Steaming Shrimp 101
A simple skill that comes with so many questions! How long to steam shrimp? Can you steam frozen shrimp? Can you steam shrimp without a steamer basket? We wanted to answer all of these and more in this recipe for steamed shrimp so you get delicious shrimp every time. Once you’ve made a batch, you can throw these guys into Shrimp Ceviche, Fresh Spring Rolls, Cream Cheese Shrimp Dip, or just dip into some Cocktail Sauce!
What You Need To Know When You Buy Shrimp
Shrimp sizing: it’s helpful to know, first of all, that here in the U.S., shrimp is sold by weight. When shrimp size is referenced—”jumbo”, “medium” “small” and so on—that size correlates with the number of shrimp per pound. This recipe calls for 1 pound large tail-on raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 20-25).
What to buy: wild shrimp is typically a better choice, environmentally-speaking, than farmed, and buying wild American shrimp is a good way to cut any worries about slavery or shady labor practices right out of the equation. Look for wild Gulf shrimp—fresh or frozen—and check labels for preservatives. Different packers use different preservatives in different amounts, and (of course) you want as little added to your shrimp as possible if you’re buying frozen shrimp.
How To Steam Shrimp Like A Restaurant Chef
Place a steamer basket inside of a large pot.
Fill the pot with about 1 inch of water, making sure there are at least two inches between the bottom of the basket and the waterline.
Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and add the shrimp.
Steam the shrimp, covered, for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
Make an ice water bath in a large bowl.
Transfer the shrimp to the ice bath using a slotted spoon.
Stop the cooking. Let sit for 5 minutes, then drain.
How to Store Steamed Shrimp + Tips
Good news. You can cook shrimp from frozen! Following the above method, it will take just a little bit longer. Give them a stir as they cook if they are frozen together. Keep an eye on the color change of the shrimp while they’re cooking.
Steaming shrimp without a steamer basket is entirely possible, but requires some Macgyvering. If you don’t have a steamer basket, we think it might just be easier to poach the shrimp in water at a low simmer, letting them cook for about four minutes. Right at the four minute mark, check the shrimp for done-ness, and if they're bright pink and firm, immediately turn the heat off. Cover the pot again, and let it stand for about two minutes. Drain the shrimp. This is how we prepare shrimp for our Shrimp Cocktail.
You can freeze cooked shrimp, but it’s best to keep uncooked shrimp frozen until you need to cook it since it’s so quick cooking.
Steamed shrimp can be used for our Shrimp Cocktail recipe.
More Shrimp Lovers Recipes From The Modern Proper
Irresistible Shrimp-tastic Recipes + Beyond!
For more recipe inspiration, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest or order our cookbook. We love when you share your meals. Tag us on Instagram using #themodernproper. Happy cooking!
