We are big shrimp lovers in our house, and these Old Bay shrimp are no exception. I remember being a kid, watching my mom pull the tiny legs off shrimp, mortified. Now, after years and years of practice and pounds and pounds of shrimp, I’m showing our kids how much we love shrimp. Leg pulling, and all.
Old Bay and seafood were made for each other. (No, seriously, they were — read below. You’ve never steamed shrimp before? Let me be the first to tell you that it’s very easy and quick!
If you cook with the shell on, the shrimp shells are being seasoned with Old Bay. When you steam them with the shells off, though, all of that delicious flavor gets into the shrimp meat. Yes, please!.
Shrimp is one of the most popular types of seafood around. Not only is it delicious but it’s also relatively easy to prepare at home. One of the quickest and simplest cooking methods for shrimp is steaming. And when using frozen shrimp, you don’t even have to thaw them first!
Steaming is a great way to cook frozen shrimp because the direct heat from the steam cooks the shrimp quickly and evenly. It also helps lock in moisture so the shrimp turns out juicy and tender.
But exactly how long does it take to steam frozen shrimp to perfect, juicy tenderness? That depends on a few factors. Keep reading for a complete guide to steaming times for frozen shrimp to ensure it turns out flawlessly every time.
What Size Shrimp Should You Buy?
The first factor that impacts steaming time is the size of the shrimp. Shrimp are categorized by “count per pound” which tells you how many individual shrimp make up one pound. The higher the count, the smaller the shrimp. Here are the common shrimp sizes:
- Colossal: Under 10 per pound
- Jumbo: 11-15 per pound
- Extra Large: 16-20 per pound
- Large: 21-30 per pound
- Medium: 31-35 per pound
- Small: 36-45 per pound
We recommend buying large, extra large, or jumbo shrimp for steaming. The bigger shrimp will be easier to handle, peel, and eat Smaller shrimp like medium or small can overcook quickly when steamed
Should You Thaw Shrimp Before Steaming?
Many people wonder if they need to thaw frozen shrimp before putting them in the steamer. The good news is that because steaming cooks food very quickly, you can steam shrimp straight from frozen!
There’s no need to worry about thawing them overnight in the fridge first. Simply take the shrimp straight from the freezer to the steamer basket.
Steaming from frozen helps ensure even cooking. If you were to sauté or pan fry partially frozen shrimp, the outside could overcook before the inside thaws. But with steaming, the shrimp thaw and cook at the same pace.
How Long Does It Take to Steam Frozen Shrimp?
Now for the steaming time. General guidelines based on shrimp size are:
- Jumbo (11-15 per pound): 4 to 5 minutes
- Extra Large (16-20 per pound): 3 to 4 minutes
- Large (21-30 per pound): 2 to 3 minutes
These times are for raw, frozen shrimp steamed in a single layer in a steamer basket. If the shrimp are overcrowded or overlapping in the basket, add an extra minute or two.
It’s also important not to underfill your pot when steaming. Make sure the water comes up to just below the bottom of the steamer basket. Too little water will cause it to boil away before the shrimp cooks.
How to Tell When Shrimp is Done Steaming
Checking for doneness is important when steaming shrimp. Some visual cues that your shrimp is cooked:
- The flesh turns opaque and pinkish in color
- The shrimp firms up and is no longer translucent
- The tail starts to curl inward slightly
You can also use a cooking thermometer to check for doneness. Shrimp is safe to eat at an internal temperature of 145°F. When poking the thermometer into the thickest part of the shrimp, it should read between 140-145°F when finished steaming.
If the shrimp is undercooked, simply place back in the steamer for another 1-2 minutes. It’s easy to continue cooking steamed shrimp without overdoing it.
Seasoning Your Steamed Shrimp
One of the best parts about steaming shrimp is that it locks in moisture and provides a blank canvas to add flavor. There are endless ways to season steamed shrimp:
- Old Bay seasoning – The classic choice for shrimp, crab, and shellfish
- Cajun seasoning – For some heat, use a Cajun spice blend
- Lemon and garlic – A simple combo that enhances the natural sweetness
- Herbs and butter – Melt some herbed butter over steamed shrimp
- Soy sauce and sesame oil – For an Asian flair
Get creative with seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, black pepper, oregano, chili powder, and more. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions for Steamed Shrimp
Steamed shrimp makes a fantastic appetizer or main dish. Here are some serving ideas:
- Chilled shrimp cocktail with cocktail sauce and lemon
- Steamed shrimp over salad or pasta
- Tacos, burritos, or fajitas with Cajun shrimp
- Shrimp rolls or po’ boys
- Shrimp and grits or jambalaya
- Shrimp scampi over zucchini noodles or rice
- Shrimp skewers or kabobs
Steamed shrimp also stores well to use throughout the week. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Steaming Shrimp Step-By-Step
Ready to steam up some shrimp? Just follow these simple steps:
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Fill a pot with 1-2 inches of water (enough so it doesn’t boil away). Bring to a boil.
