How Long to Steam Shrimp in an Instant Pot for Perfectly Cooked Shrimp Every Time

Cooking shrimp can be tricky. It’s easy to overcook them, resulting in rubbery, chewy shrimp that are difficult to eat. That’s why many home cooks are turning to Instant Pots and other multicookers to steam shrimp. The Instant Pot’s pressurized environment gently steams the shrimp, ensuring they turn out tender and juicy.

But how long should you steam shrimp in the Instant Pot to get perfect results? In this comprehensive guide. we’ll cover everything you need to know about steaming shrimp in the Instant Pot including

• Recommended cook times for different sizes of shrimp
• Tips for preventing overcooked shrimp
• How to know when shrimp are done
• Recipe ideas and serving suggestions
• Common mistakes and how to avoid them

By the end of this article, you’ll be a shrimp steaming expert, turning out delicious shrimp dishes with ease Let’s get started!

Recommended Instant Pot Shrimp Cook Times

The amount of time needed to steam shrimp in the Instant Pot varies based on the size of the shrimp. Here are general guidelines:

• Extra small shrimp (under 15 per pound): Steam for 0-1 minutes after coming to pressure
• Small shrimp (16-20 per pound): Steam for 1 minute after coming to pressure
• Medium shrimp (21-30 per pound): Steam for 2 minutes after coming to pressure
• Large shrimp (31-35 per pound): Steam for 3 minutes after coming to pressure
• Extra large and jumbo shrimp (over 36 per pound): Steam for 4-5 minutes after coming to pressure

Keep in mind that it takes the Instant Pot 10-15 minutes to come up to pressure before the cooking time even starts So a cook time of 0-1 minutes really means the shrimp cooks for 10-12 minutes total

Always start checking shrimp at the low end of the time range given. It’s easy to quickly cook more if needed, but you can’t undo overcooked shrimp!

Preventing Rubbery, Overcooked Shrimp

Rubbery, chewy shrimp usually result from overcooking. With the Instant Pot, it’s easy to avoid this common pitfall. Here are some tips:

• Use frozen shrimp. Raw shrimp come out overcooked, while frozen shrimp steam perfectly. The freezing process partially cooks the shrimp, so they need less time.

• Don’t stack shrimp. Arrange shrimp in an even layer, not heaped on top of each other. This ensures consistent cooking.

• Quick release pressure. After the cook time is up, quickly release pressure. Don’t let shrimp overcook in residual heat.

• Use a steamer basket. Keeping shrimp up out of the cooking liquid prevents boiling.

• Start with less time. If unsure, start with the minimum cook time and check doneness. You can always cook longer if needed.

Following these tips will ensure your shrimp turn out tender, not chewy.

How to Tell When Shrimp Are Done

Since shrimp overcook so quickly, it’s important to accurately judge when they’re done. Here’s what to look for:

• Color: Shrimp will turn pink/orange and opaque when properly cooked. If there are still grayish spots, they need more time.

• Texture: Properly cooked shrimp will be firm yet tender and juicy. They should not be rubbery or mushy.

• Temperature: Check the temperature with an instant read thermometer. Shrimp are perfectly cooked at 145°F.

• Exposure time: Start checking at the low end of the recommended time range for the shrimp’s size.

• Cut into a thicker piece: Check the center of a thick shrimp to see if it’s opaque. Undercooked centers mean the shrimp needs more time.

Following doneness cues like these will help you nail the texture of Instant Pot shrimp every time.

Tasty Instant Pot Shrimp Recipe Ideas

The simplicity of steaming shrimp in the Instant Pot means they work in all kinds of dishes. Here are some of my favorite ways to use Instant Pot shrimp:

• Shrimp Cocktail: Chilled, peeled shrimp with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges

• Shrimp Tacos: Shrimp with cabbage, avocado, and spicy aioli in soft tortillas

• Shrimp salad: Tossed with diced celery, onion, mayo, lemon, and dill

• Shrimp Scampi: Sautéed with garlic, white wine, butter, and parsley over pasta

• Shrimp Etouffee: Simmered in a spicy tomato sauce with vegetables over rice

• Coconut Shrimp Curry: Served in a rich Thai red curry sauce with veggies

The possibilities are endless! Use steamed Instant Pot shrimp in appetizers, soups, salads, pasta dishes, and more.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While steaming shrimp in the Instant Pot is pretty straightforward, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcrowding: As mentioned, be sure not to stack shrimp on top of each other. Give them room to steam evenly.

• Not venting pressure properly: Always quick release pressure immediately after cooking.

• Cooking too long: It’s easy to overcook shrimp. Start with less time and check doneness frequently.

• Not using frozen shrimp: Raw shrimp will be overcooked. Use individually quick frozen (IQF) shrimp.

• Not using a steamer basket: Keep shrimp up out of cooking liquid for best results.

• Adding seasonings too early: Flavors will concentrate with pressure cooking. Season after cooking instead.

Avoid these common pitfalls, and you’ll be rewarded with tender, juicy shrimp every time you use your Instant Pot.

Steaming Shrimp to Perfection Has Never Been Easier

As you can see, steaming shrimp in the Instant Pot is a quick and easy process when you follow a few simple guidelines. The key steps to keep in mind are:

• Use frozen shrimp for best results
• Arrange shrimp in a single layer in a steamer basket
• Follow recommended cook times based on shrimp size
• Quick release pressure immediately after cooking
• Check doneness using multiple indicators like appearance and texture

In no time, you’ll be an expert at churning out batches of tender, flavorful shrimp. Get creative with the many ways to use shrimp in appetizers, mains, salads, and more. Your family will be begging for more of your amazing Instant Pot shrimp recipes.

Here are a couple of my favorite, easy shrimp recipes to try in your Instant Pot:

Instant Pot Steamed Shrimp (from Lynn’s Way of Life)

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined
• 1 cup water
• Old Bay seasoning or other seasoning (optional)

Place a steamer basket in the Instant Pot and add water. Add shrimp in a single layer and sprinkle with Old Bay if desired. Pressure cook at high pressure for 0-2 minutes depending on size. Quick release and serve with cocktail sauce.

Instant Pot Peel and Eat Shrimp (from AllRecipes)

• 1 lb large shell-on shrimp, frozen
• 1 cup beer or stock
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp seafood seasoning
• 1/4 cup parsley
• Cocktail sauce

Add beer, shrimp, butter, and seasoning to Instant Pot. Pressure cook on high for 2 minutes, then quick release. Stir in parsley and serve with cocktail sauce for dipping.