Hey there seafood lovers! I’ve been cooking shrimp for years in my kitchen, and lemme tell you – steaming is hands-down one of the best ways to cook these little ocean treasures. But getting the timing right can be tricky! Nobody wants rubbery overcooked shrimp, right? So today, I’m gonna break down exactly how long to steam shrimp based on their size.
Quick Answer
The basic steaming time for shrimp ranges from 2-8 minutes, depending on size
- Jumbo shrimp (under 15 per pound): 6-8 minutes
- Extra large shrimp (16-20 per pound): 5-7 minutes
- Large shrimp (21-25 per pound): 4-6 minutes
- Medium shrimp (26-30 per pound): 3-5 minutes
- Small shrimp (over 30 per pound): 2-4 minutes
Why Steaming is Awesome for Shrimp
Ya know what makes steaming so great? It’s like giving your shrimp a spa treatment! Here’s why I love this method
- Even cooking throughout
- Keeps shrimp super juicy and tender
- Easy peasy seasoning
- Quick cooking time
- Hard to mess up (trust me, I’ve tried! )
The Perfect Steaming Method
Here’s my foolproof way to steam shrimp
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Prep Your Setup
- Get a pot with steamer basket
- Add water (don’t let it touch basket bottom!)
- Bring water to boil
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Season Those Babies
- Leave shells on for extra moisture
- Sprinkle with Old Bay or your fave seasoning
- Arrange in single layer (no crowding!)
-
Steam Time!
- Cover pot
- Set timer based on shrimp size
- Toss halfway through for even cooking
-
Check for Doneness
- Should be pink and opaque
- No gray spots
- Curl into loose “C” shape (if it’s a tight curl, oops – overcooked!)
Pro Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
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Temperature Check
- For jumbo shrimp, internal temp should hit 140°F
- Use instant-read thermometer if you’re unsure
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Shell Game
- Keep shells on while cooking
- They trap moisture and add flavor
- Peel after cooking (less mess!)
-
Seasoning Secrets
My Fave Seasoning Mix:- 2 tbsp Old Bay- 1/2 cup water- 1/2 cup white vinegar
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Listen, we’ve all been there! Here’s what NOT to do:
- ❌ Overcrowding the steamer basket
- ❌ Forgetting to toss halfway through
- ❌ Steaming for too long (bye-bye tender shrimp!)
- ❌ Using too much water (you want steam, not soup!)
Storage Tips
Made too many? No worries! Here’s what to do:
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Immediate Cooling
- Plunge in ice water right after cooking
- Stops the cooking process
- Keeps texture perfect
-
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Store in airtight container
- Best eaten within 24 hours
Serving Suggestions
Want to make your steamed shrimp extra special? Try these:
- Fresh lemon wedges
- Cocktail sauce
- Melted butter
- Over a crisp salad
- Tossed with pasta
Final Thoughts
Steaming shrimp isn’t rocket science, but getting it just right can make the difference between “meh” and “amazing!” Remember to keep an eye on those cooking times, and don’t be afraid to check early – you can always steam longer, but you can’t un-cook overcooked shrimp!
Got questions about steaming shrimp? Drop ’em in the comments! I’d love to hear your experiences and share more tips. Happy steaming, friends!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article further?
Old Bay Shrimp Recipe
This easy recipe comes together in less than 20 minutes – even in less time if you prefer not to devein your shrimp! Serve with melted butter, cocktail sauce, or tartar sauce for one of the easiest appetizers or quick meals you’ll ever make.
- Shrimp – You’ll need one pound of large shrimp (shells on).
- Old Bay Seasoning – Increase or decrease the amount depending upon your personal preference. You can substitute with cajun seasoning, but there’s just something about the flavor of Old Bay that I love!
- Water – Make sure the water in the pot is not touching the bottom of your steamer basket before boiling.
- Lemon wedges are totally optional, but I love fresh squeezed lemon over steamed shrimp!
How to Steam Shrimp
- Bring water to a boil. Pour water in a large pot, being careful not to pour too much – you don’t want the bottom of the steamer basket touching the water.
- Place the shrimp in your steamer basket and sprinkle with Old Bay Seasoning.
- Carefully place the basket in the pot and cover. Reduce heat as necessary to maintain a gentle boil.
- Steam shrimp for 4 to 6 minutes (this will depend upon the size of your shrimp. I toss the shrimp around (using tongs) so that they’ll evenly steam after about 2 minutes. Shrimp are done when they have just turned pink and are opaque.
You can make a makeshift steamer basket with a stainless mesh strainer (or colander) placed into a pot.
It should take four to six minutes – toss the shrimp after a couple of minutes to ensure that every shrimp cooks evenly (the ones on the bottom will cook first). Steam until shrimp have just turned pink and are opaque.
This is totally your personal preference, but deveining isn’t a requirement. If you prefer yours deveined, it’s very simple to do. Cut the shell along the back of the shrimp using a pair of kitchen scissors. Remove the vein and rinse under cold water.
How to Steam Shrimp – Basic Kitchen Skills
FAQ
How long does it take to steam shrimp?
How to tell when steamed shrimp are done?
How do you know when steamed shrimp are done? When the shrimp turn from pink to opaque white and firm, they’re done. It’s best to stir the shrimp well once during cooking to make sure they cook evenly.
Is it better to steam or boil shrimp?
Both steaming and boiling are effective methods for cooking shrimp, but steaming is generally preferred for its ability to retain moisture and flavor, while boiling can sometimes lead to tougher shrimp.
What happens if you steam shrimp too long?
Overcooking Shrimp
Shrimp cook very quickly, so leaving them on the heat even 30 seconds too long can make them tough and chewy. This happens because shrimp’s proteins tighten up as they cook, and overexposure to heat causes them to contract too much. To avoid this, pay close attention while cooking.
How do you cook shrimp in a steamer?
Place the shrimp on the steamer rack. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on the steamer rack and sprinkle with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or any other seasonings you choose. It is best to keep the shrimp in a single layer, but if you end up having multiple layers, the shrimp should still cook through.
How long does shrimp take to cook?
Shrimps can be steamed, boiled, stir fried, grilled, and even deep fried. Shrimp, or hipon, are one of the easiest meats to cook. It cooks in a minute if your heat is hot enough. It can cook even faster if it’s been peeled, deveined, and butterflied or if you use the small sized ones that you commonly find in Yang Chow fried rice.