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Add flavorings if desired – garlic, lemon, herbs, spices, etc.
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Place frozen shrimp in a single layer in steamer basket.
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Set steamer basket in pot, covered, and steam for 2-5 minutes depending on size.
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Check shrimp, continue steaming if needed 1-2 more minutes until opaque.
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Remove basket, season shrimp as desired, and enjoy!
Steaming Equipment
You don’t need fancy equipment to steam shrimp. A basic steaming setup includes:
- A medium pot with a lid
- A steamer basket that fits inside the pot
- A kitchen timer
Any type of steamer basket will work – metal, bamboo, silicone, etc. You can also use a metal colander or sieve in place of a basket.
If you don’t have any steamer equipment, you can even create a DIY steamer by placing chopped vegetable like carrots or celery at the bottom of the pot. Place shrimp on top, cover, and steam. The vegetable pieces lift the shrimp off the bottom of the pot.
FAQs About Steaming Frozen Shrimp
Can you steam frozen shrimp with the shell on?
Yes, you can steam shrimp with the shell and tail on or off. Shelled shrimp may take a minute less to cook.
Should you rinse shrimp before steaming?
Rinsing before steaming is optional. Some people prefer to rinse thawed shrimp under cold water before cooking.
Can I season the shrimp before steaming?
Absolutely! Toss the frozen shrimp with seasonings before steaming to infuse them with flavor.
Is steaming or boiling better for cooking shrimp?
Steaming is considered the superior method. Boiling can cause shrimp to get waterlogged while steaming keeps in moisture.
The Takeaway on Steaming Shrimp
Steaming frozen shrimp allows you to skip the thawing step for an easy, fast, and healthy meal idea. Adjust steaming times based on the size of your shrimp, and use a thermometer for perfectly cooked results every time.
Flavor simply steamed shrimp with herbs, spices, lemon, garlic, or other seasonings. Then enjoy shrimp in tacos, over pasta or rice, in sandwiches, skewers, or salads.
Steamed shrimp needs just a few minutes in the steamer, making it one of the quickest and easiest ways to put a flavorful meal on the table.
Tips For The Best Steamed Shrimp
Avoid putting too many shrimp in the steaming basket. You might want to add a whole 2-pound bag of defrosted shrimp, but it’s not likely that all of them will cook evenly.
If you’re cooking more than 1 lb of shrimp at once, you should do it in batches. Don’t overcrowd the basket when steaming!.
If using frozen shrimp, allow to defrost completely before using. Either defrost overnight in a refrigerator or place frozen shrimp in a bowl of cool water. Allow to sit for 30-60 minutes and shrimp should be fully thawed.
So that’s it — easy peasy lemon squeezy! At least that’s what our kids would say!
Make these today (along with our homemade spicy cocktail sauce!) and enjoy all week long!
Looking for more shrimp recipes? Definitely check out our cajun shrimp and grits or healthy shrimp lettuce wraps!
We’d love it if you would rate and review this Old Bay Shrimp recipe if you make it.
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Ingredients For Old Bay Shrimp
- Leave the tails on the shrimp, and don’t shell them if you don’t want to. Large or medium shrimp cook quickly.
- Extra virgin olive oil: To prevent the shrimp from sticking
- Kosher salt: To season the shrimp
- Old Bay seasoning: A classic combination with shellfish!
- Lemons to serve: Always have lemons on hand to serve with fish or shellfish. The acidity brings out the natural flavors of the shrimp.
- To serve, add parsley as a garnish to give the dish a lemony taste and a pop of green!
- Beer, for steaming: Adds moisture and great flavor!
What’s in Old Bay seasoning anyway?
It has been around for a long time and is a well-known spice that goes well with seafood, especially crab and shrimp. Ever go to a crab or shrimp boil? The seafood was likely seasoned generously with Old Bay.
Here’s the thing about Old Bay seasoning: it’s salty. Not like too salty, just salty enough to make you want to drink. So… ya know… serve this with something cold to quench your thirst!.
