Steaming Shrimp: Quick Microwave Method

Cooking shrimp in the microwave is a quick and easy way to prepare this versatile dish. It can be served as a tasty appetiser or added to a salad, pasta or tacos. However, it is important to note that microwaving shrimp is not without its pitfalls. To avoid overcooking, which can result in an unpleasant rubbery texture, it is crucial to follow the correct procedure. This involves selecting fresh shrimp with firm flesh, defrosting if necessary, removing the shells and veins, and seasoning before placing in the microwave for 3 to 5 minutes.

How to select shrimp for steaming

Selecting the right shrimp is the first step to ensuring your steamed shrimp turns out well. Here are some tips on how to select shrimp for steaming:

Fresh vs Frozen

Unless you're buying shrimp fresh off the boat, it's likely that the shrimp has been frozen at some point. Even the "fresh" shrimp at seafood counters has often been thawed for display. If you do buy previously frozen shrimp, make sure to cook it within two days and do not refreeze. Frozen shrimp is a good option as it's easy to thaw the exact amount you need on the day of cooking.

Peeled or Unpeeled

Shrimp can be steamed with or without the shell on. Unpeeled shrimp will add more flavour to the dish, but peeled shrimp will reduce the preparation time. If you're short on time, buying peeled and deveined shrimp will speed up the cooking process.

Size

Shrimp are typically sold by size, using terms like jumbo, large, and small, as well as by the number of shrimp per pound. The size of the shrimp will impact the cooking time, with smaller shrimp cooking faster than larger ones.

Sustainability

If sustainability is a concern, look for U.S. wild-caught or U.S. farmed shrimp, which are considered a "good choice" from a sustainable seafood perspective.

Freshness

When selecting fresh shrimp, look for firm flesh with a mild odour. The shell should not feel slippery or gooey, and it should not have black spots (unless it's black tiger shrimp). Avoid shrimp that smells like ammonia.

Defrosting

If you're starting with frozen shrimp, make sure to defrost them properly. The best way is to place them in a bowl of cold water and refrigerate them overnight. You can also thaw them under cold running water until they become bendable.

Deveining

The "vein" in shrimp is actually their digestive tract, and while it's safe to eat, it can give the shrimp a gritty texture and affect their flavour. You can buy deveined shrimp or ask your fishmonger to do it for you. To devein shrimp yourself, use a sharp paring knife to make a small incision along the back of the shrimp and remove the dark vein.

Defrosting and preparing shrimp for the microwave

The best way to defrost shrimp is to transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator the day before you plan to cook them. Place the bag of frozen shrimp on a paper-towel-lined baking sheet or platter to soak up any leaks from the bag. This allows the shrimp to thaw gradually, which takes at least 12 hours, depending on their size. You can also defrost shrimp by placing them in a colander and rinsing them with cold water for 5 to 10 minutes. Make sure to coat them evenly with water and move them around so they all defrost. Do not use hot water, as this can encourage bacteria growth and start to cook the shrimp, resulting in a chewy, stringy texture.

Once the shrimp are defrosted, remove their shells and devein them with the tip of a paring knife. The "vein" is actually the shrimp's intestine, and leaving it in can give the shrimp a bitter flavour.

If you are short on time, you can cook shrimp directly from frozen in the microwave. However, this may result in a bouncy and chewy texture. If you choose to cook from frozen, add 1 teaspoon of liquid (e.g. water, chicken stock, or soy sauce) per 8 oz of shrimp to boost the steam and increase the cooking time.

