Old Bay Seasoned Steamed Shrimp Recipe

When steaming shrimp, ensure they are spread out evenly in the steamer basket to allow for uniform 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 garlic cloves to the boiling water. This will infuse the shrimp with subtle aromatic notes as they steam.

• old bay seasoning - Substitute with homemade seasoning blend: Combine 1 tablespoon of celery salt, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of dry mustard, 1 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of ground ginger. This blend mimics the complex flavors of Old Bay seasoning.

• old bay seasoning - Substitute with cajun seasoning: Cajun seasoning has a similar spicy and savory profile, though it may be slightly spicier. Adjust the amount to taste.

• old bay seasoning - Substitute with lemon pepper seasoning: Lemon pepper seasoning provides a zesty and peppery flavor that complements shrimp well, though it lacks the complexity of Old Bay.

• water - Substitute with beer: Using beer instead of water can add a rich, malty flavor to the shrimp, enhancing the overall taste.

• water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth adds a savory depth to the shrimp, making the dish more flavorful.

• water - Substitute with white wine: White wine can add a subtle acidity and complexity to the shrimp, elevating the dish's flavor profile.

• Allow the shrimp to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can lead to soggy shrimp.
• Place the cooled shrimp in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Ensure you remove as much air as possible to maintain freshness.
• For added protection, wrap the shrimp in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in the container.
• Store the shrimp in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 2-3 days. Keep them in the coldest part of the fridge to maintain their quality.
• If you need to store the shrimp for a longer period, freezing is the best option. Lay the shrimp out on a baking sheet in a single layer 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 their storage time.
• When ready to use, thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat the shrimp gently in a steamer basket or by sautéing them in a pan with a bit of olive oil or butter. Avoid overcooking to maintain their tender texture.
• Pair the reheated shrimp with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to revive their flavor.

• Stovetop Sauté Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover shrimp.
  4. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are heated through.
  5. Serve immediately with a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover 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.
  4. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to avoid overcooking.
  5. Let it sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the leftover shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover the shrimp with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the shrimp are heated through.
  5. Serve immediately with a side of garlic butter for extra flavor.

• 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 basket.
  4. Cover and steam for 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are heated through.
  5. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning for a flavor boost.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the leftover shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Air fry for 2-3 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Serve immediately with a side of cocktail sauce for dipping.

• Large pot: A large pot is essential for boiling the water and creating steam to cook the shrimp.

• Steamer basket: The steamer basket holds the shrimp above the boiling water, allowing the steam to cook them evenly.

• Measuring cup: A measuring cup is used to accurately measure the water and Old Bay seasoning.

• Tongs: Tongs are useful for safely placing and removing the shrimp from the steamer basket.

• Lid: A lid is necessary to cover the pot and trap the steam, ensuring the shrimp cook thoroughly.

• Serving dish: A serving dish is used to present the cooked shrimp immediately after steaming.

Prep shrimp in advance: Peel and devein the shrimp ahead of time to save minutes during cooking.

Use pre-mixed seasoning: Opt for pre-mixed Old Bay seasoning to avoid measuring and mixing spices.

Quick boil water: Use an electric kettle to boil the water faster before adding it to the pot.

Batch cooking: Steam larger batches of shrimp if you have a big enough pot and steamer basket.

Serve immediately: Have your serving dishes ready so you can plate the shrimp as soon as they are cooked.