Steaming shrimp is a simple cooking method that preserves the natural sweetness and freshness of the shrimp. To achieve a beautiful red hue and delicious taste, follow these tips below.
Ingredients
- 500g fresh shrimp (choose live shrimp with shiny shells and firm bodies, such as tiger shrimp or white shrimp)
- 1/2 can of beer (or white wine)
- 1 small knob of ginger (sliced thinly)
- 2 stalks of lemongrass (bruised and cut into sections)
- 5-6 kaffir lime leaves (optional, for extra fragrance)
- Salt, pepper, and chili (to taste)
Tips for Red, Sweet Shrimp
- Choose live, fresh shrimp: Shrimp that are still alive and swimming vigorously will give a naturally beautiful red color after steaming. Avoid using shrimp that have been dead for a long time, as the color will be dull and the meat may be mushy.
- Wash shrimp properly: Rinse the shrimp under running water, trim the whiskers and legs, but keep the shells on to retain moisture and color. You can soak the shrimp in a dilute salt water solution for 5 minutes to remove any fishy odor.
- Use beer or wine: Place the shrimp on a deep plate and drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of beer or white wine over them before steaming. This helps enhance the red color and mask any fishy smell.
- Line the steamer with ginger and lemongrass: Arrange a layer of ginger slices and bruised lemongrass at the bottom of the steamer or pot. The aromatic flavors from the ginger and lemongrass will infuse the shrimp, making them more delicious.
- Steaming time: For small shrimp, steam for about 5-7 minutes. For larger shrimp, steam for 8-10 minutes. Do not oversteam, as this will dry out the shrimp, making them less sweet and dull in color.
- Maintain a steady temperature: Bring the water in the steamer to a boil before placing the shrimp in the basket. Keep the heat at a medium level to ensure even steaming, resulting in evenly cooked and beautifully red shrimp.
- Garnish with kaffir lime leaves: After steaming, sprinkle some finely chopped kaffir lime leaves over the shrimp to enhance the fragrance and add a pop of color.
Detailed Instructions
- Rinse the shrimp and pat them dry.
- Arrange the ginger and lemongrass in the bottom of the steamer basket, then place the shrimp on top. Drizzle beer or wine evenly over the shrimp.
- Bring the water in the steamer pot to a boil, then place the basket of shrimp inside. Cover with a lid.
- Steam for the appropriate time (5-10 minutes depending on the size of the shrimp).
- Remove the shrimp from the steamer, allow them to cool slightly, then garnish with kaffir lime leaves. Serve with salt, pepper, chili, and lime or ginger dip.
Notes on Steaming Shrimp
- Do not re-steam shrimp multiple times, as this will affect their freshness and color.
- If you want the shrimp to curl up beautifully, skewer them lengthwise with a bamboo stick before steaming.
- Choose a steamer with good steam holes to prevent water condensation, which can affect the color of the shrimp.
With these simple tips, you’ll be able to create a stunning dish of red, sweet, and fragrant steamed shrimp to impress your family and guests. Good luck!
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