Seasoning and flavour combinations

There are many seasoning blends and flavour combinations that can be used to enhance the taste of shrimp. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Old Bay Seasoning: This blend of 18 herbs and spices is a best-seller for a reason. It contains ginger, cloves, basil, allspice, celery salt, and paprika, among other secret ingredients. It gives shrimp a unique yet familiar taste and is not too spicy, allowing you to customise the heat level.
• Zatarain's Extra Spicy Shrimp Boil Seasoning: If you like your shrimp spicy, this blend will add a pleasant zesty flavour. It contains all-natural herbs and spices, including cayenne pepper, black pepper, paprika, and lemon juice.
• Shrimp Magic Seasoning: This all-in-one, all-natural seasoning blend will ensure you never eat plain shrimp again. It contains no MSG and can be used in cocktail sauce or batter for deep-fried shrimp.
• McCormick Perfect Pinch Cajun Seasoning: This Cajun seasoning has the right amount of spiciness and versatility, pairing well with shrimp, poultry, fish, and rice. It contains red and black peppers, paprika, garlic, onion, celery, and thyme.
• Garlic Butter: A classic combination of butter and garlic is a perfect mix of sweet and savoury. Cooking shrimp in garlic butter is ideal as it gives the shrimp a richer flavour. You can also add a dash of lemon zest, basil, red pepper, paprika, or parmesan for an extra kick.
• Blackening Seasoning: This Cajun seasoning blend and cooking technique give shrimp a dark, "blackened" appearance. It includes garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, black pepper, cayenne pepper, basil, and oregano. Blackened shrimp can be enjoyed in tacos, with rice and vegetables, or over pasta.
• Chilli and Lime: For a tangy twist, season your shrimp with chilli powder and lime juice.
• Thai-inspired: Try something different with sweet chilli sauce, chopped cilantro, and lime juice.
• Scampi: A classic combination of melted butter, garlic powder, chopped parsley, and a splash of lemon juice.
• Cocktail-style: Keep it simple with a squeeze of lemon juice and serve with cocktail sauce.
• Mexican-style: Mix things up with tomato juice, chopped red onion, cilantro, lime juice, avocado, and hot sauce. Enjoy with thinly sliced celery.
• Tacos: Use any of the above seasoning blends or try a homemade taco seasoning mix. Include olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Marinate the shrimp for hours before cooking for extra flavour.
• Salads: For a simple yet tasty option, season your shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and serve on a bed of arugula, Caesar salad, or avocado chickpea salad.

Steaming methods and equipment

Steaming shrimp in a microwave is a quick and convenient way to cook this seafood. It is important to note that microwaves do not cook food as evenly as a conventional oven, so care must be taken to ensure the shrimp is cooked properly.

To steam shrimp in the microwave, you can use a microwave-safe steaming bag or a microwave-safe casserole dish. If using a bag, place the shrimp inside, along with your chosen seasoning, and shake to coat the shrimp. Then, lay the bag flat in the microwave and cook on "High" for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the strength of your microwave. It is recommended to rotate the bag a quarter turn halfway through cooking.

If using a casserole dish, first add butter, water, and your chosen seasonings to the dish and heat on "High" for 30 to 60 seconds. Then, add the shrimp in a single layer and cover the dish with plastic wrap, venting it on one side. Cook on "High" for 3 minutes, again rotating the dish a quarter turn halfway through.

For both methods, it is important to ensure the shrimp is cooked through. The shrimp will be opaque pink when done. It is recommended to let the shrimp stand for 1 minute inside the microwave before removing and serving.

Additionally, if using frozen shrimp, be sure to defrost it before cooking. Also, while it is not necessary to remove the shell or vein, doing so may improve the taste and texture of the shrimp.

How to tell when shrimp is cooked

When cooking shrimp, it's important to know when they're done to avoid overcooking, which can make them rubbery and nearly inedible. Here's how to tell when your shrimp are cooked just right when steaming them in the microwave:

First, it's important to understand the visual cues of cooked shrimp. Raw shrimp are translucent and gray, while cooked shrimp are opaque and pink or orange, depending on the variety. The tails should curl slightly into a C-shape when they're done. Overcooked shrimp will have their tails completely curled into a tight circle, and the meat will be a solid white-pink colour.

One of the easiest ways to test if shrimp are cooked through is by their colour. When they turn opaque and pink, they're done. Additionally, fully cooked shrimp will bounce back when pressed down, while undercooked shrimp will not. This is known as the "bounce test".

You can also use a thermometer to check if your shrimp are cooked. Shrimp are fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 145°F. However, due to their small size, using a thermometer may not be the most reliable method.

Lastly, you can go by cooking time. In a 1000-watt microwave, shrimp should take around 3-4 minutes to steam. However, this can vary depending on the size and amount of shrimp. For smaller shrimp, reduce the cooking time, and for larger shrimp, you may need to add a bit more time. Remember, it's easy to overcook shrimp, so start with less time and add more as needed.

Frequently asked questions