Steaming Shrimp Delicacy With A Rice Cooker Twist

Rice cookers are a convenient and inexpensive way to cook food. They can be used for steaming shrimp, which is a versatile ingredient that can be prepared in many ways. Shrimp is most frequently steamed or fried, and steaming it is convenient because it cooks the shrimp without doing much else, allowing you to use it for a variety of recipes. You can buy cooked shrimp from the grocery store, but buying fresh shrimp and steaming them yourself ensures they are fresh and freshly cooked. This can be done using a rice cooker, which is an easy and healthy alternative to takeout.

How to steam shrimp in a rice cooker without overcooking

Steaming shrimp in a rice cooker is a convenient and simple way to prepare shrimp for a variety of recipes. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve perfectly steamed shrimp without overcooking:

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by thawing your shrimp if they are frozen. It is best to thaw them slowly in the refrigerator, which can take up to 36 hours. However, if you are in a hurry, you can place them in a colander and run cool water over them until they are thawed.

Once your shrimp are thawed, use a sharp paring knife to remove the intestinal tract, also known as deveining. Make a small cut along the back of each shrimp to expose the dark intestinal tract, then remove it with the tip of your knife or your fingers. Rinse the shrimp after deveining.

Step 2: Set Up Your Rice Cooker

Fill the bottom of your rice cooker with about one inch of water. If you want to add extra flavour, you can include aromatics such as bay leaves, juniper berries, or peppercorns to the water. However, this is optional, and plain water can also be used.

Step 3: Steam the Shrimp

Place the shrimp in a single layer in the steaming basket of your rice cooker, ensuring there is space for steam to circulate. Close the lid and turn on the rice cooker. If your rice cooker has a steam setting, use that. Otherwise, simply let the water come to a boil and maintain a steady simmer.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

Steaming time will depend on the size of your shrimp. Smaller shrimp will take less time, while larger shrimp will take longer. In general, shrimp are done when they turn from grey and translucent to opaque white and bright pink. This usually takes around 4 to 7 minutes.

To check if your shrimp are done, cut one in half at the thickest part. It should be white all the way through, and the flesh should be tender, not chewy. You can also squeeze the shrimp gently – it should have a little give.

Step 5: Stop the Cooking Process

Once your shrimp are done, remove them from the steamer with a slotted spoon and place them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This will also help them retain their firm texture.

Step 6: Serve or Store

After a few minutes in the ice water, drain the shrimp in a colander and pat them dry with paper towels. At this point, your shrimp are ready to be used in your favourite recipes or served as-is with your choice of sauce or seasoning.

If you are not using the shrimp immediately, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

How to prepare shrimp for steaming

When preparing shrimp for steaming, there are a few key steps to follow to ensure optimal results. Firstly, it is important to start with fresh or frozen shrimp that have been properly thawed. If you opt for frozen shrimp, allow them to thaw slowly in the refrigerator for 36 hours, or for a quicker method, place them in a bowl of room-temperature water, ensuring that the water is flowing to maintain food safety. Once thawed, remove the shrimp from the packaging and drain them in a colander for about 10 minutes.

Next, you'll want to peel and devein the shrimp. This step can be a bit tedious, so it is recommended to purchase shrimp that are already deveined. You can choose to leave the tails on for visual appeal, but be aware that this will require some extra work when eating.

At this point, you can choose to marinate the shrimp to infuse them with additional flavour. A simple marinade of lemon pepper seasoning is an excellent option, and it only takes about 10 minutes. You can also add some oil and garlic to the shrimp for extra flavour before steaming.

Once your shrimp are prepared, you can proceed to steam them in your rice cooker. Place the shrimp in a single layer in the steamer basket or directly in the rice cooker, ensuring they have enough space for even cooking. Follow the specific instructions for your rice cooker model, adjusting the cooking time as needed based on the size of your shrimp.

With these steps, you'll be well on your way to preparing delicious and perfectly steamed shrimp in your rice cooker!

How to prepare rice for steaming shrimp

Preparing rice for steaming shrimp in a rice cooker is a simple and convenient way to cook a tasty meal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare the rice:

Step 1: Choose the Right Rice

For steaming shrimp, it is recommended to use long-grain white rice or jasmine rice. You can also experiment with different types of rice, such as brown rice, but you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Step 2: Rinse and Wash the Rice

Before cooking, it is important to rinse the rice thoroughly. Place the desired amount of rice in the rice cooker pot and rinse it with water until the water runs clear. This usually takes about 2-3 rinses. Drain the water, but there is no need to completely remove all the liquid.

