Hey there, shrimp lovers! As a seafood enthusiast and home cook, I’ve steamed countless batches of frozen shrimp over the years Today, I’m gonna share everything I know about getting perfectly steamed shrimp straight from your freezer – no thawing needed!
Why Steam Frozen Shrimp?
Steaming is hands-down the best way to cook frozen shrimp because:
- No need to defrost first – saves tons of time
- Quick cooking (usually under 10 minutes)
- Even, gentle heat prevents overcooking
- Clean and healthy cooking method
- Super easy cleanup
Steaming Times Based on Shrimp Size
Here’s a handy chart showing how long to steam different sizes of frozen shrimp:
| Shrimp Size | Count per Pound | Steam Time |
|---|---|---|
| Colossal | Under 10 | 8-10 mins |
| Extra Jumbo | 11-15 | 6-8 mins |
| Jumbo | 16-20 | 5-6 mins |
| Extra Large | 21-25 | 4-5 mins |
| Large | 26-30 | 3-4 mins |
| Medium | 36-40 | 2-3 mins |
| Small | 51-60 | 1-2 mins |
Step-by-Step Guide to Steam Frozen Shrimp
What You’ll Need:
- Frozen raw shrimp
- Steamer basket or makeshift steamer
- Large pot with lid
- Water (and optionally beer for extra flavor)
- Seasonings (Old Bay is amazing!)
Basic Steps:
-
Prep Your Steamer
- Fill pot with 1-1.5 cups water per 2 cups shrimp
- Place steamer basket in pot (water shouldn’t touch basket)
- Bring water to boil
-
Season the Shrimp
- While water heats, toss frozen shrimp with:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- While water heats, toss frozen shrimp with:
-
Steam Those Bad Boys
- Put shrimp in steamer basket in single layer
- Cover pot with tight-fitting lid
- Steam according to size chart above
- Flip/stir halfway through cooking
-
Check for Doneness
- Shrimp should be pink and opaque
- The flesh should be firm but still tender
- That little crevice where the vein was should be opaque
Pro Tips for Perfect Steamed Shrimp
-
Don’t Overcrowd
- Steam in batches if cooking more than 1 pound
- Shrimp need space for even cooking
-
No Steamer? No Problem!
- Use a metal strainer over your pot
- Just make sure it fits securely without falling in
-
Add Extra Flavor
- Replace some water with beer
- Add lemon slices or vinegar to steaming liquid
- Season shrimp after cooking while still warm
-
Shell On or Off?
- Shell-on = more flavor but messier eating
- Shell-off = easier eating, better seasoning absorption
- Your choice, both work great!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t let shrimp touch steaming liquid
- Don’t walk away – they cook fast!
- Don’t overcook or they’ll get rubbery
- Don’t skip seasoning – plain shrimp = boring shrimp
Serving Ideas
Your perfectly steamed shrimp can be served:
- Hot with melted butter
- Room temp with cocktail sauce
- Cold in shrimp salad
- Added to pasta or rice dishes
- On top of fresh greens
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s whatcha do:
- Refrigerate up to 3 days in airtight container
- Freeze for up to 4 months (but texture might change)
- Use in cold dishes like shrimp salad
- Reheat gently to avoid rubber-band texture
Final Thoughts
Steaming frozen shrimp is seriously one of the easiest cooking methods ever. Just remember to watch your timing based on shrimp size, don’t overcrowd your steamer, and season well. Once you’ve got the basics down, you can experiment with different seasonings and serving styles.
Now get out there and start steaming! Trust me, once you see how quick and easy this is, you’ll always keep a bag of frozen shrimp on hand for last-minute meals.
Would love to hear how your steamed shrimp turns out – drop me a comment below with your experience or questions!
Happy steaming, seafood lovers!
Quick Tips For Foolproof Results
- The shrimp should not touch the steaming liquid (whether you’re using beer, water, or a combination of the two). Keeping them elevated will help them stay tender and flavorful instead of boiling where they may end up rubbery.
- Cook time will vary based on the size of the shrimp. The recipe is written with large shrimp, so adjust accordingly if you’re using larger or smaller shrimp.
- Don’t have a steamer? I’ve got you! Place a fine mesh strainer on top of a pot (just make sure it rests nicely without falling in) and voila! You’ve got a makeshift steamer basket!
- If working with more than 1 lb of shrimp at a time, we recommend cooking the shrimp in batches. Don’t overcrowd the basket when steaming!
If you love southern shrimp recipes, you’d like enjoy Cajun shrimp and grits as well — a delicious way to enjoy shellfish at brunch!
Old Bay Seasoning (For Beginners )
Old Bay is one of those well known spices, around for generations, that is ubiquitous with seafood, particularly crab and shrimp recipes. It’s a savory, slightly spicy blend of celery salt, paprika, black pepper, crushed red pepper, and other herbs and spices.
Ever go to a crab or shrimp boil? The seafood was likely seasoned generously with Old Bay. Same with luscious jumbo lump crab cakes — there’s always Old Bay included.
Here’s the thing: it’s salty — just enough to make you crave something cold and refreshing, like a beer, a glass of Riesling, or crisp Prosecco.
We love serving these with homemade cocktail sauce (ketchup, horseradish, lemon, Worcestershire) and fresh lemon, or try my twist on cocktail sauce with gin for a fun variation.
How to Cook With Frozen Shrimp | You Can Cook That | Allrecipes.com
FAQ
Can you steam shrimp from frozen?
How long does it take to steam shrimp?
How long should I cook frozen shrimp?
How long to steam frozen seafood?
Frozen seafood generally requires 5-15 minutes of steaming, depending on the type and thickness of the seafood. For example, frozen shrimp may take 5-8 minutes, while thicker fish fillets could need 10-15 minutes.