Hey there, fellow seafood lovers! Today I’m gonna share everything you need to know about steaming jumbo shrimp. As someone who’s cooked thousands of shrimp (and messed up plenty along the way), I’ve learned exactly how long to steam these beauties for the perfect result every time.
Quick Answer
For jumbo shrimp (10-15 count per pound), steam for 4-6 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. That’s it! But keep reading for all the juicy details that’ll make your shrimp absolutely perfect.
What Exactly Are Jumbo Shrimp?
Before we dive into cooking times, let’s get clear on what we’re working with
- Jumbo shrimp = 10-15 shrimp per pound
- They’re bigger than large shrimp but smaller than colossal shrimp
- Look for labels like “10-15 count” or “U-15” when shopping
Here’s a handy size guide:
| Size Classification | Count per Pound |
|---|---|
| Colossal | Under 10 |
| Jumbo | 10-15 |
| Extra Large | 16-20 |
| Large | 21-30 |
| Medium | 31-35 |
| Small | 36-45 |
Essential Equipment
You’ll need:
- A large pot
- A steamer basket or insert
- Tongs for handling the shrimp
Don’t have a steamer? No worries! You can:
- Use a heat-safe colander in a pot
- Create a makeshift steamer with an upside-down bowl and plate
- Use a tamale pot
- Try a bamboo steamer
Prep Work: Getting Your Shrimp Ready
Clean Those Bad Boys
- Peel the shells (unless making peel-and-eat style)
- Devein if desired (that dark line ain’t pretty)
- Butterfly them if you want (splits them for faster cooking)
Pro Tip: Brine for Extra Juiciness
- Mix 1 tablespoon salt per 2 cups ice water
- Soak shrimp for 1 hour before cooking
- Optional: Add 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon baking soda
Steaming Times by Size
For perfectly cooked jumbo shrimp
- 8-12 count: 5-7 minutes
- 10-15 count: 4-6 minutes
- 16-20 count: 3-5 minutes
How to Know When They’re Done
Your shrimp are ready when:
- They’ve turned pink and opaque
- The tails have curled into a ‘C’ shape
- The flesh is firm but still gives slightly
- Internal temp reaches 140°F-145°F
My Favorite Flavor Boosters
Here’s how I love to jazz up my steaming liquid:
- Old Bay seasoning (a must-try!)
- Lemon slices
- Beer or wine
- Garlic and ginger
- Fresh herbs
- Black pepper and bay leaves
Simple Step-by-Step Steaming Process
- Add 1-2 inches of water to your pot
- Place steamer basket in pot (water shouldn’t touch basket)
- Bring water to boil over high heat
- Add seasoned shrimp in a single layer
- Cover and reduce heat to medium
- Steam for recommended time
- Remove immediately when done
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made these mistakes so you don’t have to
- Overcrowding the steamer basket
- Using too much water
- Overcooking (they get rubbery real quick!)
- Not checking early enough
- Forgetting to season
Serving Suggestions
Serve your perfectly steamed jumbo shrimp with:
- Cocktail sauce
- Melted butter
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh herbs
- Remoulade sauce
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftover shrimp within 2 hours
- Store in airtight container
- Eat within 3 days
- Don’t freeze cooked shrimp (gets mushy)
My Go-To Recipe: Old Bay Steamed Jumbo Shrimp
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs jumbo shrimp (10-15 count)
- 2½ tsp Old Bay seasoning
- Water for steaming
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
- Fill pot with 1-2 inches water
- Place shrimp in steamer basket
- Sprinkle with Old Bay
- Steam 4-6 minutes
- Serve with lemon wedges
Final Tips for Success
- Start checking at the lower end of time ranges
- Keep a close eye – shrimp cook fast!
- Have an ice bath ready if serving cold
- Don’t skip the seasoning
- Trust your instincts
Well, there ya have it! Everything you need to know about steaming jumbo shrimp. Remember, practice makes perfect, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings. Happy steaming!
Would you like me to break down any part of this guide in more detail? Drop a comment below and I’ll help ya out!
What You Need To Know When You Buy Shrimp
- Shrimp sizing: it’s helpful to know, first of all, that here in the U.S., shrimp is sold by weight. When shrimp size is referenced—”jumbo”, “medium” “small” and so on—that size correlates with the number of shrimp per pound. This recipe calls for 1 pound large tail-on raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 20-25).
- What to buy: wild shrimp is typically a better choice, environmentally-speaking, than farmed, and buying wild American shrimp is a good way to cut any worries about slavery or shady labor practices right out of the equation. Look for wild Gulf shrimp—fresh or frozen—and check labels for preservatives. Different packers use different preservatives in different amounts, and (of course) you want as little added to your shrimp as possible if you’re buying frozen shrimp.
How To Steam Shrimp Like A Restaurant Chef
- Place a steamer basket inside of a large pot.
- Fill the pot with about 1 inch of water, making sure there are at least two inches between the bottom of the basket and the waterline.
- Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and add the shrimp.
- Steam the shrimp, covered, for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
- Make an ice water bath in a large bowl.
- Transfer the shrimp to the ice bath using a slotted spoon.
- Stop the cooking. Let sit for 5 minutes, then drain.
How to Steam Shrimp – Basic Kitchen Skills
FAQ
How long does it take to cook jumbo shrimp?
Is it better to steam shrimp with or without the shell?
Leave the shells on when steaming them to give them a little insulation from the direct heat. This will let them cook a bit slower and result in more tender shrimp.
How do you know when steamed shrimp are done?
Steamed shrimp are done when they turn opaque (not translucent), with a pearly pink or white color, and curl into a “C” shape.
Can you steam frozen shrimp without thawing?
How do you steam 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.
How long do you cook steamed shrimp?
Refer to the chart below for perfectly steamed shrimp of any size. Medium shrimp need about 2 ½ minutes, and large shrimp should be steamed for 3 minutes. Jumbo shrimp takes about 4 ½ minutes while colossal shrimp take about 5 minutes. For shrimp in a shell, add an extra minute to the cooking time.
How long should you marinate Jumbo Shrimp before steaming?
Allow to marinate for 15-30 minutes before steaming if time permits. Once prepped, the jumbo shrimp are ready to hit the steamer. Steaming is a quick, healthy and easy way to cook shrimp that results in tender, juicy seafood every time.
How long does it take to steam a jumbo?
Reduce the steaming time by about 1-2 minutes compared to the times listed above. Small (41-50 count): 1-2 minutes. Medium (31-40 count): 2-3 minutes. Large (26-30 count): 3-4 minutes. Jumbo (21-25 count): 4-5 minutes. Colossal (under 15 count): 5-6 minutes. Relying solely on time isn’t always the best approach.
Should you boil or steam shrimp?
Moreover, the shrimp’s flavor can leach off into the boiling water. Steaming is much gentler on seafood and helps lock in the shrimp’s flavor. Additionally, steaming is more convenient than boiling because you need less water, which means you don’t have to wait as long for it to come to a boil.
What size shrimp to steam?
Technically you can use any size of shrimp to steam. But, I prefer a shrimp that isn’t too large or too small. If you have your pick of shrimp, try to get the large shrimp that come 16-20 shrimp per pound with the shell on. That will give you the best results for steamed shrimp! To Steam or to Boil shrimp?