This Steamed Shrimp recipe is a delightful and healthy dish that brings the taste of the ocean right to your dining table. The shrimp are succulent and tender, infused with a medley of flavors from aromatic herbs and spices. Steaming not only preserves the natural sweetness of the shrimp but also keeps them moist and juicy, making this dish both satisfying and guilt-free. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant gathering, this recipe highlights the beauty of seafood in its simplest form.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this steamed shrimp recipe for its unbeatable flavor and simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that bursts with freshness and zest. The ease of preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights, while the lightness of the dish fits beautifully into a health-conscious lifestyle. Whether you’re following a low-calorie diet or simply looking for a nutritious meal, steamed shrimp can be enjoyed without guilt. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your palate.
Tips and Tricks
- Choosing Shrimp: Opt for fresh or frozen shrimp that are peeled and deveined for convenience. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.
- Marination Magic: For added flavor, marinate the shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before steaming.
- Steaming Setup: Use a bamboo steamer for an authentic touch or a metal steaming rack placed in a pot with a lid. Make sure the water does not touch the shrimp.
- Flavor Boost: Add slices of lemon, garlic cloves, or herbs to the water for an aromatic steam that infuses flavor into the shrimp.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking: Steamed shrimp can go from perfect to rubbery in a matter of seconds. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink.
- Insufficient Water: Ensure there is enough water in the pot to create steam, but not so much that it touches the shrimp.
- Neglecting to Season: Don’t skip the seasoning! A pinch of salt and pepper, or a drizzle of lemon juice, can elevate the dish significantly.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prep shrimp up to 24 hours in advance. Simply marinate them and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. If you want to save some time on cooking day, you can also pre-chop any herbs, garlic, or aromatics. Just make sure to store them separately to keep them fresh.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Shrimp: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Citrus Twist: Experiment with different citrus juices like lime or orange for a unique flavor profile.
- Herb Infusion: Try using fresh basil, cilantro, or dill instead of the standard parsley for a twist on the classic recipe.
- Asian Flair: Incorporate soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired steamed shrimp dish.
How to Serve
Serve the steamed shrimp on a large platter, drizzled with a simple garlic butter sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs or lemon wedges for an elegant touch. Pair with a side of steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Pairing Suggestions
For drink pairings, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the shrimp beautifully. If you prefer cocktails, a classic mojito or a light gin and tonic would work wonderfully. For side dishes, consider serving garlic bread or a light cucumber salad to contrast the rich flavors of the shrimp.
How to Store
Leftover steamed shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, place the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag and remove as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Equipment Needed
- Bamboo steamer or metal steaming rack
- Large pot with a lid
- Mixing bowl for marinating
- Tongs or slotted spoon for handling shrimp
Dietary Adaptations
This recipe is naturally gluten-free and low-carb. To make it dairy-free, simply avoid any butter-based sauces. For vegan adaptations, consider swapping shrimp for plant-based shrimp alternatives available in stores, ensuring to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the summer, serve the steamed shrimp with fresh garden herbs and seasonal vegetables, while in the winter, consider adding warming spices like smoked paprika or a hint of cayenne for a cozy twist.
Cost Breakdown
This steamed shrimp recipe is budget-friendly, costing approximately $10-$15 for four servings, depending on the shrimp’s size and quality. For a more economical option, look for sales on frozen shrimp or consider smaller shrimp varieties.
Kitchen Hacks
- Peeling Shrimp: If using raw shrimp, place them in a bowl of ice water for a few minutes to make peeling easier.
- Zesting Citrus: Use a microplane for quick zesting of lemons or limes without the bitter pith.
- Cleaning Up: Line your steaming pot with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just be sure to thaw them completely before steaming for even cooking.
- How long should I steam shrimp? Generally, 4-6 minutes is enough for medium-sized shrimp, but keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
- What if I don’t have a steamer? You can set a heatproof plate or bowl on top of a pot with boiling water as a makeshift steamer.
Steamed Shrimp
This Steamed Shrimp recipe is a delightful and healthy dish that brings the taste of the ocean right to your dining table. The shrimp are succulent and tender, infused with a medley of flavors from aromatic herbs and spices.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro), for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. If using a bamboo steamer, place it on top of the pot.
- Arrange the marinated shrimp in a single layer in the steamer.
- Cover the pot with a lid and steam the shrimp for 4-6 minutes, until they are pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp from the steamer and transfer them to a serving platter.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and additional lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 204Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 239mgSodium 1604mgCarbohydrates 4gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 26g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This steamed shrimp recipe is not only simple and quick to prepare, but it also allows the natural flavors of the shrimp to shine through. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s a dish that is sure to impress. Enjoy the light, healthy taste of this recipe, and don’t hesitate to customize it to your liking! Happy cooking!
