Hey there! I’ve discovered something pretty awesome that I just gotta share with all my fellow foodies. Your trusty rice cooker isn’t just for making fluffy rice – it’s actually a secret weapon for steaming the most tender, juicy shrimp you’ve ever tasted! After trying this method multiple times in my kitchen, I’m super excited to show you exactly how to do it.
Why Your Rice Cooker is Perfect for Steaming Shrimp
Let me tell you why this works so amazingly well:
- The enclosed environment keeps moisture in, preventing dry, rubbery shrimp
- Consistent temperature control means no overcooked shrimp
- Hands-free cooking – no hovering over the stove!
- Super easy cleanup with just one pot
- Frees up your stovetop for other dishes
What You’ll Need
- Raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Rice cooker with steaming function
- 1-2 cups water
- Plate or steaming basket
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Optional seasonings (lemon, herbs, spices)
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Rice Cooker Shrimp
-
Prep Your Shrimp
- Clean and devein shrimp (leave tails on if you want)
- Pat dry with paper towels
- Season if desired
-
Set Up Your Rice Cooker
- Add 1-2 cups water to the pot
- Place shrimp in a single layer on plate/steamer basket
- Make sure shrimp isn’t touching the water
-
Cooking Time
- Close lid and turn on cooker
- Steam for 5-7 minutes for medium shrimp
- Larger shrimp need 7-8 minutes
- They’re done when pink and opaque!
Pro Tips from My Kitchen Tests
After messing up a few batches (so you don’t have to!), here’s what I learned:
- Don’t overcrowd the shrimp – single layer is key
- Add flavor boosters to the water like:
- Lemon slices
- Bay leaves
- Garlic cloves
- Fresh herbs
- Check doneness at 5 minutes by cutting one thick shrimp in half
- Immediately dunk in ice water if making cold shrimp dishes
Yummy Ways to Serve Your Steamed Shrimp
I’ve tried these shrimp in tons of dishes, and here are some winners:
- Classic shrimp cocktail with spicy sauce
- Tossed in pasta with garlic butter
- Cold shrimp salad
- Rice bowls with veggies
- Tacos or fajitas
- Added to stir-fries
Common Questions I Get Asked
Q: Can I cook frozen shrimp?
A: Yep! Just add 2-3 minutes to cooking time
Q: How do I know when they’re done?
A: Shrimp should be pink, opaque, and slightly firm
Q How long do cooked shrimp last?A Store in fridge up to 5 days in airtight container
Keep Your Rice Cooker Happy
Quick maintenance tips:
- Clean thoroughly after each use
- Run vinegar cycle occasionally to remove odors
- Dry completely before storing
- Check lid seal regularly
My Final Thoughts
Y’all, I gotta say – steaming shrimp in a rice cooker is a total game-changer! It’s basically foolproof, super quick, and gives you perfect results every time. Plus, it’s way healthier than frying and keeps your kitchen cooler than using the stove.
Happy cooking, friends!
Got questions about steaming shrimp in your rice cooker? Drop ’em in the comments below and I’ll help you out!
Can I Make This Teriyaki Shrimp and Rice in an Instant Pot?
Using the “rice” function on your Instant Pot will cook food in the same manner as a rice cooker, so this recipe should work just fine in an Instant Pot, providing you are using the rice function and not a pressure cooking function. That being said, I have not had a chance to actually test this recipe using an Instant Pot.
What Rice Cooker am I Using?
I chose to work with one of the most popular and most basic rice cookers on the market to make sure the recipes I develop have the broadest compatibility. That being said, every model rice cooker is slightly different, and may yield slightly different results. I’m using the Aroma Housewares 8 cup cooked/4 cup uncooked Digital Rice Cooker (affiliate link).