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Shrimp Steaming Perfection: Unveil the Secrets to Perfectly Cooked Crustaceans

Shrimp can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, frying, steaming, and boiling. However, steaming shrimp is the method that best preserves its nutritional value. Additionally, it is important to know the optimal steaming time to ensure the shrimp is cooked to perfection.

Administrator

24 April, 2024

Steamed shrimp is a favorite dish of many people because it retains almost all of the nutrients in the shrimp. However, not everyone knows the time it takes to steam shrimp so that it is cooked through, delicious, and not dry.

Below, FPT shop will reveal to you how many minutes to steam shrimp to cook it through without drying it out, as well as some super attractive steamed lobster recipes.

1. How many minutes to steam shrimp?

The question of how many minutes to steam shrimp to cook it to perfection, making it sweet and delicious, is one that many people are interested in. FPT shop will help you answer this question!

In fact, steaming shrimp for longer does not make it more delicious; on the contrary, the shrimp will lose all its nutrients and become dry or mushy. At the same time, if you don’t steam the shrimp long enough, it will be very fishy and undercooked, and you may get a stomachache if you eat it. Therefore, you need to know how many minutes to steam the shrimp to cook it perfectly.

The steaming time depends on the size of the shrimp. Typically, for small and medium-sized shrimp, you only need to steam for 3-4 minutes, while for large shrimp, it takes about 5-8 minutes. For lobsters, due to their large size, the steaming time may be a bit longer, around 10 minutes.

In addition, the number of shrimp and the steaming temperature will also affect the steaming time. If you are steaming a lot of shrimp, make sure they are evenly spaced so that some don’t overcook while others remain undercooked. Or if you steam at a high temperature, the shrimp will cook faster than at a low or medium temperature.

However, in general, to answer the question of how many minutes to steam shrimp, you can tell by the beautiful red color of the shrimp as well as its fragrant aroma.

2. Some ways to steam delicious lobster

Here are some super delicious and attractive steamed lobster recipes that you can try right away. In just a few minutes, you will have a delicious steamed lobster to treat your family.

2.1. Steamed shrimp with beer and lemongrass

Clean the lobster, then marinate it with: 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of MSG, 2 teaspoons of ground pepper, and rub it evenly over the shrimp to let it soak in. Next, arrange the shrimp in the steamer, then add lemongrass and pour beer over the surface of the shrimp.

Steam for about 8-10 minutes and you will have a super delicious steamed shrimp with beer. You can enjoy the dish with salt and pepper or any dipping sauce you like.

2.2. Steamed shrimp with lemongrass, ginger, and lime leaves

Arrange the lime leaves, some lemongrass, and ginger on a large plate and place the shrimp on top. Then, drizzle a little white wine evenly over the shrimp and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper to make the shrimp more flavorful. Next, add some more lemongrass, ginger, and lime leaves on top of the shrimp.

To steam the shrimp, take a large pot that can fit the shrimp plate and arrange the lemongrass at the bottom of the pot. Steam at a high temperature for about 5-7 minutes and the shrimp will be cooked and you will have a super attractive steamed shrimp with lemongrass, ginger, and lime leaves.

2.3. Steamed shrimp with whole coconut water

First, boil the coconut water, add a little chopped onion, seasoning, and salt to taste. Once the coconut water boils, add the shrimp. Steaming shrimp with coconut water is very simple, but you need to pay attention to how many minutes to steam the shrimp to make it cooked and sweet.

The answer here is about 7-10 minutes or when you see the shrimp turning red and smelling fragrant, you can remove it from the steamer and place it on a plate or decorate it with the coconut and enjoy.

2.4. Steamed shrimp with garlic

Spread the onions and ginger evenly over the plate and arrange the shrimp on top. Then, drizzle a tablespoon of wine over the surface to help create the characteristic aroma of the dish. Next, prepare chopped garlic, white pepper (1/2 teaspoon), sesame oil (2 teaspoons), and wine (1 tablespoon). Mix these ingredients together and pour them over the shrimp plate you prepared earlier.

Steam for about 5-8 minutes (you can adjust the time depending on the quantity and size of the shrimp) and the shrimp will be cooked to perfection and sweet.

2.5. Steamed shrimp with zucchini

For this dish, you can use mantis shrimp and lobster, then clean and cut the shrimp into small pieces. After washing the zucchini, cut it into even pieces about 5cm high and use a knife to remove the core of the zucchini. Then, stuff the shrimp into the cut zucchini pieces.

Next, brush a thin layer of oil on a plate and arrange the shrimp-stuffed zucchini pieces on the plate. Next, all you have to do is turn on the stove and steam for about 15 minutes and the shrimp will be cooked. While waiting for the shrimp to cook, make a dipping sauce to your liking. Once the shrimp is cooked, drizzle with the fish sauce and you’re done.

Frequently asked questions

To steam shrimp to perfection, you’ll need a steamer basket, a pot with a tight-fitting lid, and some basic ingredients like shrimp, water, salt, and optional additives such as beer, lemon, or Old Bay seasoning. First, rinse and peel the shrimp, leaving the tails on. Then, fill the pot with water and add a generous amount of salt, bringing it to a boil. Place the shrimp in the steamer basket, and carefully lower it into the pot. Cover and steam for 5-6 minutes, until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. For extra flavor, you can add beer, lemon slices, or Old Bay seasoning to the steaming liquid.

Steaming shrimp is a gentle cooking method that preserves the shrimp’s delicate texture and flavor. It’s a quick and easy way to cook shrimp, ensuring they remain tender and juicy. Steaming also requires minimal added fat, making it a healthier alternative to frying. Additionally, the steaming liquid can be infused with various flavors, adding extra depth to the shrimp.

Shrimp are done steaming when they turn from grey to pink/red, and the flesh becomes opaque and slightly firm to the touch. It usually takes around 5-6 minutes for medium to large-sized shrimp. Overcooking can make the shrimp rubbery, so it’s important to keep an eye on them and remove them from the heat as soon as they’re cooked.

Absolutely! You can experiment with different ingredients to enhance the flavor of the shrimp. Try adding slices of lemon, lime, or orange to the steamer for a citrusy twist. Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil can also add a burst of flavor. For a spicier kick, include sliced jalapenos or other chili peppers. Just remember that the flavors of the added ingredients will infuse into the shrimp, so use them sparingly and adjust to your taste preference.

To ensure perfectly cooked shrimp, it’s important to use a timer and keep a close eye on them while steaming. Start with medium-sized or large shrimp, as they are easier to cook evenly. Smaller shrimp tend to overcook quickly. When steaming, maintain a gentle simmer and don’t let the water come to a rolling boil, as this can overcook the exterior while leaving the interior undercooked. Always taste a shrimp or two to check for doneness, and adjust cooking time accordingly.