Steamed shrimp are used in recipes including shrimp cocktail, fresh spring rolls or shrimp salads. Shrimp's mild flavor pairs well with most other ingredients, and because they cook so quickly, you can keep frozen shrimp on hand for a speedy protein addition to a meal. Four large shrimp contain 26 calories, 5 g of protein and less than ½ g of fat. Shrimp is also a good source of selenium, vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids. While higher in cholesterol than other seafood, the type of cholesterol found in shrimp does not pose as great a risk as cholesterol found in other foods.
Step 1
Place frozen shrimp in a colander over a drip pan in your refrigerator overnight to thaw. Almost all shrimp sold in grocery stores was frozen at some point, so buying it frozen ensures it will have the best flavor.
Step 2
Thaw shrimp in a hurry by placing them in a bowl full on cold water in your sink. Allow the faucet to gently run into the bowl for 15 minutes.
Step 3
Place 1 to 2 inches of water in the bottom of your electric steamer. Cover and turn on the steamer until the water begins to boil.
Step 4
Transfer the thawed shrimp to the steamer basket and cover. Allow the shrimp to steam for five to seven minutes. Check for doneness by gently squeezing the thickest part. The flesh should only give slightly and the coloring should have turned from translucent to opaque.
Step 5
Steam precooked shrimp for one to two minutes, or until heated through. While precooked shrimp may seem more convenient, the raw cooking time is only a few minutes more, and you'll be in control of the entire cooking process to ensure your shrimp isn't overcooked.
Tips and Warnings
- Shrimp is low in mercury and should be safe for pregnant women, but limit consumption to 12 oz. per week.
- When purchasing shrimp, check for small ice crystals in the bag. The crystals indicate that the shrimp was previously thawed and refrozen, and you should not purchase it.
Things You'll Need
- Colander
References
- USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Pink Shrimp
- "Fine Cooking" Magazine; A Quick Way to Thaw Shrimp; Jennifer Armentrout
- How to Cook Meat: How to Steam Shrimp
- MayoClinic.com: Pregnancy and Fish -- What's Safe to Eat?
- Biola University Health Center: Healthy Tips
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