Shrimp are a delicious and versatile seafood ingredient that can be prepared in many ways. One of the most popular methods is steaming. Steaming shrimp allows them to cook gently and evenly, creating plump, tender, and flavorful results. But exactly how long should you steam shrimp to achieve perfect doneness? Read on for tips, tricks, and timing guidelines to help you master steaming shrimp every time.
What Size Shrimp Should You Buy for Steaming?
When steaming shrimp, it’s best to select medium to large shrimp that are labelled with a size count per pound. Common sizes ideal for steaming include
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16-20 count per pound: These extra-large shrimp will have 16-20 individual shrimp in each pound. They are a great size for hand-peeling and eating whole after steaming.
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21-25 count per pound These large shrimp have 21-25 shrimp per pound. Still a good choice for hand-peeling after cooking.
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26-30 count per pound These medium-large shrimp contain 26-30 per pound Smaller, but still suitable for hand-peeling
Avoid choosing extra-small or miniature shrimp, as they can overcook very quickly when steaming and be difficult to peel by hand after cooking. Larger shrimp will have a bit more insulation from the shell and hold up better during the steaming process.
Preparing Raw Shrimp for Steaming
It’s best to steam shrimp with the shells still on. The shells help protect the delicate shrimp meat from overcooking. Here are some tips for prepping raw, shell-on shrimp before steaming:
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Use kitchen shears or sharp scissors to cut along the back of each shrimp, cutting through the shell. This will expose the vein running along the back.
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Gently rinse the shrimp under cool water while rubbing the back slit to remove the vein. The shell will still be intact.
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If desired, you can remove the tiny legs from the shrimp as well. This step is optional.
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Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels before seasoning.
How to Season Shrimp Before Steaming
With the shell on, shrimp can handle a generous amount of seasoning before steaming. Some good options include:
- Old Bay seasoning
- Cajun seasoning
- Lemon pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Chili powder
- Fresh minced garlic
- Chopped herbs like parsley, thyme, oregano, or basil
Apply seasonings liberally and rub them evenly over the surface of the shrimp to coat. The seasonings will permeate the shrimp as they gently steam.
Steaming Methods for Shrimp
There are a few easy methods you can use at home to steam shrimp:
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A folding stainless steel steamer basket inserted into a large pot. Fill the pot with a few inches of water, just below the bottom of the basket. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
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A bamboo steamer basket lined with parchment paper and placed over a frying pan or wok with simmering water.
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A metal mesh strainer placed over a pot of simmering water.
No matter which method you use, the key is keeping the shrimp suspended above gently simmering water, not submerged in the water. The steam will cook the shrimp through perfectly.
How Long to Steam Shrimp Based on Size
Here are general steaming times based on the size of the shrimp:
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Extra-large (16-20 count per pound): 5 to 6 minutes
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Large (21-25 count per pound): 4 to 5 minutes
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Medium-large (26-30 count per pound): 3 to 4 minutes
A good rule of thumb is to start checking the shrimp at 3 minutes if they are on the smaller side. Larger shrimp may need up to 6 minutes.
To check for doneness, look for the shrimp to turn opaque and pinkish-white throughout. The flesh should feel firm yet still tender when pressed. Don’t overcook the shrimp or they can become rubbery.
If steaming a large batch, stir the shrimp gently halfway through cooking to promote even exposure to the steam. This helps prevent overcooking.
Serving Steamed Shrimp Hot or Chilled
Steamed shrimp taste delicious either hot, straight from the steamer, or chilled for serving cold.
To serve them hot, transfer the cooked shrimp to a serving bowl and enjoy them shell-on with melted butter, cocktail sauce, or another favorite dipping sauce for peeling and eating by hand.
For chilled shrimp, spread the cooked shrimp out on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to cool down. Then peel, devein if desired, and serve over ice with cocktail sauce or lemon wedges. The pre-cut shells make the shrimp easy to peel after steaming.
Steamed shrimp also shine in a variety of chilled shrimp appetizers and salads. Try mixing them into a shrimp cocktail, shrimp pasta salad, or lettuce wrap appetizers.
Storage and Reheating for Leftovers
Properly stored, leftover steamed shrimp will keep for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Transfer them to an airtight container and store chilled until ready to use.
To reheat leftovers, add the chilled pre-cooked shrimp to a simmering skillet with a bit of butter or oil just until warmed through, about 1-2 minutes. Take care not to overcook them.
Steamed shrimp can also be quickly warmed by steaming again for just 1 minute over simmering water.
Common Steaming Mistakes
Avoid these pitfalls when steaming shrimp for the best results:
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Overcrowding the steamer basket, which prevents steam circulation. Work in batches for larger amounts.
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Placing the shrimp directly in simmering water instead of suspending above it. This leads to uneven cooking.
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Steaming with shells removed. The shells help protect the shrimp from direct heat.
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Overcooking or undercooking. Follow suggested steaming times for the shrimp size, and check doneness early.
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Not drying shrimp thoroughly before steaming. Excess moisture prevents browning and seasoning absorption.
Expert Tips for Perfectly Steamed Shrimp
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Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Avoid shrimp with an ammonia odor.
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Cut shells before steaming, but leave shells on during steaming to prevent overcooking.
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Season shrimp generously before steaming to infuse them with flavorful spices and herbs.
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Use a tight-fitting lid during steaming to retain moisture and heat.
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Stir shrimp halfway through steaming to promote even exposure to steam and prevent overcooking.
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Rely on the suggested steaming times, but begin checking doneness early to avoid overcooking.
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Chilling steamed shrimp stops the cooking process for tender, easy to peel results.
The Takeaway on Steaming Shrimp
Perfectly steamed shrimp are tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Follow the guidelines on shrimp sizes, prepping, seasoning, steaming methods, and cooking times for foolproof shrimp every time. In just 5-6 minutes, you can have restaurant-quality shrimp ready to peel, dip, and devour. Master this easy cooking technique for shrimp appetizers, salads, and more that are steamed to perfection.
How To Steam Shrimp Like A Restaurant Chef
- Place a steamer basket inside of a large pot.
- Make sure there are at least two inches of space between the bottom of the basket and the water line. Fill the pot with about an inch of water.
- Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and add the shrimp.
- Cover the shrimp and steam them for 4 to 6 minutes, or until they are opaque and cooked all the way through.
- Make an ice water bath in a large bowl.
- Using a slotted spoon, move the shrimp to the ice bath.
- Stop the cooking. Let sit for 5 minutes, then drain.
What You Need To Know When You Buy Shrimp
- When it comes to shrimp sizes, it’s first helpful to know that in the U.S. S. , shrimp is sold by weight. When shrimp sizes like “jumbo,” “medium,” “small,” etc. are mentioned, the number of shrimp per pound is based on that size. For this recipe, you’ll need 1 pound of large tail-on raw shrimp that have been peeled and given a gut check.
- If you want to buy shrimp, wild shrimp is usually better for the environment than farmed shrimp. Also, buying wild American shrimp takes away any worries about slavery or shady labor practices. Find fresh or frozen wild Gulf shrimp and read the labels to see if they have any added chemicals. Preservatives are added to frozen shrimp in different ways and amounts by different packers. If you buy frozen shrimp, you want as little as possible added to it.
