📝 About This Recipe
Transform dinner into an underwater adventure with these tender, sweet, and mild steamed shrimp designed specifically for little palates. By steaming the shrimp gently with aromatics, we preserve their natural sweetness and delicate texture, ensuring they stay juicy rather than rubbery. This kid-friendly version swaps heavy spice for a silky lemon-butter glaze that makes every bite feel like a special treat.
🥗 Ingredients
The Shrimp
- 1 pound Large Shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails left on for easy gripping)
- 1/2 Lemon (thinly sliced into rounds)
- 2 sprigs Fresh Parsley (kept whole for the steaming water)
Steaming Liquid
- 2 cups Water
- 1/2 cup Apple Juice (adds a subtle kid-friendly sweetness to the steam)
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
Kid-Friendly 'Magic' Dipping Sauce
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Lemon Juice (strained of seeds)
- 1/2 teaspoon Honey (to balance the citrus)
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder (milder than fresh garlic for kids)
- 1/8 teaspoon Mild Paprika (for a hint of 'treasure' color)
Sides for the Plate
- 1 Cucumber (sliced into stars or rounds)
- 2 cups Cooked Orzo or Rice (fluffy and warm)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Thoroughly rinse the shrimp under cold running water. Pat them very dry with paper towels to ensure they steam properly rather than boil in their own moisture.
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2
In a medium pot or a wide skillet, combine the water, apple juice, sea salt, and parsley sprigs. This creates a fragrant 'ocean bath' for the shrimp.
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3
Place a steamer basket into the pot, ensuring the water level is just below the bottom of the basket.
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4
Bring the liquid to a rolling boil over medium-high heat until you see steady steam rising.
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5
Arrange the lemon slices in a single layer at the bottom of the steamer basket to act as a citrusy bed for the shrimp.
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6
Carefully place the shrimp on top of the lemon slices. Try to keep them in a single layer for even cooking.
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7
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. This traps the steam and cooks the shrimp quickly and gently.
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8
Steam the shrimp for exactly 4 to 6 minutes. You will know they are done when they turn opaque and curl into a 'C' shape. Avoid 'O' shapes, which mean they are overcooked!
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9
While the shrimp steam, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, and paprika in a small bowl to create the 'Magic Sauce'.
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10
Once the shrimp are done, remove the pot from the heat and carefully lift the steamer basket out.
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11
Transfer the shrimp to a warm bowl and immediately drizzle with half of the butter sauce, tossing gently to coat.
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12
Serve the shrimp alongside the remaining butter sauce for dipping, with stars of cucumber and a scoop of fluffy rice.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use 'easy-peel' shrimp if possible to save time, but keep the tails on so kids can pick them up easily. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are completely thawed in the refrigerator overnight before steaming. Watch the color closely—shrimp transition from grey to pink very quickly, usually in under 5 minutes. To make it even more fun, use a small cookie cutter to cut the lemon slices or cucumber into fun shapes. If your child is sensitive to textures, you can fully peel the shrimp (removing tails) after steaming but before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of 'Seaweed' (steamed broccoli florets or snap peas). Pair with a cold glass of 'Mermaid Water' (water with a splash of blue Gatorade or a slice of lime). A side of buttered orzo or star-shaped pasta makes for a perfect filling accompaniment. Offer a mild fruit salsa with mango and red bell pepper for a sweet and crunchy contrast. Provide a small bowl of extra 'Magic Sauce' for dipping the vegetables too!