The Perfect Homemade Shrimp Butter Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Creamy, rich shrimp butter bursts with oceanic flavors that dance across your palate with every silky spread.

This luxurious homemade shrimp butter recipe brings restaurant-quality elegance directly to your kitchen.

Seafood enthusiasts know how a simple ingredient can elevate even the most basic dishes.

Blending succulent shrimp with smooth butter creates a decadent condiment that adds depth and complexity to breads, vegetables, and grilled meats.

Fresh shrimp and high-quality butter form the backbone of this exceptional recipe.

The process is surprisingly straightforward, requiring minimal culinary expertise.

You’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients can transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Prepare to impress your guests with this sophisticated and delectable shrimp butter that promises to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Storing Shrimp Butter Like a Chef

• Transfer shrimp butter to an airtight container and seal tightly. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining its fresh flavor and creamy texture.
• Wrap shrimp butter in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
• Let chilled shrimp butter sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Gently re-whip with a fork or electric mixer to restore smooth consistency.
• For best taste and texture, consume within a week of preparation. Bring to room temperature and re-beat before serving to restore its original creamy state.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly. Just thaw completely, pat dry, and ensure no excess moisture before processing.

• What if I don't have a food processor?

No problem! Use a sharp knife to finely mince shrimp or use a manual chopper. The key is getting a paste-like consistency.

• How do I know the shrimp is fully cooked?

Shrimp turns pink and curls slightly when done. If unsure, internal temperature should reach 145°F. Avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture.

• Can I substitute the butter type?

Absolutely! Use unsalted butter for best flavor control. European-style butter with higher fat content works wonderfully for richer taste.

Homemade Shrimp Butter Brings the Flavor

• This shrimp butter recipe delivers gourmet taste with minimal kitchen skills required, perfect for home cooks seeking impressive appetizers.
• Ideal for entertaining, this spread works beautifully as a sophisticated starter for dinner parties, game nights, or casual gatherings with friends.
• Easy to adjust seasonings and ingredients, allowing personal touch and creativity while maintaining a delicious base recipe that welcomes culinary experimentation.
• Transforms simple pantry staples into a luxurious, restaurant-quality appetizer without requiring expensive or hard-to-find components.

What Goes in Homemade Shrimp Butter

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides a rich, oceanic flavor and creates the core taste of the butter.
• Butter: Creamy dairy base that serves as the foundation for the spread and helps bind all ingredients together.
• Onion: Adds a subtle aromatic depth and mellows the intense seafood flavor.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Lemon Zest, Cayenne Pepper: Enhances the overall taste profile with balanced seasoning and a hint of heat.

• Ice Water: Used to mellow the onion and cool the shrimp during preparation.

Equipment for Blending Shrimp Butter

• Food Processor: Essential for transforming shrimp into a smooth, fine paste quickly.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for chopping onions and preparing ingredients with ease.
• Sharp Knife: Helps mince onions and chop shrimp precisely.
• Large Bowl: Ideal for mixing butter, shrimp, and seasonings thoroughly.
• Ice Water Bowl: Crucial for cooling shrimp and mellowing onion flavors.
• Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Great for blending ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and ingredient proportions.
• Medium Saucepan: Used for poaching shrimp in salted water.

Shrimp Butter Preparation Directions

Step 1: Soften Onion

Mince the onion and drop it into a bowl of ice water.

Let it sit for 5 minutes to reduce the sharp bite.

Drain completely and gently pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Perfectly Poach Shrimp

Fill a pot with salted water and bring to a gentle simmer.

Carefully lower the shrimp into the water and cook until they turn a beautiful pink color, about 5-7 minutes.

Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking.

Once cooled, peel the shrimp and thoroughly dry.

Step 3: Transform Shrimp Into Silky Paste

Grab a food processor or sharp knife to finely chop the shrimp.

Continue chopping until the shrimp transforms into a smooth, almost creamy consistency that will blend seamlessly into the butter.