Step 3: Prepare the Rice Cooker

If your recipe includes additional ingredients like onions, garlic, or spices, you can add them to the rice cooker at this stage. Finely dice any onions and mince or chop the garlic cloves. You can also add seasonings like soy sauce, sesame oil, stock powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine the flavours.

Step 4: Add Water and Cook the Rice

After mixing in your desired ingredients, it's time to add water. Refer to the rice cooker's indicator line or follow a general rice-to-water ratio of 1:1.33 or 1:1. You can also adjust the ratio based on your preferred rice texture. Close the lid and set the cooker to the "`white rice`" or "regular rice" setting. The cooking time will depend on your rice cooker model, but it usually takes around 10-30 minutes.

Step 5: Fluff and Prepare for Steaming

Once the rice cooker finishes its cycle, let it rest for an additional 5-10 minutes with the lid closed. This allows the steam to settle and ensures more even cooking. Then, carefully open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork to prepare for steaming the shrimp.

Now that your rice is prepared, you can follow the steps for steaming shrimp in a rice cooker. Remember to steam the shrimp towards the end of the rice cooking process to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Enjoy your delicious and flavourful shrimp and rice meal!

How to add flavour to steamed shrimp

There are several ways to add flavour to steamed shrimp. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Use a marinade: Before steaming your shrimp, you can marinate them in a mixture of your choice. For example, you could use a combination of oil, garlic, and your favourite spices. Allow the shrimp to soak up the flavours for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Add aromatics: When steaming shrimp, include ingredients such as onions, garlic, ginger, or lemon slices in the steamer basket. These ingredients will infuse the shrimp with flavour as they cook.
• Try different liquids: Instead of using plain water to steam your shrimp, experiment with other liquids such as beer, cider vinegar, or white wine. These liquids will add a subtle flavour to the shrimp.
• Season generously: After steaming your shrimp, toss them with a generous amount of your favourite seasoning blend. For example, Old Bay seasoning is a popular choice for steamed shrimp and can be used during cooking or as a finishing touch.
• Serve with sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces on the side, such as cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or melted butter. This will allow your guests to customise the flavour of their shrimp.
• Combine with rice: Cook your shrimp with rice in a rice cooker to create a flavourful dish. For example, you could make a teriyaki shrimp and rice dish by adding ingredients like soy sauce and brown sugar.

Remember, when it comes to adding flavour, be creative and adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Always ensure that your shrimp is properly cleaned and prepared before cooking. Enjoy experimenting with different flavour combinations!

How to serve steamed shrimp with rice

Ingredients

• Rice
• Shrimp
• Water
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Onion
• Frozen peas
• Jasmine rice
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Butter
• Lemon
• Bay leaf
• Chicken stock
• White wine
• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Chicken stock
• Cucumber
• Carrot
• Salt and pepper
• Sesame oil
• Egg
• Spring onions

Method

First, prepare your shrimp by thawing them if frozen. If you are using fresh shrimp, you can skip this step. To thaw shrimp, place them in a colander and run cool water over them until thawed. This usually takes a few minutes.

Next, prepare your rice cooker. Put an inch of water in the bottom of the rice cooker and turn it to the steam setting. Once the water is boiling, you can add your shrimp to the steamer. The cooking time will depend on the size of your shrimp; smaller shrimp will take less time, and larger shrimp will take more time. You can tell the shrimp are done when they turn from a translucent gray to an opaque white. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they will become tough.

While your shrimp are cooking, you can prepare the rice. Rinse the rice in the rice cooker pot until the water runs clear, then drain off the water. Add your seasonings and water to the rice cooker. The general rice-to-water ratio is 1:1, but this may vary depending on the type of rice you are using. Add your garlic and vegetables to the rice cooker and stir to combine.

Once your shrimp are cooked, remove them from the steamer and set them aside. Open the lid of the rice cooker and place the shrimp on top of the rice. Close the lid and start the cooking cycle. The rice will take approximately 30 minutes to cook.

When the rice is done, carefully open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork to incorporate the shrimp. Serve the shrimp and rice hot, garnished with julienned carrot and thinly sliced cucumber, or spring onions.

Tips

• If you are short on time, you can cook the shrimp and rice together in the rice cooker. However, be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
• You can also marinate the shrimp in lemon pepper seasoning for at least 10 minutes before adding them to the rice cooker.
• For an extra flavour boost, try adding some oil and garlic to the shrimp before cooking.

Frequently asked questions