Irresistible Shrimp Butter Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Creamy and decadent shrimp butter instantly elevates any dining experience with its luxurious coastal charm.

Seafood enthusiasts appreciate this rich culinary creation that blends delicate marine flavors with smooth, silky textures.

Coastal kitchens have long celebrated simple ingredient combinations that pack remarkable taste.

Tender shrimp create an unexpected spread perfect for leisurely weekend brunches or sophisticated appetizer platters.

Mediterranean and Caribbean influences shine through each velvety bite of this versatile condiment.

Restaurants might charge premium prices, but you can craft this delectable mixture at home with minimal effort.

Prepare to impress your guests with a gourmet twist that feels both elegant and approachable.

What Makes Shrimp Butter the Silkiest Spread You’ll Try

• Savor Seafood Simplicity: This shrimp butter recipe offers a quick and luxurious seafood spread perfect for seafood lovers.
• Minimal Kitchen Skills Required: Even novice cooks can master this recipe with just a few basic steps like boiling, chopping, and mixing ingredients.
• Versatile Culinary Companion: Spread on toast, mix into pasta, or use as a gourmet appetizer topping for endless delicious possibilities.
• Time-Efficient Delight: From raw shrimp to creamy butter, the entire preparation takes less than 15 minutes, making it an ideal last-minute recipe for busy home chefs.

Shrimp Butter Ingredient List

• Shrimp: Succulent protein that provides the core flavor and texture for the butter, fresh and sweet shrimp work best, wild-caught or large gulf shrimp recommended for superior taste.

• Unsalted Butter: Creamy base that helps bind and carry the shrimp flavor, room temperature butter blends more smoothly.

• Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of shrimp and balances overall flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the shrimp butter, freshly ground preferred for more intense taste.

Shrimp Butter Prep Guide

Step 1: Prepare Succulent Shrimp

If you’re starting with raw shrimp, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add a generous pinch of salt.

Gently drop the shrimp into the bubbling water and cook for 2-3 minutes until they transform into a beautiful pink color.

Quickly drain the shrimp and let them cool down completely.

Once cooled, finely chop the shrimp or blend them into a smooth, silky paste using a food processor or blender.

Step 2: Create Creamy Butter Blend

In a mixing bowl, combine the prepared shrimp with softened butter.

Mix thoroughly until the shrimp is evenly distributed throughout the butter, creating a rich and flavorful spread.

• Butter is at room temperature
• Shrimp is fully incorporated
• Mixture is smooth and consistent

Step 3: Season and Enhance

Add a burst of flavor to your shrimp butter with carefully selected seasonings.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Minced garlic
• Chopped fresh herbs (parsley or chives work wonderfully)

Stir all ingredients until well combined and the flavors are fully integrated.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Transfer the shrimp butter to a clean container or shape it into a log using plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld and the butter to firm up.

This resting period will intensify the delicious seafood and herb notes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the shrimp butter from the refrigerator about 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Spread on warm crusty bread, use as a topping for grilled fish, or melt over steamed vegetables for an incredible flavor boost.

Seafood Spread Tips for Simple Shrimp Butter

• Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the most vibrant flavor and optimal texture in your butter.
• Blend cooked shrimp thoroughly to create a smooth, even consistency that distributes flavor evenly throughout the butter.
• Pat shrimp completely dry after boiling to prevent excess moisture from diluting the butter's rich taste.
• Allow butter to soften at room temperature before mixing for easier blending and smoother incorporation of shrimp.
• Keep shrimp butter refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer preservation, ensuring peak freshness and flavor.

Reheating Shrimp Butter Safely

• Store shrimp butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent air exposure and maintain freshness.
• Transfer shrimp butter to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to preserve its rich flavor and creamy texture.
• Move frozen shrimp butter to the refrigerator overnight for gentle thawing. Avoid room temperature defrosting to prevent bacterial growth.
• Soften chilled shrimp butter at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. For warm applications, use low heat in a small saucepan, stirring constantly to prevent separation.

Shrimp Butter Dish Pairings

• Elevate Seafood Spread: Pair this rich shrimp butter with crisp, cold white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness and complement the delicate seafood flavor.
• Create Textural Contrast: Serve alongside toasted sourdough or rustic French bread to provide a crunchy base that highlights the smooth, creamy butter texture.
• Match Bright Flavors: Accompany with a zesty cucumber salad or lemony herb salsa to add freshness and balance the intense shrimp-butter combination.
• Enhance Appetizer Experience: Garnish with fresh chives or dill and serve with a chilled gin and tonic to bring out the subtle marine notes of the shrimp butter.

Shrimp Butter Seafood Twists

• Dairy-Free Spread: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine for a plant-based alternative that maintains creamy texture and seafood flavor.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use unsalted butter and limit added salt, perfect for those monitoring sodium intake while enjoying rich shrimp essence.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Incorporate fresh dill, chives, or parsley to elevate the shrimp butter with bright, aromatic herbal notes and additional complexity.
• Spicy Kick Adaptation: Mix in cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes for those craving a zesty, warmth-inducing version of the classic recipe.

FAQs

• Is it necessary to devein shrimp before making shrimp butter?

Yes, it’s recommended to remove the dark vein running along the back of the shrimp for better taste and appearance.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking and preparing the butter.

• What type of butter works best for shrimp butter?

Unsalted butter is ideal as it allows you to control the salt content and lets the shrimp flavor shine through.

• How long can I keep shrimp butter in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container, shrimp butter typically stays fresh for 3-4 days when refrigerated.

Shrimp Butter Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter shrimp sizzle with Mediterranean charm, offering a quick coastal escape on your plate. Rich flavors meld perfectly, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of this simple yet luxurious seafood delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound (225 g) cooked shrimp, finely chopped or blended
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped (optional)

Seasonings:

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a hint of spice)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the shrimp by immersing them in generously salted boiling water, cooking until they transform to a vibrant pink hue, approximately 2-3 minutes.
2. Drain the shrimp thoroughly and allow them to cool completely at room temperature.
3. Finely chop the cooled shrimp or pulse in a food processor to create a smooth, uniform paste.
4. Ensure the shrimp are processed into a consistent texture that will seamlessly blend with other ingredients.
5. The shrimp preparation is now complete and ready to be incorporated into the final butter mixture.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the most intense seafood flavor and optimal texture.
• Ensure shrimp are completely cooled before blending to prevent butter from melting and losing its creamy consistency.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like dill, chives, or tarragon to customize the butter’s taste profile.
• For a lighter version, use half butter and half Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining richness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 263
• Sugar: 0.2 g
• Sodium: 644 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg