrimp under cold running water to remove any dirt or residue.
• Mix with Seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and Old Bay seasoning. Toss them well to ensure an even coating. You can also add other seasonings like garlic, paprika, or black pepper to enhance the flavour.
• Amount of Shrimp: If you're cooking for a crowd, it's best to cook the shrimp in batches to ensure even cooking. Don't overcrowd your steaming basket.

Steaming Setup:

• Steamer Basket: Place your steamer basket in a medium or large saucepan. Make sure the basket is large enough to hold the shrimp without overcrowding.
• Water and Beer: Fill the saucepan with water and beer, ensuring that the liquid doesn't touch the bottom of the steamer basket. You can also use a combination of water, cider vinegar or white vinegar, and beer for extra flavour.
• Bring to a Boil: Turn the heat to high and bring the liquid to a rapid boil.

Steaming the Shrimp:

• Add Shrimp to the Basket: Once the liquid is boiling, carefully place the seasoned shrimp into the steamer basket.
• Cover and Steam: Place the lid on the saucepan and steam the shrimp for 2-6 minutes, depending on their size. For large shrimp, 4-5 minutes is usually sufficient.
• Toss and Check: Halfway through the cooking time, toss the shrimp once or twice to ensure even cooking. Check their shape and colour—they are done when they form a "'C' shape" and turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become rubbery.
• Drain and Serve: Once the shrimp are cooked, drain them well and serve immediately. You can also refrigerate them until ready to serve.

Preparing your shrimp for Old Bay Steamed Shrimp is a straightforward process that will make your meal delicious and enjoyable. Just follow these steps, and you'll be well on your way to a tasty seafood feast!

Making a steaming liquid

The liquid itself can be made with water, and some recipes suggest adding vinegar, cider vinegar, or beer to the water. You could also use a combination of these, such as water and beer, or water and cider vinegar. For a stronger flavour, add a tablespoon of Old Bay Seasoning to the liquid.

To prepare the liquid, simply pour the water into the pot or skillet, and add your chosen additional ingredients. Stir the liquid to combine the ingredients, and then place the pot on the stove to boil. Once the liquid is boiling, you can add the shrimp to the steamer basket and place it on top of the pot.

The best cooking equipment

Steamed shrimp is a quick and easy dish to make, and with the right equipment, you can have delicious, tender shrimp every time. Here is a list of the best cooking equipment to make the perfect steamed shrimp with Old Bay:

Steamer Basket

A steamer basket is essential for steaming shrimp. It is a metal or silicone basket that fits inside a pot and has a perforated base to allow steam to circulate. Steamer baskets come in various sizes, so choose one that fits comfortably inside your pot, leaving enough space for steam to circulate. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can create a makeshift one by placing a fine-mesh strainer or a stainless-steel colander inside your pot. Just ensure that it rests securely without falling into the water.

Saucepan or Pot

You will need a medium to large saucepan or pot for steaming the shrimp. The size will depend on the quantity of shrimp you plan to cook. Ensure that the pot is large enough to accommodate the steamer basket comfortably. It is also important that the pot has a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam inside. If you plan to boil the shrimp, a medium to large saucepan will suffice.

Mixing Bowl

A mixing bowl is necessary for combining the shrimp with the seasoning and other ingredients. Choose a bowl that is large enough to hold the shrimp comfortably and allows for easy tossing and coating. A large mixing bowl will also come in handy if you need to defrost the shrimp in a bowl of cool water.

Strainer

A strainer or colander will be useful for a few purposes. If you are using frozen shrimp, you will need to strain them after defrosting to remove any excess water. Additionally, a strainer can be used to strain the cooked shrimp to remove any excess liquid before serving.

Tongs

Tongs are essential for handling the shrimp safely and efficiently. They allow you to toss and turn the shrimp during cooking and remove them from the steamer basket without burning your fingers. Choose a pair of tongs with a non-slip grip and a length that provides a comfortable reach for your pot or pan.

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Accurate measuring tools are important for achieving the right balance of flavours in your dish. Measuring cups and spoons ensure that you add the correct amount of vinegar, water, and Old Bay seasoning to your recipe.

With these essential cooking equipment, you will be well on your way to creating delicious and tender steamed shrimp with Old Bay. Remember to follow the recipe instructions carefully and adjust the cooking time based on the size of your shrimp. Enjoy your tasty shrimp dish!

How long to steam the shrimp

Steaming shrimp is a quick and easy process that can be done in just a few minutes. The cooking time will depend on the size of your shrimp, with larger shrimp taking longer to cook. In general, you should steam shrimp for 2 to 6 minutes.

When steaming shrimp, it is important to ensure that the shrimp do not touch the steaming liquid. The pot should be filled with water and/or beer, and a steamer basket should be placed on top to hold the shrimp. The liquid should be brought to a boil, and then the shrimp should be added and steamed until they are fully cooked.

It is also important to note that shrimp should not be overcrowded in the steaming basket. If you are cooking more than 1 pound of shrimp, it is best to cook them in batches. This will ensure that they cook evenly.

Additionally, if you are using frozen shrimp, they should be completely defrosted before steaming. They can be defrosted overnight in the refrigerator or by placing them in a bowl of cool water for 30-60 minutes.

When steaming shrimp with Old Bay seasoning, the seasoning can be added directly to the shrimp before cooking, or it can be mixed into the steaming liquid. The Old Bay seasoning will give the shrimp a zesty, spicy, and tangy flavor.

To know when your shrimp are done, observe their shape and color. They are fully cooked when they have curled into a "'C' shape" and turned pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become rubbery and tough.

What to serve with steamed shrimp

There are many options for what to serve with steamed shrimp. Here are some ideas:

Salads

A fresh, crisp salad can be a great side dish to accompany steamed shrimp. Some options include a Roquefort pear salad, a spinach and orzo salad, a chickpea Greek salad, a tomato cucumber avocado salad, or a classic coleslaw. If you're looking for something more substantial, a shrimp Cobb salad with bacon dressing or a shrimp and burst cherry tomato pasta salad are also delicious options.

Vegetables

Roasted or grilled asparagus is a simple and tasty option that pairs well with shrimp. You could also try lemon Parmesan asparagus or asparagus with cheese sauce and herb breadcrumbs. Other vegetable sides that go well with shrimp include broccoli, oven-roasted vegetables, grilled fruit and vegetable kabobs, or zucchini fries.

Starches

Starchy sides like potatoes, rice, and pasta can also complement steamed shrimp nicely. Some specific options include muffin tin potatoes gratin, oven-roasted red potatoes, air-fryer smashed potatoes, corn on the cob, easy coconut rice, or cheesy baked gnocchi.

Dips and Sauces

Steamed shrimp can also be served with various dips and sauces. A simple option is to serve them with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing. You could also make a homemade cocktail sauce or a remoulade for dipping.

Other Seafood

If you're looking for a more substantial meal, steamed shrimp can be served with other types of seafood. For example, you could make a shrimp and grits dish or add crab to your meal, as suggested by OLD BAY®.

Frequently asked questions