Ingredients:
-1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
-1 garlic clove, minced
-1 tablespoon of olive oil
-1 tablespoon of lemon juice
-Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment:
-Steamer basket
-Large pot with a lid
Step 1: Prepare the shrimp
Start by rinsing the shrimp under running water and patting them dry with paper towels. Once the shrimp are dry, season them with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add any other spices or herbs that you like at this stage, such as garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Step 2: Prepare the steamer basket
To steam the shrimp, you’ll need a steamer basket. If you don’t have a steamer basket, you can use a colander or a metal strainer that fits inside your pot. Place the steamer basket in the pot and add enough water to reach the bottom of the basket. You don’t want the water to touch the shrimp, as this will boil them instead of steaming them.
Step 3: Steam the shrimp
Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, place the seasoned shrimp in the steamer basket and cover the pot with a lid. Steam the shrimp for 3-5 minutes, or until they’re pink and opaque.
Step 4: Flavor the shrimp
Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the steamer basket and place them in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Drizzle this mixture over the cooked shrimp and toss them gently to coat them evenly.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy!
Your steamed shrimp are now ready to be enjoyed! You can serve them as an appetizer with cocktail sauce or with your favorite dipping sauce. Steamed shrimp also make a great addition to salads, stir-fries, pasta dishes, and more. Be sure to store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
In conclusion, cooking shrimp with steam is a simple and healthy way to enjoy this popular seafood. By following the steps above, you can have perfectly cooked shrimp ready in just a few minutes. Experiment with different seasonings and sauces to make this dish your own, and enjoy the fresh and flavorful taste of steamed shrimp.