Understanding Steamed Shrimp's Cooked Status: Cbp's Perspective

Steamed shrimp is a quick and easy dish to make, and it can be cooked in a variety of ways, including in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop. It is considered cooked when it is opaque white with pops of pink or orange and has a curved C shape. It is important not to overcook shrimp, as this can result in a rubbery texture.

How to tell if shrimp is cooked

There are several ways to tell if shrimp is cooked. Firstly, you can use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature. The shrimp should be at least 145 °F (63 °C). This is the safest and most accurate way to tell if the shrimp is cooked.

Secondly, you can examine the external colour of the shrimp. Look for an opaque white colour with pops of pink or orange. Raw shrimp are generally grey and translucent, so this colour change is a good indicator that they are cooked.

Thirdly, check the shape of the shrimp. Raw shrimp are fairly straight, and they begin to curve inward and shrink as they cook. You want to take them off the heat when they are fully bent into a "C" or oval shape. If left too long, they will become overcooked and form an "O" shape.

Another way to tell if shrimp is cooked is by feeling its texture. Press the shrimp with a fork or your finger; if it is raw or undercooked, it will feel springy, bouncy, or slimy, while overcooked shrimp will feel tough or rubbery. Perfectly cooked shrimp will have a soft and tender texture.

Finally, you can look at the interior colour of the shrimp by cutting into the thickest part. If it is cooked, it should be white and opaque, not grey or translucent.

It is important to note that the cooking time for shrimp depends on the cooking method and the size and amount of shrimp being cooked. For example, small shrimp will take less time to cook than jumbo shrimp, and boiling shrimp will take less time than poaching. Therefore, it is recommended to check the shrimp's colour, shape, texture, or temperature after about 3 minutes of cooking in most cases.

How to steam shrimp in the microwave

Steaming shrimp in the microwave is a quick and easy way to cook this seafood favourite. It's a simple process, but there are a few steps to follow to ensure your shrimp are cooked to perfection. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Firstly, decide whether to shell the shrimp or not. You can steam them either way, but leaving the shells on will give your shrimp more flavour. If you do decide to shell them, make sure to peel and devein the shrimp before cooking.

Step 2: Gather Your Ingredients and Tools

You will need butter or margarine, water or chicken broth, seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay), a small onion, a garlic clove, and course ground pepper (all optional, except for the butter/margarine and water/broth). You will also need a microwave-safe dish or bowl, and plastic wrap.

Step 3: Mix Your Ingredients

In your microwave-safe dish, mix together the butter or margarine, water or broth, and any optional seasonings and ingredients you wish to include. Heat this mixture in the microwave for 30-60 seconds on high.

Step 4: Add the Shrimp

Once your butter/broth mixture is heated, carefully remove the dish from the microwave and add your shrimp. Make sure to lay the shrimp in a single layer in the dish. You can add the onion and garlic now, if you are using them.

Step 5: Cover and Microwave

Cover the dish with plastic wrap, venting one side for air. Place the dish back in the microwave and set the timer for 3 minutes.

Step 6: Check and Adjust

After 3 minutes, check your shrimp to see if they are cooked through. They should be opaque white with pops of pink or orange. If they are not quite done, put them back in the microwave for 30-second intervals until they are cooked to your liking.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Take your shrimp out of the microwave and serve them on crackers with extra seasonings, or try one of the serving suggestions below.

Serving Suggestions:

• Taco filling: Season with chili powder and lime juice
• Tangy chili: Mix with Worcestershire sauce, chopped parsley, and chili flakes
• Thai-inspired: Combine with sweet chili sauce, chopped cilantro, and lime juice
• Scampi: Toss with melted butter, garlic powder, chopped parsley, and a splash of lemon juice
• Cocktail-style: Cool completely, add a squeeze of lemon juice, and serve with cocktail sauce
• Mexican-style shrimp cocktail: Mix with tomato juice, chopped red onion, cilantro, lime juice, avocado, and hot sauce. Enjoy with thinly sliced celery
• Quick shrimp scampi: Combine with butter, garlic powder, chopped parsley, and lemon juice
• Shrimp and avocado salad: Cut the shrimp into smaller pieces and toss with fresh diced tomatoes, avocado, lime juice and zest, olive oil, chopped cilantro, and hot sauce

How to steam shrimp in the oven

Steaming shrimp in the oven is an easy way to get juicy, delicious shrimp. Here's a simple recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds shrimp, with shells on
• 8 tbsp butter or 6 tbsp olive oil (adjust to taste)
• 3 tbsp chopped garlic (you can use minced garlic from a bottle to save time)
• 4 tbsp Old Bay seasoning (adjust to taste, or skip if you prefer plain shrimp)

