Delicate seafood meets creamy decadence in this Shrimp Butter, an irresistible spread that channels the essence of coastal comfort. Imagine a luscious, aromatic butter studded with savory bits of shrimp, bright bursts of lemon, and a whisper of herbs — ready to melt over grilled steaks, plump scallops, roasted veggies, or the simplest slice of crusty bread. Equal parts luxurious and easy, Shrimp Butter transforms even an ordinary meal into something truly remarkable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s take a moment to celebrate how just a handful of straightforward ingredients can create such irresistible flavor magic. Each element in this Shrimp Butter recipe plays a delicious role, from the rich base to the zesty finishing touches.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The creamy foundation that carries the flavors and melts sumptuously wherever it lands.
- Cooked shrimp (½ cup, finely chopped): Sweet, briny bites that bring ocean flavor and a delightful texture — use pre-cooked or quickly sauté your own.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Just a touch for that underlying savory pop; fresh garlic works best for pungency.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Brings bright acidity that keeps the butter feeling light and lively.
- Lemon zest (1 tsp): Adds an extra zing and beautiful aroma right in the butter.
- Fresh parsley (1 tbsp, chopped): A sprinkle of green that balances rich flavors with an herby freshness.
- Old Bay seasoning or paprika (½ tsp): A gentle warmth and subtle spice that enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for rounding out the flavors and making every bite sing.
How to Make Shrimp Butter
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Begin by ensuring all your ingredients are ready. If you’re cooking your own shrimp, give them a quick sauté in a splash of butter until just pink and tender, then chop them finely. Have your parsley minced, lemons zested and juiced, and your garlic ready to go. Using softened butter really is key here, so let it rest at room temperature until perfectly spreadable.
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
Add the softened butter, chopped shrimp, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, and Old Bay seasoning (or paprika) into a mixing bowl. Use a sturdy spoon or a hand mixer to blend it all together until everything is uniformly combined. This is a good time to taste and adjust with salt and black pepper to your liking — the flavors should be balanced and bright.
Step 3: Shape and Chill the Shrimp Butter
Scoop the Shrimp Butter mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Roll it gently into a log, then twist the ends tightly to seal. Pop the butter in the fridge to chill for at least an hour; this allows it to firm up and lets the flavors mingle beautifully.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
Once your Shrimp Butter log is nicely chilled and firm, slice it into thick coins whenever you’re ready to serve. With each slice, you get a cheerful swirl of color and tantalizing aroma — the perfect finishing touch for main courses or appetizers.
How to Serve Shrimp Butter
Garnishes
Dress up your Shrimp Butter with a shower of extra chopped parsley or a fine flurry of lemon zest. If you love a pop of color, a sprinkling of paprika or tiny cooked shrimp perched on each slice makes for a show-stopping presentation.
Side Dishes
Serve this compound butter alongside dishes like grilled asparagus, roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, or atop fresh corn on the cob. It’s also dynamite on warm baguette slices or as a finishing flourish for rich seafood chowders.
Creative Ways to Present
Roll Shrimp Butter into little quenelles with two spoons for a restaurant-worthy look, or use small cookie cutters to make fun shapes. Want to impress? Dot it over baked salmon fillets as they come out of the oven, or melt a pat onto seared steak for steakhouse-inspired surf-and-turf at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any extra Shrimp Butter tightly in plastic wrap or parchment, then stash it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh, flavorful, and ready for action for up to five days.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your Shrimp Butter log (well-wrapped) for up to two months. Slice off pieces straight from the freezer to top sizzling dishes, or thaw overnight in the fridge before using for maximum creaminess.
Reheating
There’s no need for formal reheating — just allow your butter to soften slightly at room temperature before spreading, or pop a cold slice atop hot food where it will melt lusciously right before your eyes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for making Shrimp Butter?
Absolutely — just be sure to thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking or chopping. This helps avoid excess moisture, keeping your Shrimp Butter rich and spreadable.
Is Shrimp Butter safe to eat if left out at room temperature?
It’s best to keep Shrimp Butter chilled because of both the seafood and the butter base. Serve it at room temperature for an hour or so if you like, but return any leftovers to the fridge promptly.
Can I swap in other herbs besides parsley?
Definitely! Fresh dill or chives are fantastic alternatives for parsley, bringing different but complementary flavors that work beautifully in Shrimp Butter.
What kind of bread pairs best with Shrimp Butter?
Crusty French or sourdough bread is perfect — the contrast between crackly crust and melting butter is irresistible. Try toasted baguette slices or even warm biscuits for a Southern spin.
How spicy can I make Shrimp Butter?
For a little more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce as you mix the butter. Adjust to taste, and you’ll have a spicy, flavor-packed version to suit your mood!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to elevate the everyday with something truly special, Shrimp Butter is your new secret weapon. It’s easy to whip up, rich with comforting flavors, and guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face — so go ahead, give it a try and watch your meals transform!
Print
Shrimp Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (if cooking shrimp)
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings (about 2 tbsp each)
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook (or Light Sauté)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and flavorful Shrimp Butter, a savory compound butter that elevates any dish with its seafood essence and aromatic blend of herbs and spices.
Ingredients
Shrimp Butter:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup cooked shrimp (finely chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning or paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped shrimp, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, and seasoning. Mix well until smooth.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
- Shape and Chill: Transfer the shrimp butter to plastic wrap, roll into a log, seal, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Serve: Slice and serve on grilled dishes or warm bread.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked shrimp or quickly sauté raw shrimp before chopping.
- Compound butter can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- For a spicier version, add cayenne or hot sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
