Steaming Shrimp: The Quickest Way To Prepare Frozen Shrimp

Steaming is a great way to cook shrimp from frozen, as it's healthier than frying and there's less risk of overcooking than with baking. It's also a very convenient method, as it doesn't require much preparation and the shrimp can be used for a variety of recipes afterwards. You can steam frozen shrimp in an electric rice cooker or a stove-top steamer, and the process should take between 4 and 20 minutes, depending on the size and quantity of shrimp.

How to Steam Frozen Cooked Shrimp

How to steam frozen cooked shrimp in an electric rice cooker

Steaming is a great way to cook shrimp as it's one of the healthiest and easiest ways to prepare them. You can also cook the shrimp straight from frozen, making it an ideal last-minute dish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam frozen cooked shrimp in an electric rice cooker:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cooker

Firstly, check that your rice cooker has a steam basket. Most modern rice cookers have a steam function, so you should be able to steam your shrimp with ease. If you're unsure, check the instruction manual or look for a separate steam tray or basket that may have come with your appliance.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

If your shrimp is frozen, there is no need to defrost it first. Simply take it out of the freezer and remove the required amount from the bag. If your shrimp is stuck together, you can run it under cold water for a few seconds to separate the pieces.

Step 3: Add Water to the Rice Cooker

Fill the reservoir of your electric rice cooker with water. You will need approximately 1 to 1 1/2 cups of water for every 2 cups of frozen shrimp. Make sure not to add too much water, as you only need enough to create steam.

Step 4: Season the Shrimp (Optional)

Before placing the shrimp in the steamer basket, you can season it with your favorite herbs and spices. A simple dash of salt, pepper, and garlic can enhance the flavor of the shrimp. You could also add some lemon slices to infuse a citrusy note.

Step 5: Place the Shrimp in the Steamer Basket

Place the seasoned shrimp into the steamer basket. Make sure they are distributed evenly and not overcrowded in the basket.

Step 6: Set the Timer

Close the lid of the rice cooker and set the timer. The cooking time will depend on the size and quantity of shrimp you are cooking. As a general rule, steaming shrimp will take approximately 10 to 20 minutes. Most rice cookers with built-in steamers will automatically shut off when the food is done, so you may not need to set a timer.

Step 7: Check the Doneness of the Shrimp

After the timer goes off, carefully open the lid of the rice cooker to prevent possible burns. Check to ensure that the shrimp are thoroughly cooked before serving. Raw shrimp will appear partially translucent, while fully cooked shrimp will be opaque white. If they are not ready yet, close the lid and allow them to steam for a few more minutes.

Step 8: Serve the Shrimp

Once your shrimp are cooked, you can serve them hot or chilled. Enjoy them as a simple appetizer or add them to your favorite dishes.

By following these steps, you can easily steam frozen cooked shrimp in an electric rice cooker, making it a versatile and convenient way to prepare this delicious seafood treat.

How to steam frozen cooked shrimp in a stovetop steamer

Steaming shrimp is one of the best cooking methods to achieve succulent, tender shrimp. It is also one of the healthiest ways to prepare shrimp and is very convenient as it cooks the shrimp without requiring much else, allowing you to use it for a variety of recipes.

Step 1: Prepare the steamer

Place about two inches of water into the bottom pot of your stovetop steamer. If you're using an electric countertop steamer, fill the reservoir with water up to the fill line. For a rice cooker with a built-in steamer, add approximately 1 to 1 1/2 cups of water for every 2 cups of frozen shrimp.

Step 2: Season the shrimp (optional)

While this step is optional, seasoning the shrimp will add extra flavour. You can pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and then season with salt, pepper, and garlic, or your favourite seasoning blend.

Step 3: Add the shrimp to the steamer

Once the water in the bottom pot starts to boil, place the steaming basket on top. Add the shrimp to the steaming basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not touching the water. Leave enough space for steam to circulate around each shrimp.

Step 4: Steam the shrimp

Cover the pot and steam the shrimp for 5-6 minutes, tossing halfway through to ensure even cooking. The shrimp are done when they turn opaque and are slightly pink. Check that the shrimp are thoroughly cooked before serving. Cut one shrimp in half at its thickest part to ensure it is white throughout.

