Hey there, fellow food lovers! Today I’m gonna share something that’s been a total game-changer in my kitchen – steaming shrimp without a fancy steamer basket. I know what you’re thinking – “Is that even possible?” Well, let me tell you, it absolutely is! I’ve been doing this for years in my home kitchen, and the results are amazing.
Why Steam Shrimp?
Before we dive into the how-to let’s talk about why steaming is such a fantastic way to cook shrimp
- Preserves the natural, delicate flavor
- Keeps shrimp tender and juicy
- Healthier than frying
- Super quick cooking method
- Perfect for both hot and cold serving
What You’ll Need
Here’s what to grab from your kitchen:
- A large pot with a lid
- A heat-safe colander or strainer
- Fresh or thawed shrimp
- Water or broth
- Optional seasonings
- Tongs or spoon for stirring
3 Foolproof Methods to Steam Shrimp Without a Steamer
1. The Colander Method (My Personal Favorite!)
This is my go-to method because it’s simple and works every time
- Pour about 1 inch of water into your pot
- Place your metal colander inside (make sure it doesn’t touch the water!)
- Add shrimp in a single layer
- Cover with a tight-fitting lid
- Bring water to boil, then reduce to medium
- Steam for 3-5 minutes
2. The MacGyver Foil Ball Method
This one’s pretty clever – I use it when I’m cooking at my friend’s place who doesn’t have proper kitchen tools
- Make 3-4 aluminum foil balls (about 2-3 inches wide)
- Place them in the bottom of your pot
- Add water just below the tops of the foil balls
- Put a heat-safe plate on top of the balls
- Arrange shrimp on the plate
- Cover and steam 3-5 minutes
3. The Skewer Method
Perfect for smaller batches:
- Add 1 inch of water to pot
- Lay 2-3 heat-safe skewers across the pot’s rim
- Place shrimp on skewers
- Cover tightly
- Steam 3-5 minutes
How to Know When Your Shrimp are Done
Look for these signs:
- Color changes from gray to pink
- Shape forms a loose “C” (if it’s a tight “O”, they’re overcooked!)
- Flesh becomes opaque
- Internal temp reaches 145°F
Pro Tips for Perfect Steamed Shrimp
-
Size Matters: Cooking times vary by shrimp size:
- Small: 3-4 minutes
- Medium: 4-5 minutes
- Large: 5-7 minutes
-
Adding Flavor: Try these in your steaming liquid:
- Lemon slices
- Fresh herbs
- Garlic cloves
- Old Bay seasoning
- White wine (use 50/50 with water)
-
Buying Tips:
- Go for wild-caught when possible
- Buy raw, not pre-cooked
- Large or extra-large shrimp are more forgiving
- Shell-on or off is your choice (I prefer peeled and deveined for convenience)
Common Questions I Get Asked
Q: Can I steam frozen shrimp?
A: Yep! But thaw them first for best results. Quick thaw under cold running water works great.
Q: What about vegetables?
A: You can totally steam veggies with your shrimp! Just remember they need different cooking times. Start with veggies that take longer, then add shrimp later.
My Favorite Quick Cocktail Sauce Recipe
Mix together:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon horseradish (or more if you like it spicy!)
- Juice of half a lemon
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate cooled shrimp in an airtight container
- Best eaten within 1-2 days
- Don’t freeze already cooked shrimp
Final Thoughts
Steaming shrimp without a steamer might seem tricky at first, but trust me, once you try these methods, you’ll never look back! I’ve been doing this for years and my family always raves about how tender and flavorful the shrimp turn out.
Remember, the key is not to overcook them – that’s what turns them rubbery. With a little practice, you’ll be steaming perfect shrimp like a pro!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article in more detail?
Tips for buying good shrimp
When you shop, look for the term “wild caught” on the front of the package. If you don’t see it, flip the package over and look down near the bottom in the smaller print where you should find the country of origin. If it says “farm raised” put it back.
Remember we are going to cook these so it won’t help the cause much if you buy pre cooked ones. Make sure the package says “raw”. Otherwise you might run the risk of trying to cook something that’s already cooked and end up with something that has the texture of a spare tire.
Do I need a steamer basket to steam shrimp?
No. You can use a large pot that holds a metal colander for the same purpose. Don’t use a plastic one or it might melt. I have also used a strainer to steam small batches.
You will need a lid that fits over the pot but if you don’t have a lid that works, cover the pot tightly with aluminum foil. I use a layer of parchment paper then aluminum foil. Keep in as much steam as you can.