Hey there, seafood lovers! Today I’m gonna share everything you need to know about steaming shrimp – one of the healthiest and tastiest ways to cook these little ocean delights. As someone who’s cooked thousands of shrimp (and messed up quite a few batches along the way ), I’ve learned exactly how long to steam them for that perfect texture.
Quick Answer
For perfectly steamed shrimp, cook them for:
- Small/Medium shrimp: 3-4 minutes
- Large/Jumbo shrimp: 5-6 minutes
- The shrimp are done when they turn pink-orange and curl into a loose “C” shape
Why Steam Your Shrimp?
Before we dive into the details, lemme tell you why steaming is awesome
- Super healthy – no added oils or fats needed
- Preserves the natural flavors
- Quick and easy cleanup
- Hard to mess up (unlike frying!)
- Keeps more nutrients compared to boiling
What You’ll Need
- A large pot with lid
- Steamer basket or insert
- Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp
- Seasonings of your choice
- Water
- Timer (your phone works great!)
Step-by-Step Guide to Steaming Perfect Shrimp
1. Prep Your Shrimp
- Rinse shrimp under cold water
- Pat dry with paper towels
- Remove shells if desired (I prefer leaving them on for more flavor)
- Devein if needed
2. Season Your Shrimp
Try these popular combos:
- Classic: Old Bay seasoning + garlic powder
- Asian-style: Ginger + garlic + sesame oil
- Cajun: Paprika + cayenne + oregano
- Simple: Just salt and pepper works too!
3. Set Up Your Steamer
- Fill pot with about 2 inches of water
- Place steamer basket inside
- Make sure water doesn’t touch basket bottom
- Bring water to a boil
4. Cook Those Shrimp!
Here’s the crucial timing guide based on size
| Shrimp Size | Steaming Time |
|---|---|
| Small | 3 minutes |
| Medium | 4 minutes |
| Large | 5 minutes |
| Jumbo | 5-6 minutes |
Pro Tips for Perfect Steamed Shrimp
- Don’t overcrowd! Arrange shrimp in a single layer when possible
- Keep the lid on! Every time you peek, you lose steam
- Set a timer – seriously, don’t wing it!
- Remove immediately when done to prevent overcooking
- They should be pink-orange, not gray or translucent
How to Tell When They’re Done
Your shrimp are perfectly cooked when:
- Color changes from gray to pink-orange
- Meat becomes opaque (not see-through)
- They curl into a loose “C” shape
- If they’re in a tight “O” shape, they’re overcooked
Serving Suggestions
Here’s what I love serving with steamed shrimp:
- Cocktail sauce
- Melted butter with garlic
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh herbs
- Over rice or pasta
- In salads
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Listen, we’ve all been there. Here’s what NOT to do
- Overcooking (tough, rubbery shrimp – yuck!)
- Using too much water (you just need enough to create steam)
- Forgetting to season before cooking
- Steaming frozen shrimp (thaw them first!)
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store ’em:
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
- Store in airtight container
- Will last 3-4 days in fridge
- Can freeze for up to 3 months
FAQs
Q: Can I steam frozen shrimp?
A: Better to thaw them first for even cooking.
Q: Should I leave the shells on?
A: Your choice! Shells add flavor but make eating messier.
Q: What if I don’t have a steamer basket?
A: You can make one with aluminum foil – just create holes for steam!
Wrapping It Up
Steaming shrimp is super easy once you get the timing right. Just remember – 3-6 minutes depending on size, and watch for that pretty pink color. Don’t overthink it! Even if you mess up the first time, shrimp are pretty forgiving.
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article in more detail?
How To Steam Shrimp
- Place a steamer basket in a large pot. Add enough cold water to pot so the water barely touches the bottom of the steamer basket. Add a big pinch of salt.
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Place the shrimp in the steamer basket without overcrowding. Season with a little salt. Cover the pot with a lid, lower the heat a little, and steam for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on their size. Cook until the shrimp are bright pink and their flesh is opaque and white.
- Remove the shrimp with a spoon and place them in ice water for 5 minutes to cool. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel before transferring them to a serving dish.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
No steamer basket? Boil the shrimp in a big pot!
- Top the raw shrimp with a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning.
- Add a tablespoon or two of lemon or lime juice to the steaming water.
- Drop a few smashed garlic cloves into the water.
- Top the raw shrimp with fresh herbs like dill or parsley for more flavor.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer for even cooking.
- Keep a close eye on the pot to avoid overcooking. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
- Shrimp should be pink with an opaque (white) center and curl into a loose “C” shape when fully cooked.
- Season the water with a bouquet garni or your favorite seasonings.
- Buy shrimp from the Gulf of America, formerly called the Gulf of Mexico for the best flavor.
Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, microwave on low power for about 1 minute to avoid overcooking or toss them into a hot non-stick for about a minute.
You can add steamed shrimp to soups, pastas, wraps, or even on their own with a squeeze of lemon.
How Long Should You Steam Shrimp?
The cooking time depends on the type of shrimp youre cooking. 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.
One great thing about steaming shrimp is you can cook as much or as little as you want.
A collapsible steamer basket is a handy tool made of metal or silicone, designed for steaming foods like vegetables, shrimp, or mussels. The “basket” expands to fit the width of your pot, making it adaptable to various sizes.
For non-stick pots, I like this steamer basket with silicon feet. The silicone prevents scratches on the pot’s surface.
To use, place the basket inside a pot and fill the pot with a few inches of water so the water is coming through the bottom of the basket. Bring the water to a boil over high heat and add your food. Cover the pot with a lid, and steam until fully cooked.
Thaw the shrimp by running cold water over them in a colander or letting them defrost in the fridge overnight.
- 1 pound defrosted raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Cold water
- Salt
- 1 lemon, sliced into wedges
- Melted butter, chopped parsley, sea salt, and/or cocktail sauce for serving
