Hey there, fellow food lovers! I’ve been cooking shrimp for years in my home kitchen, and I gotta tell you – steamed shrimp is one of those dishes that’s super easy to make but can go wrong if you don’t know the little tricks. Today, I’m gonna share everything I know about steaming shrimp perfectly!
Why Steam Shrimp?
Steaming is honestly one of the healthiest and tastiest ways to cook shrimp It’s
- Quick (usually takes just 3-5 minutes)
- Keeps the shrimp juicy and tender
- Preserves the natural flavors
- Doesn’t need added fats
- Perfect for both appetizers and main dishes
What You’ll Need
Basic Equipment:
- A pot or skillet with lid
- Steamer basket (or a fine mesh strainer as alternative)
- Tongs or spoon for flipping
Basic Ingredients:
- Fresh or thawed shrimp
- Water and/or beer for steaming
- Seasonings (Old Bay is popular!)
- Lemon wedges
- Optional: plate or bowl for liquid seasonings
Step-by-Step Steaming Guide
1. Prep Your Shrimp
- Clean and devein the shrimp
- You can leave shells on or off (I prefer off for better seasoning absorption)
- Pat dry with paper towels
2. Season Your Shrimp
Here’s my go-to seasoning mix:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Pro tip If using liquid seasonings place shrimp in a bowl or plate instead of directly in the steamer basket – this keeps all that yummy flavor from dripping away!
3. Prepare Your Steaming Liquid
Choose one of these options
- Plain water
- 50/50 water and vinegar
- Beer and water combo (my fave!)
4. The Steaming Process
- Bring liquid to a boil
- Reduce to simmer
- Place shrimp in steamer basket
- Cover and steam for 2 minutes
- Flip shrimp
- Steam another 2-3 minutes until pink
How to Tell When Shrimp is Done
Your shrimp is perfectly cooked when:
- Color changes from grey to pink
- Flesh becomes opaque
- Tails curl into a loose “C” shape
- Don’t wait for a tight curl – that means they’re overcooked!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding: Don’t pile up those shrimp! Steam in batches if needed.
- Oversteaming: Nobody likes rubbery shrimp! Stick to the timing.
- Skipping seasoning: Even simple salt makes a difference.
- Not using a lid: Steam needs to be trapped to cook properly.
Serving Suggestions
Steamed shrimp are super versatile! Here’s how we love to serve them:
As Appetizer:
- With cocktail sauce
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley garnish
As Main Dish:
- Over rice
- With steamed veggies
- In pasta dishes
- In salads
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s what to do:
- Refrigerate within 2 hours
- Store in airtight container
- Eat within 3-4 days
- Don’t freeze cooked shrimp
Bonus Recipe: Quick Homemade Cocktail Sauce
Mix together:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons horseradish
- Squeeze of lemon
- Dash of Worcestershire sauce
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Rubbery Shrimp?
- Probably overcooked
- Next time, reduce cooking time
- Remember: shrimp cook FAST!
Bland Taste?
- Season before cooking
- Add more Old Bay
- Don’t forget the lemon!
Final Tips
- Buy good quality shrimp
- If frozen, thaw completely
- Don’t skip the seasoning
- Watch cooking time carefully
- Serve immediately for best results
P.S. Don’t forget to save this guide for your next shrimp-cooking adventure!
What To Do With Leftover Steamed Shrimp
Leftover steamed shrimp make a fantastic homemade shrimp salad — just chop and mix with mayo, vinegar, shallot, cayenne, and Old Bay — or toss it with boiled potatoes for a flavorful twist on potato salad — this was my go-to last summer!
Enjoy leftover shrimp salad on its own, in a wrap, stuffed into a bun, over greens, or scooped onto crackers — a light and easy lunch!
Quick Tips For Foolproof Results
- The shrimp should not touch the steaming liquid (whether you’re using beer, water, or a combination of the two). Keeping them elevated will help them stay tender and flavorful instead of boiling where they may end up rubbery.
- Cook time will vary based on the size of the shrimp. The recipe is written with large shrimp, so adjust accordingly if you’re using larger or smaller shrimp.
- Don’t have a steamer? I’ve got you! Place a fine mesh strainer on top of a pot (just make sure it rests nicely without falling in) and voila! You’ve got a makeshift steamer basket!
- If working with more than 1 lb of shrimp at a time, we recommend cooking the shrimp in batches. Don’t overcrowd the basket when steaming!
If you love southern shrimp recipes, you’d like enjoy Cajun shrimp and grits as well — a delicious way to enjoy shellfish at brunch!
How to Steam Shrimp – Basic Kitchen Skills
FAQ
Is it better to boil or steam shrimp?
How long do shrimp take to steam?
Is it safe to steam shrimp?
Yes. As someone who has eaten a perverse amount of shrimp, properly steamed shrimp is perfectly safe to eat. Make sure that you get your shrimp from reputable sources and always remember to season it with your favorite stuff. Even a bit of salt, pepper and lemon will bring out some unique flavors.
What cooking method is best for shrimp?
If you prefer a crispy texture, then broiling or grilling is the best way to cook shrimp, but if you desire a softer and more delicate texture, then pan frying the shrimp is the way to go.