To steam shrimp properly, the general recommended time is about 4 to 6 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp. You should steam the shrimp covered over medium heat until they turn pink and opaque, which indicates they are cooked through
. Here are key points for steaming shrimp:
- Place shrimp in a steamer basket over boiling water, ensuring the water does not touch the basket bottom
- Steam covered for 4 to 6 minutes, tossing or stirring once or twice halfway through to ensure even cooking
- Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque and curl into a "C" shape (overcooked shrimp curl tightly into an "O")
- Immediately transfer shrimp to an ice water bath after steaming to stop the cooking process and preserve texture
For frozen shrimp, it is best to thaw them before steaming to avoid uneven cooking and texture issues
. In summary, steaming shrimp typically takes 4 to 6 minutes, with adjustments based on shrimp size and whether they are fresh or thawed frozen shrimp
