Skip to content
Shrimp Butter is a rich, flavorful compound butter that’s perfect for adding a burst of seafood flavor to dishes. It’s great for spreading on bread, melting over grilled seafood, or tossing with pasta. Here’s how to make it:
Shrimp Butter Recipe
Ingredients:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup cooked shrimp, finely chopped (about 4-5 oz)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the shrimp:
- If using raw shrimp, cook them first by boiling, steaming, or sautéing until pink and opaque. Let them cool, then finely chop.
- Make the butter:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped shrimp, minced garlic, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape and chill:
- Transfer the shrimp butter mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Shape it into a log, wrap tightly, and refrigerate until firm (about 1-2 hours).
- Serve:
- Slice the chilled shrimp butter into rounds and use as needed. It’s perfect for spreading on warm bread, melting over grilled fish or shrimp, or tossing with pasta.
Ways to Use Shrimp Butter:
- On Bread: Spread on warm crusty bread or rolls for a delicious appetizer.
- On Seafood: Melt over grilled shrimp, lobster, or fish for extra flavor.
- With Pasta: Toss with cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water for a quick and creamy sauce.
- On Vegetables: Melt over steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.
Tips:
- Make ahead: Shrimp butter can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge, or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Customize: Add other herbs like dill or chives, or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
Enjoy this Shrimp Butter—it’s a versatile and flavorful addition to your kitchen! Let me know if you’d like more compound butter ideas. 😊