Step 5: Serve the shrimp

You can serve steamed shrimp hot or chilled. They go well with your favourite vegetable, or spice things up by serving them with a cocktail sauce as an appetizer or a salad topper.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy steamed shrimp!

How to season shrimp before steaming

There are many ways to season shrimp before steaming them. The simplest option is to sprinkle shrimp with salt and pepper. You can also add a dash of garlic to this combination.

If you want to get more creative, you can toss your shrimp in some cayenne pepper or black pepper. You can also coat them in citrus zest, curry powder, or herbs. A splash of vermouth or sherry can add a nice note that complements the shrimp's natural sweetness. A drizzle of oyster sauce or Thai curry paste is another option for an Asian-influenced dish.

If you want to add a sauce to your shrimp, steam them on a plate or bowl so that the sauce doesn't fall through the holes of the steamer. By using a plate or bowl, you'll also end up with a super flavorful sauce for your shrimp.

How to tell if shrimp are cooked

Steaming is a great way to cook shrimp, and it's one of the healthiest options, too. You can steam frozen shrimp straight from the freezer, but if you're steaming fresh shrimp, they should be thawed in the refrigerator overnight first.

But how do you know when shrimp are cooked? Well, there are a few ways to tell. Firstly, raw shrimp are gray and translucent, whereas cooked shrimp are opaque and white with pops of pink or red. You shouldn't be able to see through cooked shrimp. If there's still a tinge of gray or translucency, they're likely not done yet.

You can also look at the shape of the shrimp. Raw shrimp tend to be straighter, but as they cook, they curl up. The ideal curl is a "C" shape—too tightly wound, and they're overcooked. A slight curve or "U" shape means they're undercooked.

You can also feel the texture of the shrimp. Undercooked shrimp will be fleshy and spongy, whereas overcooked shrimp are tough and hard to chew. The perfectly cooked shrimp will be firm but with a slight give.

Finally, you can use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the shrimp. They're safe to eat at 120°F, but will be cooked through at 165°F.

How to serve steamed shrimp

Steamed shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, either hot or cold. Here are some ideas on how to serve steamed shrimp:

• Hot shrimp: Steamed shrimp can be served hot as a simple meal or appetizer. You can add your favourite vegetables, such as corn on the cob, baby red potatoes, or sliced kielbasa, to the steamer alongside the shrimp for a complete meal. For an extra kick of flavour, serve the shrimp with a spicy remoulade sauce or a sweet and tangy cocktail sauce.
• Cold shrimp: Steamed shrimp can also be served cold, making it a great make-ahead option for appetizers. Try serving chilled shrimp with a dipping sauce, such as cocktail sauce or remoulade, for a refreshing and tasty treat.
• Salads: Chopped steamed shrimp can be added to salads for a protein boost. Try a shrimp salad with a tangy dressing, or use the shrimp as a topper for a high-protein green salad.
• Pasta: Steamed shrimp can be added to pasta dishes. Simply add the cooked shrimp to your favourite pasta sauce, or squeeze some lemon over the shrimp and serve them alongside your pasta.
• Shrimp cocktail: This is a classic way to serve steamed shrimp. Simply poach the shrimp in a mixture of water, salt, lemon juice, peppercorns, and parsley, then serve them chilled with cocktail sauce.
• One-pan dinners: Steamed shrimp can be cooked alongside vegetables like asparagus for a quick and easy one-pan dinner.
• Appetizers: For a fancy appetizer, try serving steamed shrimp with a spicy kick, such as a remoulade sauce or cocktail sauce with horseradish.
• Low-country boil: Steamed shrimp can be part of a low-country boil, served with sides such as corn on the cob, baby red potatoes, and sliced kielbasa.

When serving steamed shrimp, it is important to ensure that the shrimp are thoroughly cooked. Raw shrimp will appear partially translucent, while fully cooked shrimp will be opaque white and have an internal temperature of 145°F. It is also important to note that steamed shrimp can be served with the peel on or removed, depending on your preference.

Frequently asked questions