Perfectly steamed shrimp only requires 4 ingredients and 10 minutes total to make. A fool-proof method for tender plump shrimp every single time!
Why this recipe works
Steamed shrimp is insanely easy to prepare. A little olive oil, Old Bay, and garlic salt add enough flavor to complement the shrimp without overpowering them. Place them in a steam basket with water, cook, and eat. That’s all there is to it. It’s exactly what I’m looking for when I don’t feel like being in the kitchen for a long time.
There are so many ways to prepare shrimp. From sauteed to baked and grilled, the best method for cooking them simply just comes down to personal preference.
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
SHRIMP – You will need one pound of large raw shrimp that has been peeled and deveined for this recipe. You can absolutely use frozen shrimp, just be sure to let it thaw before beginning so that your seasonings are able to stick.
SEASONING – Old bay seasoning and garlic salt contribute plenty of flavor here. Feel free to mix and match with your seasonings of choice or check out our classic shrimp seasoning recipe.
How to Make Steamed Shrimp
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Season shrimp with garlic salt and Old Bay.
- Drizzle with olive oil and toss with seasoned shrimp.
- Add enough water to the bottom of the steam pot to come an inch or so up the sides. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Place seasoned shrimp into the top basket of the steam pot.
- Put basket in place over the boiling water and cover with lid.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Frozen shrimp is perfectly okay to use, however, you do need to let the shrimp thaw before beginning. This will allow the seasonings and olive oil to adhere to the shrimp, otherwise, all the goodness will slip right off as it steams. To thaw frozen shrimp quickly, place it in a sealed ziptop bag and submerge it in a bowl of cool water. Your shrimp should be thawed in about 40 minutes or so. Change out the water as needed. Never thaw shrimp in warm or hot water.
You can easily makeshift a steamer if you don’t already have one. To do so, place a heat-safe colander (such as metal) inside a pot that’s large enough to fit with the lid on. You can also purchase individual steamer baskets to use with your existing pots.
Store leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat steamed shrimp in a skillet with a splash of water. Cover with a lid and cook for a few minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat it in an oven set to 275F for around 10 minutes or so. Reheating shrimp can be tricky, it’s best to do it low and slow instead of popping it into the microwave.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your steamed shrimp with cocktail sauce, garlic aioli, garlic butter, or Asian sweet chili sauce for dipping. This is also a great recipe for meals that call for already cooked shrimp to be added.
Steamed shrimp can be eaten both hot and cold. Pair with rice, buttered noodles, wrapped in burritos or tacos, or tossed into salads.
More Shrimp Recipes
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Steamed Shrimp
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
- 1 pound large raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
- You can easily makeshift a steamer if you don’t already have one. To do so, place a heat-safe colander (such as metal) inside a pot large enough to fit with the lid on. You can also purchase individual steamer baskets to use with your existing pots.
- To thaw frozen shrimp quickly, place it in a sealed ziptop bag and submerge it in a bowl of cool water. Your shrimp should be thawed in about 40 minutes or so. Change out the water as needed. Never thaw shrimp in warm or hot water.
Instructions
- Season shrimp with garlic salt and Old Bay.1 pound large raw shrimp, 2 teaspoons garlic salt, 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- Drizzle with olive oil and toss with seasoned shrimp.1 Tablespoon olive oil
- Add enough water to the bottom of the steam pot to come an inch or so up the sides. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Place seasoned shrimp into the top basket of the steam pot.
- Put basket in place over the boiling water and cover with lid.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Store leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat steamed shrimp in a skillet with a splash of water. Cover with a lid and cook for a few minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat it in an oven set to 275F for around 10 minutes or so. Reheating shrimp can be tricky, it’s best to do it low and slow instead of popping it into the microwave.
Nutrition
Chef Antoine Davis
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