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Rinse and drain the shrimp. Arrange them in a single layer on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Don't worry too much about making a perfect single layer, just make sure both sides of the shrimp are exposed to the heat.
• Melt the butter in a saucepan or microwave it until it's warm, then add the garlic and sauté for a few minutes. If you're using olive oil, simply warm it with the garlic.
• Pour the butter-garlic mixture or olive oil over the shrimp and stir to coat them well. Sprinkle about half of the Old Bay seasoning over the shrimp.
• Bake the shrimp until they turn pink, which should take around 5 minutes. Use a spatula or tongs to turn them over. Sprinkle the remaining Old Bay seasoning on the shrimp, then bake for another 2 to 3 minutes.
• Serve immediately. The whole process should take around 15 minutes, depending on the size of your shrimp.

Tips:

• If you're using frozen shrimp, run cold water over them until they separate. Larger and slightly frozen shrimp will take a minute or two longer to cook on each side.
• Look for the nice pink colour and the fabulous smell of cooked shrimp. You can also test one shrimp to make sure it's cooked to your liking.
• This recipe works best with larger shrimp, like extra jumbo or jumbo shrimp.

How to steam shrimp on the stove

Steaming shrimp is a great way to get the most flavor out of the crustaceans. It's easy to steam with the right tools, and yields tender shrimp in no time. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam shrimp on the stove:

What you'll need:

• A steamer basket or a mesh strainer
• A large pot
• Shrimp (preferably raw, large, and with shells on)
• Water
• Seasonings of your choice (e.g. Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice)
• A slotted spoon
• Ice water bath

Steps:

• Place the steamer basket or mesh strainer inside the large pot.
• Fill the pot with about 1 inch of water, making sure there is a 2-inch gap between the bottom of the basket and the waterline.
• Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
• While waiting for the water to boil, rinse and drain the shrimp. You can also use kitchen shears or scissors to cut up the back of each shrimp, exposing and rinsing out the vein.
• Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium and add the shrimp to the steamer basket or strainer.
• Cover and steam the shrimp for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pinkish-white and are cooked through.
• Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to an ice water bath. This will stop the cooking process and help the shrimp retain their tenderness.
• Let the shrimp sit in the ice water for about 5 minutes, then drain and serve.

Tips:

• It is preferable to use raw shrimp for steaming, as they cook faster and absorb more flavor.
• Leave the shells on during steaming to insulate the shrimp from direct heat, resulting in more tender shrimp.
• Be generous with the seasonings, as a lot of it will sweat off the shrimp during steaming.
• It is possible to overcook shrimp, so keep an eye on them and remove them from the heat once they curl into a "C" shape.

How to store steamed shrimp

Storing steamed shrimp is a delicate process, as shrimp is more delicate than poultry or meat and has a shorter shelf life. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store steamed shrimp:

• Freshly cooked shrimp can be safely stored in the refrigerator for three to four days, whether it is shelled or unshelled.
• To store in the refrigerator, wrap the shrimp tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Ensure your refrigerator is set to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
• According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service, there is no need to cool the shrimp before refrigerating if your refrigerator is functioning properly.
• For longer-term storage, cooked shrimp can be stored in the freezer, where it will stay safe to eat indefinitely. However, for the best quality, it is recommended to consume frozen shrimp within three months.
• When storing in the freezer, wrap the shrimp in freezer-grade plastic or foil.
• To defrost frozen shrimp, it is best to thaw it slowly in the refrigerator to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
• If the shrimp smells unpleasant or appears slimy after thawing, discard it.
• Cooked shrimp is already cooked, so it only needs to be briefly reheated or can be eaten cold.
• It is best to keep uncooked shrimp frozen until you are ready to cook it, as it is quick to cook.
• If you plan to freeze cooked shrimp, it is recommended to brine it first to ensure it stays juicy and flavourful. Create a brine solution by mixing one tablespoon of salt with two cups of ice water. You can also add a tablespoon of sugar and a teaspoon of baking soda for extra crispness and flavour.
• To stop the cooking process and cool steamed shrimp quickly, prepare an ice water bath and transfer the shrimp to the bath using a slotted spoon. Let the shrimp sit in the ice water for about five minutes before draining and storing.

By following these instructions, you can safely store and enjoy steamed shrimp while maintaining its quality and flavour.

Frequently asked questions