How Long to Steam Jumbo Shrimp for Perfectly Cooked Seafood

Steaming shrimp is one of the easiest and quickest ways to prepare fresh, delicious seafood at home. When cooked properly steamed shrimp turn out plump tender and full of flavor. However, it can be tricky to know exactly how long to steam jumbo shrimp to get them just right.

Overcooking leads to rubbery chewy shrimp while undercooking results in raw translucent shrimp. Follow this guide to learn exactly how long you need to steam jumbo shrimp to achieve shrimp perfection every time.

What are Jumbo Shrimp?

Before jumping into steaming times, it helps to understand what qualifies a shrimp as “jumbo”. Jumbo shrimp are the largest commonly eaten size classification of shrimp.

Specifically, jumbo shrimp refers to shrimp that have a count of under 15 shrimp per pound. The larger the shrimp, the lower the count per pound will be. So jumbo shrimp might be labeled as “10-15 count” “12-15 count” or even “8-12 count”.

Usually, you’ll find jumbo shrimp sizes ranging from 16-20 count all the way up to 8-12 count. The bigger the shrimp, the longer they will take to cook.

Here’s a quick guide to the common shrimp size classifications:

• Colossal: Under 10 per pound
• Jumbo: 10-15 per pound
• Extra Large: 16-20 per pound
• Large: 21-30 per pound
• Medium: 31-35 per pound
• Small: 36-45 per pound
• Miniature: Over 50 per pound

So when looking for jumbo shrimp for steaming, you’ll want to buy shrimp that are labeled as 15 shrimp per pound or less. The juicier and more tender the shrimp, the better the end result will be once steamed.

How to Prepare Shrimp for Steaming

Before steaming, you’ll need to properly prepare the jumbo shrimp. Here are the key steps:

• Peel the Shell: The shell can insulate the shrimp a bit while steaming so some people advocate leaving it on. However, peeling makes eating easier and prevents any inedible parts ending up cooked into the shrimp.

• Devein the Shrimp: Use a paring knife to slice along the back of the shrimp to expose the digestive tract or “vein” then pull it out with the tip of the knife. This prevents a gritty texture in the finished shrimp.

• Butterfly the Shrimp: Cutting along the back of the shrimp through the center of the meat will butterfly or split the shrimp in half horizontally. This exposes more surface area to steam and speeds cooking.

• Season the Shrimp: Coat the shrimp in salt, pepper, garlic powder, lemon juice, herbs or any other desired seasonings. Allow to marinate for 15-30 minutes before steaming if time permits.

Once prepped, the jumbo shrimp are ready to hit the steamer.

Steaming Jumbo Shrimp

Steaming is a quick, healthy and easy way to cook shrimp that results in tender, juicy seafood every time. Here are some tips for steaming jumbo shrimp perfectly:

• Use a single layer steamer basket if possible. This allows the steam to circulate fully around the shrimp.

• Bring 1-2 inches of water to a boil in a large pot fitted with a steamer basket. The boiling water will create the steam needed to cook the shrimp.

• Arrange shrimp in an even layer in the steamer basket, being careful not to overload. Overcrowding prevents even cooking.

• Set the steamer basket over (not submerged in) the boiling water.

• Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam. This steam does the cooking.

• Steam shrimp just until opaque throughout, turning pinkish in color. Be careful not to overcook.

• Use tongs to transfer steamed shrimp immediately to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.

How Long to Steam Jumbo Shrimp

The steaming time can vary a bit based on the specific size of your jumbo shrimp as well as how crowded the steamer basket is. But here are some general guidelines for steaming times for jumbo shrimp:

• 8-12 Count Shrimp: Steam for 5-7 minutes
• 10-15 Count Shrimp: Steam for 4-6 minutes
• 16-20 Count Shrimp: Steam for 3-5 minutes

I recommend starting by checking doneness at the lower end of these time ranges. It’s always easier to continue steaming a bit longer than to overcook the shrimp.

The shrimp are done when the flesh throughout is opaque and faintly pinkish in color. The tails will curl and the shrimp will plump up when finished cooking.

Use a thin-tipped instant read thermometer to check for doneness, if desired. The internal temperature of steamed shrimp should reach 140°F to 145°F when properly cooked.

Tips for Perfectly Steamed Jumbo Shrimp

Follow these simple tips for fail-proof, deliciously steamed jumbo shrimp every time:

• Buy fresh, wild-caught shrimp when possible for the best results

• Prep shrimp properly by peeling, deveining and butterflying before steaming

• Do not crowd the steamer basket. Steam shrimp in a single layer.

• Use a timer and start checking doneness at the low end of the time range

• Immediately plunge steamed shrimp into an ice bath to stop overcooking

• Be careful not to overcook. It takes only a minute or two to go from perfect to rubbery.

• Season shrimp before and/or after steaming for maximum flavor impact

• Serve steamed shrimp warm with clarified butter, cocktail sauce or other dipping sauces

With the proper technique and steaming times, you can enjoy restaurant-quality jumbo shrimp appetizers and entrees at home. Steaming locks in moisture, nutrients and allows the natural sweet shrimp flavor to shine through.

So next time you buy fresh jumbo shrimp, try steaming them using this simple guide. Properly steamed jumbo shrimp are tender, juicy and full of flavor. Just be careful not to overcook them!

Frequently Asked Questions About Steaming Jumbo Shrimp

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about steaming jumbo shrimp:

How long should I steam already cooked jumbo shrimp?

For pre-cooked jumbo shrimp, reduce steaming time. Only steam for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Pre-cooked shrimp are already opaque and will dry out with prolonged steaming.

Can I steam jumbo shrimp with the shells on?

Yes, you can steam shrimp with shells on but they will require slightly longer steaming times, usually 1-2 minutes extra. Check for opacity and color change rather than relying solely on timing.

Is it necessary to plunge steamed shrimp in ice water?

While not strictly necessary, an ice bath quickly halts the cooking process which helps prevent overcooked shrimp. If skipping the ice bath, be very careful with timing and remove from steam as soon as shrimp are just opaque and pink.

Can I reheat leftover steamed shrimp?

You can reheat steamed shrimp but take care not to overcook them. Add a splash of liquid like wine, stock or lemon juice to the shrimp when reheating by steaming or sautéing for 1-2 minutes over medium heat.

How can I enhance the flavor of steamed jumbo shrimp?

Consider marinating shrimp in oil, citrus, herbs and spices before steaming. Or serve steamed shrimp with flavorful sauces and dips like clarified butter, aioli, cocktail sauce or lemon-garlic butter.

Sample Steamed Jumbo Shrimp Recipe

This simple recipe for Old Bay and lemon steamed jumbo shrimp highlights the sweet, tender flavor of fresh shrimp. Adjust steaming time up or down slightly, depending on the specific size of your jumbo shrimp.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs jumbo shrimp (10-15 count), peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Place shrimp in a medium bowl. Add Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, olive oil and garlic. Toss to coat and let marinate 15-30 minutes.

2. Fill a large pot with 1-2 inches water and bring to a boil over high heat. Place a steamer basket in pot.

3. Add shrimp to steamer basket in a single layer. Cover pot and steam shrimp 4-6 minutes until opaque.

4. Transfer steamed shrimp immediately to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain well.

5. Serve shrimp warm with lemon wedges. Enjoy!

Steaming jumbo shrimp takes just minutes but getting the timing right is key. Follow this guide to learn exactly how long to steam shrimp of every size. Master this easy cooking technique and you’ll be enjoying restaurant-quality seafood at home anytime.