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How to Cook Steamed Jumping Shrimp

Steamed jumping shrimp is a simple seafood dish made with very fresh shrimp gently steamed, then tossed in a savory-sweet sauce with garlic, ginger, and a hint of heat.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Seafood Recipe
Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: shrimp recipe, steamed jumping shrimp
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 102kcal
Author: Manny

Ingredients

  • 1/2 kilo fresh shrimp if possible use live
  • 1 Tbsp. sea salt
  • 2 Tbsp. sesame oil
  • 2 Tbsp. corn starch
  • 1/2 cup banana sauce or banana catsup
  • 2 Tbsp. cooking oil
  • 2 Tbsp. finely chopped garlic
  • 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh ginger
  • 1 pc long green chili thinly sliced crosswise
  • 1 tbsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. MSG
  • 1/2 tsp. hot sauce
  • 1 Tbsp. sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. Chinese rice wine
  • 1/4 cup finely sliced spring onions

Instructions

How to Cook Jumping Shrimp

  • Wash shrimp in running water, and cut of antennae. Then drain well. In a bowl, mix shrimp thoroughly with sea
  • salt and 1 tbsp of the sesame oil so that all shrimp are coated with oil.
  • Bring water of steamer to a boil. Transfer shrimp to a plate and steam for 10-15 minutes or just until pink. Transfer shrimp to a colander to drain. Set aside.
  • Put cornstarch in a small bowl and gradually add banana sauce to make a paste.
  • Heat a medium sized wok on medium flame. Add cooking oil, then add garlic, ginger and green chili and stir for about 2 minutes. Add shrimp and toss for 1 minute then pour in banana sauce mixture.
  • Reduce flame to low, toss shrimp for 2 minutes. then add green onions. Toss before serving.

Notes

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for steamed jumping shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp if fresh ones are not available, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry well to remove excess moisture, as this helps the seasoning stick better and prevents a watery sauce. While it won’t have the same “jumping” effect, the flavor of the steamed jumping shrimp will still turn out delicious.

How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque with a slight curl, which usually takes just a few minutes. Overcooking will make them tight and rubbery, so it’s best to remove them from the steamer as soon as they change color. For best results, keep a close eye during cooking since shrimp cook very quickly.

What can I substitute for banana sauce in steamed jumping shrimp?

If banana sauce is not available, you can use a mix of ketchup and a small amount of sugar as a quick substitute. This combination mimics the sweet and tangy flavor that balances the savory elements of the dish. Adjust the sweetness to taste so your steamed jumping shrimp doesn’t become overly sweet.