Steaming Shrimp: Is It Truly Cooked?

Steamed shrimp is considered cooked when it has turned opaque and white with pops of pink or orange. The shrimp should also be tender and curved into a C shape. Steaming shrimp is a great way to get the most flavor out of the crustaceans without overcooking them, which can result in a rubbery texture.

How long to steam shrimp

Steaming shrimp is a great way to get the most flavor out of the crustaceans. It's a gentle cooking technique that helps elevate the shrimp's flavor and tender snap. The process is easy and can be done with the right tools. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to steam shrimp:

Step 1: Prepare the Steamer

Place a steamer basket inside a large pot. Fill the pot with about 1 inch of water, ensuring at least a 2-inch gap between the water level and the bottom of the basket. You can also add aromatics like garlic, ginger, or spices to the water for extra flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

While the water is heating up, prepare your shrimp. You can peel and devein the shrimp if desired, but it's not necessary. Leaving the shell on during steaming adds flavor and helps prevent overcooking. If you do decide to peel and devein, use a paring knife to cut a slit along the back of the shrimp and remove the dark intestinal tract. Rinse the shrimp after deveining.

Step 3: Steam the Shrimp

Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium and place the shrimp in the steamer basket. Cover the pot and steam the shrimp for 4 to 6 minutes, or until they turn opaque and are cooked through. The shrimp should be bright pink, firm, and curled into a "C" shape when done.

Step 4: Stop the Cooking

To stop the cooking process, prepare an ice water bath in a large bowl. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the steamed shrimp to the ice water and let them sit for about 5 minutes before draining.

Tips for Perfect Steamed Shrimp:

• It's best to use wild-caught shrimp whenever possible, as it's a more sustainable and ethical choice than farmed shrimp.
• When buying shrimp, look for wild Gulf shrimp, either fresh or frozen, and check the labels for preservatives.
• If you don't have a steamer basket, you can create a makeshift steamer by using a heat-safe bowl or a colander placed inside the pot.
• Steaming time may vary depending on the size of the shrimp. Standard-sized shrimp will take about 3-5 minutes, while larger shrimp may need an additional 2-3 minutes.
• For extra juicy shrimp, brine them before cooking. Soak the shrimp for an hour in an ice water-salt brine (1 tablespoon of salt per 2 cups of ice water). You can also add sugar and baking soda to the brine for an even crispier texture.
• When serving, steamed shrimp can be enjoyed hot or cold. If serving chilled, prepare an ice water bath to stop the cooking process and store the shrimp in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

How to tell if shrimp is cooked

Steaming shrimp is a great way to get the most flavour out of the crustaceans. But how can you tell if they're cooked?

Firstly, it's important to know that shrimp cooks quickly and should never be overcooked. Undercooked shrimp will be grey and translucent, with uncurled tails. Perfectly cooked shrimp will be opaque and a colour ranging from pink to orange, depending on the variety. Their tails should curl slightly to make a C-shape. Overcooked shrimp will be a solid white-pink colour, with their tails completely curled into a tight circle.

One way to tell if shrimp is cooked is to use the UCO rule of thumb: the shrimp will curl into a tighter shape as it cooks, so a U shape means it's Undercooked, a C shape means it's Cooked, and an O shape means it's Overcooked. However, this is only a rough guide.

Another way to tell is to cut into the thickest part of the shrimp. If it's cooked, it will be white and opaque. If it's raw, it will be grey and translucent.

When steaming shrimp, it's best to steam them for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.

How to steam shrimp without a steamer basket

Steaming shrimp is a great way to cook them, as it helps to elevate their flavour and texture. If you don't have a steamer basket, there are several ways to steam shrimp. Here are some methods to try:

• Use a metal or wire mesh colander: Simply place the colander inside a large saucepan and fill the saucepan with 1 to 2 inches of water. Make sure the water level is below the bottom of the colander. Place the shrimp in the colander, cover, and steam until they are opaque.
• Poach the shrimp: If you don't have a steamer basket, you can poach the shrimp in water at a low simmer. Cook for about four minutes, checking for doneness, and turn off the heat when the shrimp are bright pink and firm. Cover the pot and let it stand for about two minutes before draining the shrimp.
• Use a heat-safe bowl and plate: Turn a heat-safe bowl upside down in a regular stock pot and place a heavy, heat-safe plate on top of the bowl. This creates an impromptu steamer.
• Use a heatproof colander: Set a heatproof colander on top of a pot of simmering water.
• Create a steamer with vegetables: Layer potatoes and corn on the cob inside your pot, add water or another liquid, and place the shrimp on top of the vegetables. This method also cooks a side dish at the same time!

Remember, when steaming shrimp, it's important to avoid overcooking them. Depending on their size, shrimp will usually take around 3-6 minutes to cook. Shrimp are done when they are opaque and have curled up into a C-shape.

How to brine shrimp

Brining shrimp is an excellent way to ensure your shrimp are plump, juicy, and full of flavor. It's a simple process that only takes about an hour and will make your shrimp taste like they were prepared by a professional chef. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to brine shrimp:

Step 1: Prepare the Brine Solution

The first step is to prepare the brine solution. Brine is simply a saltwater solution that may also contain sugar, herbs, or spices. For a basic brine solution, combine 1 tablespoon of kosher salt with 1 quart of water. You can also add 1 tablespoon of sugar if desired. Stir the solution until the salt and sugar are dissolved.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

While you're making the brine solution, prepare the shrimp by peeling and deveining them. You can leave the tails on or off, depending on your preference. If the shrimp are frozen, be sure to thaw them before brining.

Step 3: Brine the Shrimp

Once the brine solution is ready and the shrimp are prepared, it's time to combine them. Place the shrimp in a resealable bag or a bowl and pour the brine solution over them. Make sure the shrimp are fully submerged and chilled. You can add ice to the brine to keep it cold. Let the shrimp soak in the brine for about 30 minutes to an hour.

Step 4: Remove and Dry the Shrimp

After brining, remove the shrimp from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. This step is important, especially if you plan to pan-sear or grill the shrimp, as it will help them get a nice brown crust.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp

Now, your shrimp are ready to be cooked! You can cook them in a variety of ways, such as pan-searing, grilling, steaming, or boiling. No matter which method you choose, brining will ensure that your shrimp are juicy and flavorful.

Tips for Brining Shrimp:

• Brining time: Peeled shrimp only need about 20-30 minutes in the brine, while unpeeled shrimp may require up to an hour. Avoid brining for longer than an hour, as it can affect the shrimp's delicate flavor and texture.
• Temperature: You can brine shrimp at room temperature if it's not too warm, but brining in the refrigerator is usually recommended for food safety reasons.
• Type of salt: You can use any type of salt for brining, but higher-quality salts like kosher salt or sea salt will give you the best results.
• Sugar: Sugar is optional but adds sweetness and promotes browning when the shrimp are cooked.

How to flavour the shrimp steaming liquid

There are many ways to flavour the shrimp steaming liquid. The liquid can be swapped for stock, wine, beer, fruit juices, or any other beverage. Aromatics such as onions, celery, carrots, garlic, and ginger can be added for more flavour. Spices and herbs such as chili peppers, black pepper, bay leaves, thyme, cilantro, and parsley can also be added to the steaming liquid. For a more subtle flavour, lemon juice and salt can be added to the water instead of directly to the shrimp.

Frequently asked questions