Step 4: Whip Up Flavor Magic

Take softened butter and beat it until it becomes light and fluffy.

Fold in the shrimp paste, drained onions, and your favorite seasonings.

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed and create a harmonious blend.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

You can serve the shrimp butter immediately alongside crispy crackers or chill in the refrigerator.

Before serving chilled butter, let it sit at room temperature and give it a quick re-whip to restore its creamy texture.

Perfect for elegant appetizers or unexpected flavor adventures!

Shrimp Butter Pro Kitchen Advice

• Soak minced onion in ice water to reduce sharp taste, ensuring a milder, more balanced flavor profile.
• Use salted water and precise cooking time to maintain tender, succulent shrimp without overcooking.
• Pulse shrimp in food processor to create a fine paste, guaranteeing even distribution throughout the butter.
• Beat butter until creamy before incorporating shrimp and seasonings for a consistent, luxurious spread.
• Allow butter to reach room temperature before re-beating to restore smooth consistency and enhance flavor when serving with crackers.

Flavored Variations for Shrimp Butter

• Low-Sodium Seafood Spread: Replace regular salt with a reduced-sodium seasoning blend or use herb-infused salt alternatives to create a heart-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Ocean Blend: Swap butter for coconut oil or plant-based margarine to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals while maintaining rich, creamy texture.
• Spicy Cajun Shrimp Butter: Add cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and chopped green onions for a zesty Louisiana-style flavor profile that brings extra kick to the spread.
• Herb-Infused Coastal Spread: Incorporate fresh dill, chives, and parsley to enhance the seafood's natural flavor and create a garden-fresh taste experience.

Serving Shrimp Butter on the Table

• Coastal Cracker Companion: Spread this luxurious shrimp butter on crisp, rustic crackers for an elegant appetizer that transports you to seaside dining.
• Gourmet Toast Topper: Generously slather on warm, crusty bread or artisan toast for a decadent breakfast or brunch experience that elevates simple ingredients.
• Seafood Pasta Accent: Melt a dollop onto hot pasta or seafood dishes to instantly enhance flavors with a rich, oceanic butter sauce that adds depth and complexity.
• Charcuterie Board Star: Create a stunning presentation by placing the shrimp butter as a centerpiece on a charcuterie board, paired with delicate herbs and light garnishes.

Homemade Shrimp Butter Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Luxurious shrimp butter elevates seafood dishes with rich coastal flavors. Creamy French-inspired spread combines succulent shrimp, butter, and herbs for an elegant culinary experience you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Seafood Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) large shrimp, shell on

Dairy and Base Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature

Herbs, Seasonings, and Aromatics:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 small white onion, finely minced (1/2 cup or 120 milliliters)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

1. Neutralize raw onion’s sharp bite by submerging finely chopped pieces in chilled water for 5 minutes, then thoroughly drain and gently blot dry with paper towels.
2. Gently poach shrimp in salted simmering water for 5-7 minutes until they transform to a vibrant pink color. Immediately transfer to ice bath to halt cooking process, then carefully peel and remove shells.
3. Transform cooked shrimp into fine, uniform texture using food processor or sharp knife, creating a smooth, almost paste-like consistency.
4. Whip room temperature butter until creamy and light, incorporating finely chopped shrimp, prepared onion, and selected seasonings. Blend thoroughly until ingredients marry into harmonious spread.
5. For optimal flavor and texture, serve spread at room temperature with crisp crackers or crostini. Can be refrigerated and will keep for 3-4 days; simply re-whip before presenting to restore creamy consistency.

Notes

• Soften butter at room temperature for easy mixing and smoother texture.
• Pat shrimp completely dry to prevent excess moisture from ruining butter’s consistency.
• Experiment with different herbs like dill or tarragon to customize flavor profile.
• Store in airtight container for up to 3 days in refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Poaching
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 482
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 970 mg
• Fat: 50 g
• Saturated Fat: 32 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg