Vinegar Steamed Shrimp
Submitted by gpshinn
Shell-on shrimp steamed with crab boil spices, mustard seeds, and apple cider vinegar for tender, perfectly seasoned seafood that peels easily and tastes like a Chesapeake Bay crab feast.
YIELD
6 servingsPREP
15 minCOOK
10 minREADY
25 minSteaming shrimp in their shells with vinegar and a heavy dose of Old Bay-style spices gives you that classic Mid-Atlantic seafood boil flavor without firing up a huge pot.
The shells protect the shrimp from overcooking while soaking up all those spices, so every bite is seasoned all the way through.
Peel them at the table, lick your fingers, and pile the shells high.
Kitchen Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the steamer basket - work in batches if needed so steam circulates evenly
- Watch the time closely: 3-4 minutes is all it takes, and overcooked shrimp turn rubbery fast
- Grind your own spice blend if you can’t find Old Bay or crab boil seasoning (the recipe includes the spices)
- Serve with melted butter, cocktail sauce, and plenty of napkins for authentic messy eating
Ingredients
Directions
Insert steamer rack into sauce pan.
Pour 1 cup water and 2 tablespoons vinegar into pan.
The liquid should not rise above the bottom of the steamer.
Add more water and vinegar if needed.
Combine the seasonings (crab or shrimp boil) and salt in a small bowl.
Place shrimp on the steamer in layers, sprinkling each layer with the seasoning.
Bring to a boil, then cover, and steam 3 to 4 minutes.
About the boil - can substitute ground allspice but check label.
If it’s the mixture, adjust other spices.
You could substitute ground spices, where possible.
Grind the spices into a fine powder using a mini-food mill, coffee grinder, or mortar and pestle.
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