Yes, You Can Microwave and Steam Shrimp
You are never too old to learn new tricks. Sometimes I must appear as a gentle dog, I go along thinking that I can and will do some recipes that same ol way, day after day, week after week. You know, you've probably been there yourself. One recent holiday, the statement turned out to be the truest statement that I have come to know. Well one of many true statements I have come to know anyway, jumping back into the story I was buzzing along like a honey bee running back to the old bee hive stuck up inside the old shed, and blow me down with a piece of paper towel, I forgot to steam the shrimp Our guests would soon be arriving, and they expected well food. And lots of it too. All four burners were covered with various foods whistling away, and the oven was packed up like the attic after Christmas. I had 2 pounds of fresh shrimp that I had purchased the day before to be made today Was wondering for a moment what I should do. I could sit on them as a mother hen who is warming the underside her great berth, or, I could use the microwave. Nah No Nada Not gonna do this. I don't want the shrimp to be like an old farm tire that has lost its usefulness. Ok well, I'll try it. Holy confetti Jumping Joe Flat It worked Euphoria set upon the house that stood on Longmeadow Farm and people started smacking their lips, yelping, and a joyous uproar could be heard from the house that special Holiday eve. Now, don't go saying you can't microwave shrimp, cause this might make you change your mind.
You are never too old to learn new tricks. Sometimes I must appear as a gentle dog, I go along thinking that I can and will do some recipes that same ol way, day after day, week after week. You know, you've probably been there yourself. One recent holiday, the statement turned out to be the truest statement that I have come to know. Well one of many true statements I have come to know anyway, jumping back into the story I was buzzing along like a honey bee running back to the old bee hive stuck up inside the old shed, and blow me down with a piece of paper towel, I forgot to steam the shrimp Our guests would soon be arriving, and they expected well food. And lots of it too. All four burners were covered with various foods whistling away, and the oven was packed up like the attic after Christmas. I had 2 pounds of fresh shrimp that I had purchased the day before to be made today Was wondering for a moment what I should do. I could sit on them as a mother hen who is warming the underside her great berth, or, I could use the microwave. Nah No Nada Not gonna do this. I don't want the shrimp to be like an old farm tire that has lost its usefulness. Ok well, I'll try it. Holy confetti Jumping Joe Flat It worked Euphoria set upon the house that stood on Longmeadow Farm and people started smacking their lips, yelping, and a joyous uproar could be heard from the house that special Holiday eve. Now, don't go saying you can't microwave shrimp, cause this might make you change your mind.
- 1 lb large shrimp (can be shelled or not shelled, we preferred not)
- 2 tablespoons butter (or margarine up to 3 tablespoons can be
- 2 tablespoons water (or chicken broth)
- 1 tablespoon old bay seasoning (or any seafood seasoning)
- 1 small onion sliced very thinly (optional)
- 1 garlic clove minced fine (optional)
- course ground pepper (optional)
- seafood cocktail sauce for dipping
- toothpick for stabbing
- Carbohydrate 2.81645 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.03125 g
- Fiber 0.483250012397766 g
- Protein 0.3502 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0122175 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (142g)
- Sodium 1.2275 mg
- Sugar 2.33319998760223 g
- Trans Fat 0.0088325 g
- Calories 12 calories
Step-by-step
- Mix together butter, water (or broth), seasonings, onion (if using), garlic (if using), and pepper in a microwave-safe dish.
- Heat the mixture for 30-60 seconds on high.
- Carefully remove the dish and add the shrimp in a single layer.
- Add onion and garlic (if using) and any additional seasonings.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap, venting one side for air.
- Microwave for 3 minutes.
- Check if the shrimp are cooked through. If not, microwave in 30-second intervals until cooked.
- Remove the shrimp and serve on crackers with extra seasonings and seafood cocktail sauce.
A Holiday Surprise: Perfectly Steamed Shrimp in Minutes
Let me tell you a story about a holiday almost gone wrong – a story about forgetting to steam the shrimp, a packed kitchen, and the miraculous discovery of a quicker, easier method that saved the day. Picture this: the aroma of a dozen different dishes fills the air; the oven is bursting at the seams; and guests are due any minute. Panic sets in as I realize – I completely forgot to steam the shrimp! Two pounds of beautiful, fresh shrimp, and no time to use the steamer!
My mind raced. What could I do? The traditional method was out of the question. Time was of the essence, and my kitchen was already a chaotic symphony of simmering pots and bubbling pans. In a moment of desperate culinary improvisation, an idea struck me: the microwave. I’d heard whispers, rumors even, about using a microwave to cook shrimp, but I was always too skeptical. I pictured rubbery, overcooked seafood, a culinary catastrophe of epic proportions. But, my options were slim.
With a mix of hope and trepidation, I tossed the shrimp into a microwave-safe dish with a simple mixture of butter, water, and my favorite seafood seasoning. I covered it loosely, letting a little steam escape, and then waited, my eyes glued to the timer. Three minutes later, I cautiously opened the dish. The shrimp were cooked perfectly: plump, juicy, and bursting with flavor. It wasn’t just cooked; it was *delicious*! A wave of relief washed over me, quickly followed by a burst of joy. My guests arrived to a successful holiday spread, including those perfectly steamed shrimp, a testament to kitchen ingenuity and a dash of happy accident.
This experience taught me a valuable lesson: sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best. Don't be afraid to experiment in the kitchen! Sometimes, unconventional methods can lead to unexpectedly delicious results. The microwave, that often-underestimated kitchen appliance, can be a true lifesaver on busy days, holidays, or when you just need a quick and tasty meal. This method is a perfect example of transforming a potential disaster into a delightful culinary triumph.
This isn't just about a quick shrimp recipe; it’s about embracing flexibility and creativity in the kitchen. It's about realizing that culinary perfection isn't always about strict adherence to tradition, but about finding what works best for you and your circumstances. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, don’t hesitate to explore new methods and find shortcuts that save time and enhance your cooking experience.
So, the next time you find yourself in a pinch, remember my holiday shrimp escapade and the newfound confidence I gained in my own improvisational culinary skills. Don't shy away from the microwave; let it become an unexpected ally in your culinary adventures. And most importantly, never underestimate the power of a quick, delicious meal to turn a potentially stressful situation into a truly joyous one.
Beyond the Shrimp: The success of this quick shrimp method has inspired me to experiment with other microwave cooking techniques. I'm finding that the microwave is not just for reheating leftovers, but a versatile tool for creating delicious and healthy meals in a fraction of the time. I'm particularly excited about exploring quick-cooking vegetables and grains in the microwave, opening up a world of possibilities for weeknight meals and busy lifestyles.
This simple method is a testament to the fact that sometimes the easiest solutions are the best. It’s a reminder that delicious food doesn’t always require hours of preparation. Instead, it’s about embracing flexibility, improvisation, and most importantly, a willingness to experiment! So go ahead, try this method and discover the joy of quick, easy, and delicious microwave-steamed shrimp.
