If you’re searching for a way to elevate just about anything you cook, Shrimp Butter is your new secret weapon. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp mingling with creamy, tangy butter, kissed by garlic and lemon, then finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. This luscious compound butter is brimming with bold flavor and irresistible aroma, perfect for slathering on grilled bread, melting over sizzling steaks, or swirling into hot pasta. The best part? It comes together in no time and tastes like pure luxury. Let’s dive into all the details that make Shrimp Butter a must-have for your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a handful of everyday ingredients can create such a showstopper. Each component in this Shrimp Butter brings its own magic, whether it’s a punch of zest, richness, or a pop of color. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why every single item matters.
- Raw shrimp (1/2 pound, peeled and deveined): Fresh shrimp are the star of the show, providing a sweet, briny flavor and meaty texture.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): This forms the creamy, decadent base that melds all the flavors together.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Adds a bold, savory dimension that pairs perfectly with both shrimp and butter.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens up the richness and brings a lively, zesty note.
- Lemon zest (1/2 teaspoon): Intensifies the citrus aroma and gives the butter an extra burst of freshness.
- Smoked paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Lends a subtle smokiness and rich color that makes the butter pop.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, finely chopped): Adds a fresh, herbal finish and a vibrant green touch.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning, balancing, and enhancing all the other flavors.
How to Make Shrimp Butter
Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the raw shrimp and cook them for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque all the way through. This quick sauté locks in their juicy sweetness and ensures they’re perfectly tender for your Shrimp Butter. Let the shrimp cool for a few minutes so they won’t melt the butter in the next step.
Step 2: Chop or Pulse the Shrimp
Once the shrimp have cooled slightly, finely chop them with a sharp knife or give them a quick pulse in a food processor. You’re looking for a minced consistency—small enough to blend smoothly into the butter, but still with little bites of shrimp in every mouthful.
Step 3: Mix the Shrimp Butter Base
In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, and those chopped shrimp. Stir everything together until it’s creamy and evenly blended, with the shrimp and aromatics distributed throughout. Already, you’ll notice the incredible aroma!
Step 4: Add Parsley and Season
Now stir in the finely chopped parsley, then taste and season with salt and black pepper to your liking. The parsley brings a fresh, herbal note that balances the richness, while seasoning ensures every bite of your Shrimp Butter pops with flavor.
Step 5: Shape and Chill
Spoon your mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper or plastic wrap, then roll it into a log shape. Twist the ends to seal it tight. Chill the log in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This step is key—the chilling time allows the Shrimp Butter to firm up and makes it easy to slice or spread later.
How to Serve Shrimp Butter
Garnishes
For that picture-perfect finish, top your Shrimp Butter with a sprinkle of extra parsley, a little grated lemon zest, or even a dusting of smoked paprika. These garnishes not only add color and freshness, but also hint at the bright, savory flavors hidden inside every slice.
Side Dishes
Shrimp Butter is incredibly versatile. Serve it melting over warm baguette slices, swirl it into creamy mashed potatoes, or let it melt atop grilled steaks and seafood. It’s equally at home tossed with pasta or dolloped on roasted vegetables for a restaurant-worthy side.
Creative Ways to Present
When you want to impress, try piping the chilled Shrimp Butter into rosettes for an elegant dinner party touch. For casual get-togethers, offer it in a ramekin alongside a basket of crusty bread. Or, slice coins to melt over sizzling grilled corn or baked potatoes for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your Shrimp Butter tightly in parchment or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 5 days, ready to enhance your favorite dishes at a moment’s notice.
Freezing
Shrimp Butter freezes beautifully! Just make sure it’s wrapped well to protect it from freezer burn. Tuck the log into a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, and it will keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Shrimp Butter itself—simply slice off what you need and let it melt naturally over hot food. If you want to use it as a quick sauce, melt a pat or two gently in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until just warmed and silky.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Butter?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This prevents excess moisture, which could make your Shrimp Butter too soft.
Is it possible to make Shrimp Butter dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute a high-quality plant-based butter for the traditional butter. The flavor will be slightly different, but you’ll still get that wonderful shrimp and garlic punch.
How do I know when my Shrimp Butter is fully chilled and ready to use?
After an hour in the refrigerator, your Shrimp Butter should be firm enough to slice cleanly. If it’s still too soft, give it another 30 minutes to set up perfectly.
What are some other herbs I can use besides parsley?
Fresh chives, dill, or tarragon all pair beautifully with shrimp and butter. Feel free to mix and match or use whatever fresh herbs you have on hand for a custom flavor twist.
How can I make my Shrimp Butter spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few chili flakes to the butter mixture for a subtle kick of heat. Adjust to taste for your perfect level of spice!
Final Thoughts
If you love bold, fresh flavors, Shrimp Butter is about to become your favorite culinary shortcut. It’s easy, impressive, and endlessly adaptable—so don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for it again and again. Give it a try and watch your meals transform with just one flavorful slice!
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Shrimp Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This flavorful Shrimp Butter is a delightful compound butter made with fresh shrimp, garlic, lemon, and smoked paprika, perfect for enhancing steaks, seafood, pasta, grilled vegetables, or warm bread. Its creamy, zesty, and savory profile adds a gourmet touch to any dish with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails removed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the shrimp: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the shrimp for 3–4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare the shrimp paste: Finely chop the cooked shrimp or pulse them in a food processor until minced, creating a shrimp paste.
- Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, and the prepared shrimp until well combined.
- Add parsley and season: Stir in the finely chopped fresh parsley, then season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Shape and chill: Transfer the shrimp butter mixture onto a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap and roll into a log shape. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Serve: Slice the cold shrimp butter into rounds or spread as desired on steaks, seafood, pasta, grilled vegetables, or warm bread.
Notes
- Use as a finishing butter on steaks, seafood, pasta, grilled vegetables, or warm bread.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the butter mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop, No-Cook (assembly)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
