Steamed Shrimp Recipe

December 24, 2025

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This simple steamed shrimp recipe makes completely juicy, tender shrimp in minutes. It’s a easy, foolproof methodology that works with or and not using a steamer basket.

Right here’s a enjoyable method to prepare dinner shrimp with out all the effort of a shrimp boil: strive my favourite steamed shrimp recipe! I’ve discovered that this methodology, a mix of boiling and steaming, leads to succulent, Outdated Bay seasoned shrimp.

It takes solely quarter-hour from begin to end, with none particular gear — no steamer basket, no huge stockpot: only a pot and a few fundamental seasonings. Add a easy salad or rice for the proper simple dinner recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s quick: The overall time is simply quarter-hour, with solely 3 minutes of precise prepare dinner time
It comes out scrumptious: The shrimp are completely juicy and tender, with scrumptious Outdated Bay seasoning
No particular gear wanted: There’s not want for a steamer basket
Simple to scale: You’ll be able to simply double or triple the recipe for events

5-Star Reader Evaluation

“These have been scrumptious!!! Will solely be making my shrimp like this any longer!!!” -Amanda

What Type of Shrimp to Use

There a couple of issues to search for when when shopping for shrimp for this recipe. There are a great deal of choices while you go to the shop, so right here’s what I search for:

Shell-on is greatest for steaming. The shell locks in moisture and taste for steamed shrimp. The con? It’s important to take away it while you’re consuming, which might be tough and messy. But it surely’s completely value it for the flavour!
Search for deveined shrimp. Attempt to discover shrimp that’s already been deveined however nonetheless has the shell on. (In case your shrimp should not deveined, right here’s tips on how to devein shrimp.)
Tail on additionally works. See the notes beneath on tips on how to steam shrimp with the shell off.
Wild caught is a sustainable alternative. Fish that’s wild caught in your nation is often a sustainable alternative. There are additionally high quality choices in well-regulated farms. Go to this Seafood Watch Client Information.

Easy methods to Make This Steamed Shrimp Recipe

This methodology for Outdated Bay steamed shrimp is a mix between boiling and steaming. You don’t even want a steamer basket! It makes use of much less liquid than a standard shrimp boil, however the flavored water imparts zesty, savory taste into the shrimp. Listed here are the essential steps (or bounce to the recipe beneath):

Boil 2 cups water with seasonings: In a big pot, add water, butter, apple cider vinegar, Outdated Bay and lemon wedges. Carry to a boil over medium excessive warmth.
Add shrimp: Add the shell-on shrimp, cut back the warmth to a simmer and canopy the pot.
Steam briefly: Cook dinner 2 to three minutes till shrimp is cooked and opaque, stirring often. Take away the shrimp with a slotted spoon. (Notice: For shell off shrimp, you may prepare dinner 1 to three minutes, relying on the scale.)

Doneness cues: Correctly cooked shrimp curl right into a free C-shape and are opaque. In the event that they curl into a decent O-shape, you’ve overcooked them barely.

Professional tip: Set out a big bowl for the shells earlier than you begin consuming. It makes the entire expertise extra pleasing!

Serving Concepts

What to serve with Outdated Bay steamed shrimp to make it right into a meal? There are many decisions that full this meal. Listed here are a couple of sides to go along with shrimp:

As an appetizer with cocktail sauce or lemon garlic butter sauce
With sides like skillet cornbread and sauteed peppers and onions
Served with corn on the cob and simple coleslaw
Alongside simple succotash and sauteed cabbage
You too can flip leftovers into new meals, like shrimp salad with celery and mayo or shrimp rolls on toasted buns

Storage & Make-Forward Suggestions

Leftover steamed shrimp shops within the fridge for as much as 2 days. Steamed shrimp really work properly chilly the following day (versus sauteed shrimp). They’re nice for shrimp salad or simply consuming straight. For those who do need to reheat them, add them to a pan and warmth over low warmth for 1 to 2 minutes.

I don’t suggest cooking the shrimp forward of time: they’re greatest served instantly after cooking. Since they prepare dinner in 3 minutes, it’s a fast recipe to place collectively.

Meals security tip: Cooked shrimp can sit at room temperature for as much as 2 hours. For those who’re at a celebration, hold them on ice or refrigerated till you propose to serve them.

Dietary Notes

This steamed shrimp recipe is pescatarian, gluten-free and dairy-free.

Incessantly Requested Questions

Do you want a steamer basket to steam shrimp?

No, you don’t want a steamer basket for this recipe. This methodology within the recipe beneath creates steam by bringing a small quantity of liquid to a boil in a coated pot. The shrimp prepare dinner within the steam and flavored liquid, so there’s no particular gear required.

What sort of vinegar is often used when steaming shrimp?

Apple cider vinegar is the normal alternative for Outdated Bay steamed shrimp, particularly in Maryland-style recipes. The vinegar provides a delicate tang that enhances the Outdated Bay. You’ll be able to substitute with white vinegar if you happen to don’t have it, although the flavour will probably be barely sharper.

Do it’s good to devein shrimp earlier than steaming?

Sure, it’s best to devein shrimp earlier than steaming. The vein is definitely the shrimp’s digestive tract and might include grit. You should purchase shrimp that’s already deveined at most grocery shops, even with the shells nonetheless on. In case your shrimp aren’t deveined, use a small knife to chop alongside the again and take away the darkish vein earlier than cooking.

How lengthy can cooked shrimp sit out earlier than they’re now not fit for human consumption?

Cooked shrimp shouldn’t sit out at room temperature for greater than 2 hours. After that, micro organism can multiply quickly, making the shrimp unsafe to eat. For those who’re serving steamed shrimp as an appetizer at a celebration, hold them chilled on ice or refrigerate them earlier than serving, or put out small quantities at a time.

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