Old Bay Seasoned Steamed Shrimp Recipe

When steaming shrimp, make sure to arrange them in a single layer in the steamer basket to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding can lead to unevenly cooked shrimp. Additionally, for an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a few lemon wedges to the water before steaming. This will infuse the shrimp with a subtle citrus aroma that complements the Old Bay seasoning perfectly.

• old bay seasoning - Substitute with homemade spice blend: Combine paprika, celery salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dry mustard, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and allspice. This blend mimics the complex flavors of Old Bay.

• old bay seasoning - Substitute with cajun seasoning: Offers a similar spicy and savory profile, though it may be slightly hotter.

• old bay seasoning - Substitute with lemon pepper seasoning: Provides a citrusy and peppery flavor that complements shrimp well.

• water - Substitute with beer: Adds a richer, more complex flavor to the steamed shrimp.

• water - Substitute with chicken broth: Enhances the savory taste of the shrimp.

• water - Substitute with white wine: Adds a subtle acidity and depth of flavor to the shrimp.

• Allow the shrimp to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can lead to sogginess and spoilage.
• Place the cooled shrimp in an airtight container. If you have a vacuum sealer, even better! This will keep them fresher for longer.
• If you plan to consume the shrimp within 2-3 days, store them in the refrigerator. Make sure the temperature is set to 40°F (4°C) or lower.
• For longer storage, freeze the shrimp. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the shrimp to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to use, thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat gently by steaming or sautéing for a few minutes until warmed through. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the shrimp tough and rubbery.
• If you have leftover shrimp from a meal, consider incorporating them into other dishes like salads, pasta, or soups for a quick and delicious meal.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Once the oil or butter is hot, add the leftover shrimp.
  4. Stir occasionally, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are heated through.
  5. Serve immediately to enjoy the full flavor.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the shrimp in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  4. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to avoid overcooking.
  5. Stir and heat for an additional 30 seconds if needed.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the shrimp in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to keep them from drying out.
  4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
  5. Heat in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until the shrimp are warmed through.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a boil.
  2. Place a steamer basket in the pot.
  3. Add the leftover shrimp to the steamer basket.
  4. Cover and steam for 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are heated through.
  5. Serve immediately to retain their juicy texture.

• Large pot: Used to boil water and create steam for cooking the shrimp.

• Steamer basket: Placed inside the pot to hold the shrimp above the boiling water, allowing them to cook evenly with steam.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the 1 cup of water needed for the recipe.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the 2 tablespoons of Old Bay seasoning.

• Tongs: Useful for safely removing the hot steamer basket from the pot once the shrimp are cooked.

• Lid: Used to cover the pot and trap steam inside, ensuring the shrimp cook evenly.

• Serving dish: For transferring the cooked shrimp from the steamer basket to the table for serving.

Pre-prep the shrimp: Buy peeled and deveined shrimp to save time on cleaning and prepping.

Measure ingredients ahead: Have the Old Bay seasoning and water ready before you start cooking.

Use a timer: Set a timer for 5 minutes to ensure the shrimp are perfectly cooked without overcooking.

Quick cleanup: Line the steamer basket with parchment paper for easier cleanup.