An easy method of cooking flavorful shrimp in just a few minutes!
In my humble opinion, there is no wrong way to eat or prepare shrimp. No matter what you do, they are going to taste great as either a main course or an appetizer. However, I have found over the years that steaming shrimp is one of the best methods. It’s a simple and quick way to cook shrimp when time is a factor.
Of course, the taste of steamed shrimp is the other big reason. Steaming shrimp allows them to come out pink and tender. Cooking in a steamer basket also allows the shrimp to be infused with the other seasonings and flavors being used in the steaming process, which helps to make steamed shrimp as flavorful as any other cooking method.
If you’re looking for something to do with your shrimp aside from just an appetizer, I would suggest putting steamed shrimp into Shrimp Tacos. I would also consider using the shrimp in either Shrimp Lettuce Wraps or Shrimp Stir-Fry. Also, if you’re a fan of salad, you can utilize these shrimp in either Shrimp Avocado Salad or Shrimp Orzo Salad.
Is Steamed Shrimp Healthy?
Steaming shrimp is considered one of the healthiest ways of preparing it. In terms of nutritional value, shrimp comes with a dose of protein, vitamin B12, zinc, magnesium, and other vitamins and minerals, too. This is also a low-fat recipe, helping to keep this steamed shrimp a healthy and nutritious meal.
Fresh and Flavorful
One of the most important aspects of making good steamed shrimp is ensuring the shrimp being used are as fresh as possible. Even frozen shrimp that have been thawed properly may not have the same texture as fresh shrimp. So, if you’re going to steam shrimp and want the best quality possible, make sure they are fresh and never frozen.
INGREDIENTS
- 6 cups water
- 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 pound large shrimp, deveined with shells on
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
- Cocktail sauce, for serving
- Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
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INSTRUCTIONS
Prep
Prepare ingredients and steaming pot.
Steam
Steam shrimp until pink and opaque.
Serve
Serve with fresh parsley on top and cocktail sauce on the side.
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FAQs & Tips
Store any leftover steamed shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring they are tightly sealed, and freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen shrimp in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Yes, you can use peeled shrimp, but the shells help retain moisture and add flavor during steaming. If you opt for peeled shrimp, keep a close eye on the cooking time, as they may cook faster.
No steamer basket? No problem! You can create a makeshift steamer by placing a heat-safe colander or small metal rack inside the pot, making sure it sits above the water.
Absolutely! While Old Bay is a classic for steamed shrimp, you can experiment with other seasonings like Cajun spice, garlic powder, or even a blend of smoked paprika and chili powder for a different flavor profile.
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Serving Suggestions
If you plan on serving steamed shrimp as an appetizer, I would recommend having either a delicious Shrimp Sauce or homemade Cocktail Sauce for dipping. Of course, with one or two good side dishes, steamed shrimp can easily be considered the main course.
For veggie lovers, I usually recommend Crispy Asparagus or Healthy Broccoli Salad as a side dish with shrimp. If you prefer to go in a different direction, I suggest either Au Gratin Potatoes or Gluten-Free Scalloped Potatoes to complement the shrimp.
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Recipe
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Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 lemon sliced
- 1 pound large shrimp deveined with shells on
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
- Cocktail sauce for serving
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
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In a large pot, add water, salt, vinegar, and lemon slices. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
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Place a steamer basket over the simmering pot, ensuring it does not touch the water.
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Add the shrimp to the basket and toss shrimp with Old Bay seasoning.
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Cover and steam shrimp for about 5 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
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Serve hot with fresh parsley as a garnish and cocktail sauce on the side.
Nutrition Info:
Calories: 100kcal (5%) Carbohydrates: 5g (2%) Protein: 16g (32%) Fat: 1g (2%) Saturated Fat: 0.2g (1%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g Trans Fat: 0.01g Cholesterol: 143mg (48%) Sodium: 1534mg (67%) Potassium: 197mg (6%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 1g (1%) Vitamin A: 276IU (6%) Vitamin C: 15mg (18%) Calcium: 106mg (11%) Iron: 1mg (6%)
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational
purposes only.